Global stocks rose modestly despite signs of slowing economic growth in Europe and Japan, deteriorating trade relations and rising U.S. interest rates. In a volatile quarter, markets came under pressure largely due to trade and political turmoil, but strong earnings growth among select companies helped to boost investor sentiment.
Energy stocks led markets higher, gaining 13% amid concerns about oil supply shortages around the world. The information technology sector also rallied on solid earnings reports from tech giants Apple, Facebook and Microsoft. Meanwhile, stocks in the industrials, financials and telecommunication services sectors lost ground.
Equity Index Returns (%)
June 2018
2Q 2018
YTD 2018
U.S.
dollar
Local
currency
U.S.
dollar
Local
currency
U.S.
dollar
Local
currency
S&P 500
0.6
0.6
3.4
3.4
2.6
2.6
MSCI ACWI
–0.5
–0.0
0.5
2.7
–0.4
0.8
MSCI ACWI EX USA
–1.9
–0.7
–2.6
1.9
–3.8
–1.2
MSCI World
–0.0
0.3
1.7
3.6
0.4
1.3
MSCI Emerging Markets IMI
–4.4
–2.7
–8.0
–3.5
–6.9
–3.0
MSCI EAFE
–1.2
–0.3
–1.2
3.5
–2.7
–1.0
MSCI Europe
–0.7
–0.3
–1.3
4.1
–3.2
–0.4
MSCI Pacific
–2.2
–0.4
–1.4
2.3
–2.0
–2.0
Source: RIMES