Global Debt as % of GDP Over the past 25 years, the global debt-to-GDP ratio has risen significantly, driven by major economic events like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Image: Deutsche Bank

U.S. Small-Cap Stocks – Russell 2000 The small-cap Russell 2000 index has faced a notable downturn in December 2024, experiencing a decline of over 8%. This marks its worst monthly performance since September 2022, reflecting…

Annual Return of Treasuries – T-bills In 2024, U.S. Treasuries have once again underperformed cash, resulting in a challenging year for bond investors. Many investors have found more appealing opportunities in cash savings or other…

S&P 500 Gains of 20% Happen More Than Losses Since 1950, the U.S. stock market has seen more years achieving gains of 20% or more than those with losses. This encourages investors to keep a…

Seasonality – S&P 500 Monthly Returns The performance of the U.S. stock market in January is often considered as a key indicator for the year ahead. Although January’s stock returns can seem erratic, the median…

Developed Market Core Inflation Rates In most major economies, inflation rates have significantly eased. While challenges remain, current trends suggest that inflationary pressures are gradually coming under control. Image: Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research

Average Performance on Major Geopolitical Events Investors regard gold as both a hedge against inflation and a strategic asset during geopolitical uncertainty, having proven to be the most effective safeguard against major geopolitical events since…

Cumulative Flows from Global Investors into DM and EM funds In 2024, equity funds in developed and emerging markets have experienced substantial inflows from global investors, reflecting a resurgence of confidence in the market. Image:…

ISABELNET Cartoon of the Day While bears are busy counting their losses, those who dared to ride the S&P 500 wave are enjoying a hefty 26.9% return YTD, including dividends! It’s safe to say that…

Bonds Flows Since January 2024, there has been a notable trend of strong inflows into bond ETFs, particularly high-yield bonds, driven by favorable yield conditions and an overall “risk-on” sentiment in the market. Image: J.P.…

U.S. Stocks Returns during Year One of a President’s Second Term The performance of U.S. stocks during the first year of a second presidential term has shown mixed results historically, but recent trends suggest a…