Monthly Market Update (March 2024): 3 Things You Need to Know

by | Apr 2, 2024 | Wealth Management

The U.S. economy continues to show resiliency and disinflation progresses as the February CPI report showed that inflation is still gradually receding. The first quarter’s rally became a “everything rally” as global stocks and bonds posted positive gains with many indices hitting record highs. Here are 3 things you need to know:

  1. This year’s first quarter gain for the S&P 500 is the 12th strongest since the end of World War II and the index has hit 22 all-time closing highs this year.
  2. Of the 10.56% total return for the S&P 500 over the quarter, 7.33% of it came from S&P 500 forward P/E multiple expansion.
  3. Nvidia (NVDA) accounted for about one-fifth of the total gain for global stock markets in the first quarter.

Sources: J.P. Morgan Asset Management – Economic Update; Bureau of Economic Analysis (www.bea.gov); Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov); Federal Open Market Committee (www.federalreserve.gov); Bloomberg; FactSet.

Indices:

  • The Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based index used as a proxy for the U.S. bond market. Total return quoted.
  • The S&P 500 is designed to be a leading indicator of U.S. equities and is commonly used as a proxy for the U.S. stock market. Price return quoted.
  • The MSCI ACWI ex-US Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 22 of 23 developed market countries (excluding the U.S.) and 27 emerging market countries.  The index covers approximately 85% of the global equity opportunity set outside the U.S. Price return quoted.
  • The MSCI Emerging Markets Index captures large and mid-cap segments in 26 emerging markets. Price return quoted (USD).

Disclosure: BFSG does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to BFSG’s website or blog or incorporated herein and takes no responsibility for any such content. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. Please remember that different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or investment strategy (including those undertaken or recommended by Company), will be profitable or equal any historical performance level(s). Please see important disclosure information here.

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