-Darren Leavitt, CFA

Global financial markets had mixed performances in October.  Investors were hoping for another tranche of stimulus from Washington, but the politicians were too far apart to get a deal done in the end.  The US Presidential election continued to loom, and the numerous uncertain outcomes in the election provided a reason to reduce risk in some model portfolios.  Increased infection rates across the globe, mainly in Europe, dampened economic recovery expectations.  Progress on a Covid-19 vaccine was encouraging but not without some setbacks.  3rd quarter earnings also rolled in with varied results, which resulted in some very dramatic individual stock moves.

For the month, the S&P 500 lost 2.77%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 4.61%, the NASDAQ fell 2.29%, and the Small Cap Russell 2000 bucked the trend gaining 2.04%.  Developed European markets ex the UK lost 5.4% in October while emerging markets gained 2.1%.  The US Treasury curve steepened during the month.  The 2-year note yield increased two basis points to 0.15%, while the 10-year bond yield rose by eighteen basis points to 0.86%.  Investment-grade credit was little changed.  Interestingly, German 10-year Bund yields fell ten basis points to close at -0.63%.  Gold traded fractionally higher, gaining $12.90 to close at 1908.60 an Oz.  Oil suffered on the prospects of a slower economic recovery losing 11% on the month of $4.51 to close at 35.70 a barrel.

Uncertainty about the upcoming election, along with contentious negotiations on another tranche of stimulus, was top of mind for US investors throughout October.  Election polls had Biden in the lead for most of the month but with a lead less than the tracking error.  Wall Street strategists penned notes handicapping what each political outcome could mean for the markets but often provided differing opinions.  In front of the election, political posturing had both sides saying they were willing to negotiate a new fiscal stimulus plan. Still, the two sides were too far apart and unwilling to give up something that could upset their constituents.  It is clear that the economy needs another round of stimulus, and it will likely get another dose; however, the timing of a deal is anyone’s guess.

Corona Virus infections increased over the month and topped 90k per day in the US.  In Europe, locally oriented lockdown measures have been replaced by national lockdown mandates.  Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the UK have all implemented these new measures, putting pressure on European markets.  A path to a Covid-19 vaccine has made material progress with many trials in late stages.  However, the progress does come with some setbacks.  Several trials were postponed for different reasons, but some of these trials have been restarted.  The process will continue to be two steps forward one step back until we have a successful vaccine.  Elsewhere the treatment of the virus has become much better over time, and the use of Gilead’s Remdesvir received FDA approval.  Similarly, we saw Regenoron’s antibody cocktail show promising results in fighting the virus.

3^rd quarter earnings continue to come in. With just over 64% of the S&P 500 companies having reported, Factset reports that 86% of those have reported better than expected earnings per share, and 81% have reported better revenues.  At the beginning of the month, companies were rewarded for their better than expected results, but it was quite the opposite in the final week of the month.  Mega-cap technology companies such as Apple, Facebook, and Amazon reported solid numbers last week only to see their share prices lower after the announcement.  Perhaps the results had already been reflected in the price gains seen earlier in the month.  All in, not a bad earning season.

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