The S&P’s 500 rose 10.95% on a total return basis. The Nasdaq Composite was up 11.91% and the Russell 2000 (Small US Caps) rose even more, clocking a 13.82% monthly performance. The removal of uncertainty associated with the US election, the mixed political signal it sent and, more importantly, the announcements by Pfizer and Moderna that they both had developed highly effective vaccines to fight the current pandemic, all contributed to pushing equities to new highs.

The S&P’s 500 ended the month of October down 2.66% on atotal return basis. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 2.26% whilethe Russell 2000 (Small US Caps) was down a milder .64%.Internationally, the broad EPAC BMI (developed economies) wasdown 3.69% while the MSCI EM (emerging markets) counteredthe negative trend and delivered a positive 2.06% return in October.Small US Caps) was down a milder 1.95%. Internationally, the broad EPAC BMI (developed economies) was down 2.51% and the MSCI EM (emerging markets) a smaller 1.60%.

After relentlessly moving up in July and August, US equity indices reversed course in September. The S&P’s 500 ended the month down 3.80% on a total return basis. The Nasdaq Composite dropped a sharper 5.10% while the Russell 2000 (Small US Caps) was down a milder 1.95%. Internationally, the broad EPAC BMI (developed economies) was down 2.51% and the MSCI EM (emerging markets) a smaller 1.60%.

August was another high-performance month for equities in the US and around the world. A combination of ultra-loose monetary conditions globally and encouraging economic news propelled indices to all-time highs.
The S&P’s 500 ended the month up 7.19% on a total return basis.

The Nasdaq Composite rose 9.70%, while the Russell 2000 (Small US Caps) was up 5.63%. Internationally, the broad EPAC BMI (developed economies) was up 5.29% and the MSCI EM (emerging markets) a much smaller 2.21%.