Category: Commentaries

Equity market performance was mixed during the first quarter of 2023.  For the quarter, the Russell 2000® Value (R2V) Index declined 0.66%, the Russell 2000® Growth (R2G) Index was up +6.07%, and the S&P® 500 Index (S&P) increased 7.46%.  The Kennedy Capital Small Cap Value (SCV) composite rose 0.09% (net of fees) during the quarter, outperforming…

While Q4 provided a welcome reprieve and possibly the first indication that we can begin to look forward to a market backdrop that is more constructive for individual stock-selection, as a whole 2022 was a disappointing year for investors, particularly those investing in growth-oriented strategies.  Excessive inflation was the main culprit – a result of…

While Q4 provided a welcome reprieve and possibly the first indication that we can begin to look forward to a market backdrop that is more constructive for individual stock-selection, as a whole 2022 was a disappointing year for investors, particularly those investing in growth-oriented strategies.  Excessive inflation was the main culprit – a result of…

The Russell 2500™ index returned 7.4% in the fourth quarter of 2022 as optimism grew regarding a potential for a less restrictive US Federal Reserve monetary policy 2023.  European demand across a broad range of industries has been more resilient than expected, and many companies are beginning to experience improvement in supply chain reliability and a…

The Market In General: US stocks finished the year on a positive note with small cap equities posting a gain in the fourth quarter.  The optimism was driven by headline and core inflation beginning to trend down after a series of unwelcome upside surprises.  While inflation started to move in the right direction, the US…

The Market In General: US stocks finished the year on a positive note with small cap equities posting a gain in the fourth quarter.  The optimism was driven by headline and core inflation beginning to trend down after a series of unwelcome upside surprises.  While inflation started to move in the right direction, the US…

Market Review The Russell Microcap® Index increased 4.72% in the fourth quarter of 2022 as markets began pricing a potential for peak inflation and slowing interest rate hikes in 2023. During fourth quarter, only one sector, consumer staples, declined in the benchmark, while the top 3 sectors – energy, materials, and industrials– all generated double-digit increases.…

After lying dormant for decades, the resurrection of high inflation during 2022 was a shock to nearly all markets from equities to bonds to cryptocurrencies to even cash. The S&P® 500, Nasdaq Composite and Russel 2000® declined 18.1%, 33.1% and 20.4%, respectively, for the year. Bonds were hit by higher interest rates as the yield on…

Fourth quarter 2022 equity market performance was a lone bright spot in what was a challenging year for returns across all major asset classes.  For the quarter, the Russell Midcap® Value (RMV) Index rose 10.5%, and the S&P® 500 Index (S&P) increased 7.6%.  In contrast, for the year, the RMV declined -12.0%, and the S&P declined…

Fourth quarter 2022 equity market performance was a lone bright spot in what was a challenging year for returns across all major asset classes.  For the quarter, the Russell 2500™ Value (R25V) Index rose 9.21%, the Russell 2500™ Growth (R25G) Index was up 4.72%, and the S&P® 500 Index (S&P) increased 7.56%.  In contrast, for the year,…

Fourth quarter 2022 equity market performance was a lone bright spot in what was a challenging year for returns across all major asset classes.  For the quarter, the Russell 2000® Value (R2V) Index rose 8.42%, the Russell 2000® Growth (R2G) Index was up 4.13%, and the S&P® 500 Index (S&P) increased 7.56%.  In contrast, for the year,…

Quarter Summary: It was another difficult (and volatile) quarter for U.S. equity market returns, driven by macro factors as the peak and duration of higher interest rates continued to be debated and absorbed into both valuations and future earnings expectations. Broad inflation measures (CPI/PPI) continued to come in hot and the Federal Reserve aggressively increased…

The Market: US equity markets experienced a volatile third quarter.  Small cap stocks were up over 18% in early August only to end the quarter down more than 2%.  The volatility was driven by investors’ hope that inflation had peaked, followed by the realization that prices continue to climb.  Core inflation, a measure of prices…

Market Review The Russell Microcap® Index declined 0.48% in the third quarter of 2022, as US Federal Reserve rate increases and concerns regarding an impending recession remained top-of-mind for many investors.  The distribution of returns by sector was significant in the quarter (a 26-percentage point spread between the best and worst), with six sectors declining by…

US equity market performance was mixed in the third quarter of 2022, with most major market indices down low single digits on a percentage basis over the three-month period.  The Russell 2000® Value (R2V) Index declined 4.61%, the Russell 2000® Growth Index was up +0.24%, and the S&P® 500 Index fell 4.88%.  The quarter was a…

US equity market performance was mixed in the third quarter of 2022, with most major market indices down low single digits on a percentage basis over the three-month period.  The Russell 2500™ Value (R25V) Index declined 4.50%, the Russell 2500™ Growth Index was down 0.12%, and the S&P® 500 Index fell 4.88%.  The quarter was…

US equity market performance was mixed in the third quarter of 2022, with most major market indices down low single digits on a percentage basis over the three-month period.  The Russell Midcap® Value (RMV) Index declined -4.93%, and the S&P® 500 Index fell -4.88%.  The quarter was a tale of two halves: From June 30th…

The Market In General: US equity markets experienced a volatile third quarter.  Small cap stocks were up over 18% in early August only to end the quarter down more than 2%.  The volatility was driven by investors’ hope that inflation had peaked, followed by the realization that prices continue to climb.  Core inflation, a measure…

The Russell 2500™ index declined nearly 2.8% in the third quarter of 2022, as a market rally early in the quarter was reversed by ongoing concerns regarding interest rate increases and the possibility of a recession in 2023.  Companies with meaningful exposure to European economic conditions are beginning to experience notable demand pressure, while the bulk…

Quarter Summary: It was another difficult (and volatile) quarter for U.S. equity market returns, driven by macro factors as the peak and duration of higher interest rates continue to be debated and absorbed into both valuations and future earnings expectations. Broad inflation measures (CPI/PPI) continued to come in hot and the Federal Reserve aggressively increased…