World Markets Review for January 2018 | Capital Group
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World Markets Review

February 2018

World Markets Review for January 2018

Global stocks entered the new year on a high note, lifted by signs of an improving outlook for the world economy and strong corporate earnings growth. Economic data in the U.S., Europe and Japan showed a clear global acceleration trend, while many emerging markets also experienced surging business activity and rallying equity markets.

Economically sensitive stocks outpaced defensive sectors across the board. The consumer discretionary and information technology sectors posted the largest gains, supported by solid holiday retail sales and impressive earnings at tech industry giants. Utilities, real estate and telecommunication services stocks lagged the overall market.

Equity Index Returns (%)

January 2018

YTD 2017

U.S. Dollar %

Local %

U.S. Dollar %

Local %

S&P 500

5.7

5.7

21.8

21.8

MSCI ACWI

5.6

4.1

24.0

19.8

MSCI ACWI ex USA

5.6

2.4

27.2

18.2

MSCI World

5.3

3.8

22.4

18.5

MSCI Emerging Markets IMI

8.0

6.4

36.8

30.0

MSCI EAFE

5.0

1.2

25.0

15.2

MSCI Europe

5.4

1.1

25.5

13.1

MSCI Pacific

4.3

1.4

24.6

19.7

Source: RIMES

You might also like: World Markets Review for Fourth Quarter 2017

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Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectuses and summary prospectuses or the collective investment trust's Characteristics statement, which can be obtained from a financial professional, Capital or your relationship manager, and should be read carefully before investing. 

Statements attributed to an individual represent the opinions of that individual as of the date published and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Capital Group or its affiliates. This information is intended to highlight issues and not to be comprehensive or to provide advice. 

Terms and Definitions
A market capitalization-weighted index based on the results of approximately 500 widely held common stocks.
MSCI All Country World ex USA Index is a free float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure equity market results in the global developed and emerging markets, excluding the United States.
MSCI All Country World Index is a free float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure results of more than 40 developed and emerging equity markets.
MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australasia, Far East) Index is a free float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure developed market equity results, excluding the United States and Canada.
MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Markets Index measures large, mid and small-cap segments, covering approximately 99% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization of more than 20 emerging equity markets.
MSCI Europe Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure results of more than 10 developed equity markets in Europe.
MSCI Pacific Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization- weighted index that is designed to measure the equity market results across 5 Developed Markets countries in the Pacific region.
MSCI World Index is a free float-adjusted market-capitalization-weighted index that is designed to measure results of more than 20 developed equity markets.
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