Investment Review - October 2019
- For the month of September, the Dow gained 2%, the S&P advanced 1.7% and the Nasdaq added 0.5%. For the quarter, the Dow and the S&P 500 both rose 1.2%, but the Nasdaq fell 0.1%. Mid-sized companies had a very strong month with a 3.1% increase. Broad based European indices performed slightly better than US, with a 2.5% month, as some Brexit worries were calmed.
- The 10-year Treasury note yield was up 17 basis points (bps) for the month, marking its biggest monthly rise since September 2018. The 2-year note yield moved up 12 basis points in the month and the 30-year note yield edged higher to 2.12%. The 30-year bond yield tumbled 41 bps between July and September, marking its biggest quarterly drop in five years.
- Following a mid-month attack on a major Saudi Arabian oil processing facility the price of crude oil spiked up about 15%. Assurances from governments and access to strategic reserves calmed shortage fears and the price retreated, ending September down 1.7%.
Sources: Bloomberg LLC, FactSet, U.S. Department of Labor, Dow Jones
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