In June, most asset classes delivered gains:

U.S. stocks soared – S&P 500 up 6.48% fueled by economic optimism. World stocks rose 4.63% on brightening global growth outlook. Real estate returned 5.73% due to low rates and economic reopening. Bonds were flat – total bond market down 0.22% as investors favored stocks. Commodities gained – commodity index up 4.39% led by higher oil prices. Hedge funds showed a solid 2.26% return but lagged the broad stock market. Managed futures’ 1.33% gain reflected positions for narrow ranges in markets.

The strong performance of risk assets like stocks and commodities demonstrated investors’ willingness to embrace the improving economic environment. Bonds were quiet while hedge funds fell short of stocks. We’ll watch inflation and any Federal Reserve policy shifts that could alter the backdrop for equity markets.

Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Sources: Managed Futures = SocGen CTA Index,
Cash = US T-Bill 13 week coupon equivalent annual rate/12, with YTD the sum of each month’s value,
Bonds = Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (NYSEARCA:BND),
Hedge Funds = IQ Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF (NYSEARCA:QAI)
Commodities = iShares S&P GSCI Commodity-Indexed Trust ETF (NYSEARCA:GSG);
Real Estate = iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA:IYR);
World Stocks = iShares MSCI ACWI ex-U.S. ETF (NASDAQ:ACWX);
US Stocks = SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:SPY)

All ETF performance data from Y Charts