The VIX Index hits its lowest level since 2020 Equities were flat as volatility squeezed lower amid reduced holiday activity. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite were close to unchanged on the week. Small caps fared better with gains of 0.5%. The VIX Index fell under 13 for the first time since the COVID outbreak....
Bond markets continued to post positive returns this week, as measured by the ICE Domestic Master Index. Month-to-date bond market returns reached 3.6%, pulling year-to-date returns further into positive territory at 0.8%. Declining rates have boosted prices of long maturity bonds, while corporate bonds gained as investor concerns of credit risk lessened. Corporate bond spreads...
Equities Surge Following CPI Report Equities paused last week to consolidate large gains following the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) and Treasury funding announcement. Fears were elevated that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) would miss to the high side. Instead, it was a little better than expected and equities staged another huge run. The S&P...
