Imperium Capital Publication

Viewpoint – January 2018

In December, markets continued to climb upwards, capping off a year of strong returns across asset classes. Risk assets benefitted from accelerating global economic growth and strong corporate earnings. Commodities, followed by equities posted the largest returns during the month. Global equities advanced 1.4% during the month, with emerging markets outperforming developed markets, posting a 3.6% return versus a 1.4% return for developed markets. 2017 was the best year for emerging markets relative to developed markets since 2009, returning 37.3% versus 22.4% for developed markets. US equities rose 1.1%, taking returns in 2017 to 21.1%. 2017 was the first year in history US equity markets posted positive returns for every month during the year. Within developed markets, the UK was one of the strongest performers posting a 5.0% return, while continental Europe underperformed returning 0.2% and declining 0.6% in Euro terms. In emerging markets, emerging Europe outperformed returning 5.3%.

Weekly Digest – 8 January 2018

  • Brent crude finished the week at 67.8, up 1.1%.
  • Gold was up 1.1% standing at 1,320.5.
  • Bitcoin begins the new year with a decline.
  • MiFID II comes into effect to increase protection and transparency for investors.
  • Global equity indices rise, new records set.