Broker Check

Student of the Market

Stay on top of current markets. Understand historical parallels. Get insight on market dynamics.

April 2022

April 2022

 Third worst 2-year period for bonds:

Bonds have experienced their third worst 2-year period since 1926. The periods worse than this one (-3.1% and -2.7%) went on to gain 11.4% and 23.0% over the following two years, respectively.

Satisfaction level often a contrarian indicator:

According to a poll run by Gallup, satisfaction levels in the U.S. are currently at 21%. When levels dropped below 34% in the past, the market went on to average 15.2% over the following 12 months.

Recessions and asset class performance:

Historically low rates had made us question the role of bonds in portfolios, but we can’t forget their use in down periods. Were positive during all of the 15 recessions since 1929, averaging 7.8%.

September 2021 Highlights

September 2021 Highlights

September is historically the worst month for U.S. stocks

Since 1926 through 8/31/2021, it has been the only month to average negative returns (-0.7%).

Divergence continues between equity mutual fund and equity ETF flows

Through July, equity ETFs have had net inflows of $385B, while equity mutual funds have had net outflows of -$64B.

Historic bond fund flows despite muted performance

Bond fund categories are seeing historic inflows this year, despite muted performance (-0.7% YTD).

Previous Editions

Special Edition: Are the prices right?

Special Edition: Are the prices right?

Today's inflation challenge

Unlike previous inflationary periods, interest and savings rates are not keeping up.

Inflation spikes higher

Jun-21 CPI at 5.4%, higher that 2.9% average since 1926.

Four potential reasons

1. Policy

2. Fiscal boost

3. Pent-up demand

4. Rising production costs

July 2021 Highlights

July 2021 Highlights

Long-term equity returns on pace with previous cycles

We are 12 years and 4 months after a cyclical low in the 10-year stock return. This 14.8% 10-year return is on pace with the return at the same points in time after the other two lows since 1926.

Active and index taxable bond funds thriving

Both active and index bond funds are on pace to have a historic years for flows, highlighting the adoption of a “bond barbel” across the industry.

Today's inflation challenge

We are seeing the largest gap between the inflation rate (5% at the end of May) and base interest rates (1.6% at the end of May) since 1980, creating a challenge for income-seeking investors.

April 2021

April 2021


March 2021

March 2021


February 2021

February 2021


January 2021

January 2021


All trademark and company logos herein are owned by the respective company. Private Advisor Group, Waggoner Financial, and LPL Financial are not affiliated with any company noted herein. 

This material is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. The opinions expressed are as of 6/30/21, and may change as subsequent conditions vary. The information and opinions contained in this material are derived from proprietary and nonproprietary sources deemed by BlackRock to be reliable, are not necessarily all-inclusive and are not guaranteed as to accuracy. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the reader.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

Prepared by BlackRock Investments, LLC, member FINRA.