HomeFinancial MarketsU.S. Stocks, Bonds, Gold Rise In Q1 Despite Volatility

U.S. Stocks, Bonds, Gold Rise In Q1 Despite Volatility

Stocks, bonds, and U.S. commodities experienced significant gains in the first quarter of 2023 despite market volatility. Investor sentiment was rocked numerous times amid the Federal Reserve’s continued interest rate hikes in the face of persistent inflation and the ongoing banking sector crisis.

The S&P 500 gained 7% in the first quarter during which it enjoyed its best January performance since 2019. The Nasdaq Composite index surged 16.8%, enjoying its best start to the year since 2021, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average managed a meager gain of 0.4%.

Bonds were also strengthened during Q1, with the 10-year U.S. Treasury ending the quarter at 3.54% after beginning the year at 3.88%. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index gained 2.5% for the quarter.

Commodities were also on the rise, with the price of spot gold increasing 8.5% to $1,977.96 per troy ounce; its highest level since March 2022 and an almost all-time high. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude contracts declined by 3.6% to $75.56 per barrel.

Euro Steadies as ECB President Promises Further Rate Hikes

The euro remained steady on Thursday after European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde announced that further interest rate hikes would be implemented as...

Stocks Rise as House Passes Debt Ceiling Deal

U.S. stocks advanced on Thursday morning after the House of Representatives passed a bill proposing to raise the government's debt ceiling on Wednesday evening....

Macy’s Shares Fall After Annual Forecast Cut

Macy's Inc cut its full-year earnings and profit forecast after experiencing a slowdown in demand for its high-end products. The retailer's shares declined by...