18 Jul Volatility Takes a Vacation

Print & Video Commentary – Second Quarter, 2014

The financial markets remained unusually calm through the second quarter as the global economy continues to heal and central banks remain highly accommodative. Global stock indexes chalked up strong results for the first six months of the year, thanks particularly to a robust second quarter.

Strong Tailwind for Stocks

Markets were powered by a strong tailwind of mostly upbeat economic news in June, continued tame inflation, historically low interest rates, improving corporate fundamentals and positive investor sentiment.