Global equity markets declined for the second week in a row, as the S&P 500 (a proxy for large-cap US stocks) lost 0.5% and the MSCI ACWI (a proxy for global stocks) dropped 1.0%. Emerging markets stocks continued to lag developed market peers (the MSCI Emerging Markets index was down 2.2 percent for the week), as concern over the delta variant and increased government regulation in China persists.

Global equity markets retreated last week, as the S&P 500 (a proxy for large-cap US stocks) lost 1.7% and the MSCI ACWI (a proxy for global stocks) dropped 1.2%. Concern about the Covid-19 delta variant and its impact on the economic recovery seemed to be weighing on investors’ minds.

Global equity markets advanced last week as Jerome Powell, Federal Reserve Chair, indicated that the Fed may begin tapering its monthly bond purchases in 2021 but that investors should not expect interest rate hikes in the near-term. His comments came after the annual Jackson Hole symposium and investors seemed pleased by the message, as the S&P 500 (a proxy for large-cap US stocks) gained 0.9% on Friday.

Global equity markets, in general, fell last week as concerns about central banks potentially easing support measures in the near future intensified. Investors may get a better sense of the Federal Reserve’s tapering timeline later this week when the annual Jackson Hole symposium begins on Thursday.

Equity markets, in general, climbed higher again last week, as both the S&P 500 (a proxy for large-cap US stocks) and MSCI ACWI (a proxy for large-cap global stocks) advanced approximately 0.7% for the week. The relatively happy mood on Wall Street was clouded somewhat by the most recent University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment reading, however.

Most stock indexes trended higher last week, many to near all-time highs, as the US Labor Department reported payrolls increased by 943,000 last month. The increase exceeded economist expectations and drove the unemployment rate down to 5.4%.

Most stock and bond indexes trended higher last week, as investors seemingly shrugged off concerns over both inflation and the Delta variant and viewed Monday’s pull back as an opportunity to buy the dip. The positive week continues a trend that’s been in place for the entirety of 2021 – the S&P 500 index (a proxy for large-cap US stocks) has yet to experience a 5% correction.