Market trends

The global benchmark rose 4.5% last month for a 2024 advance of 9.6%. Economic reports during the month showed mixed inflation data while bellwether companies delivered better-than-expected earnings statements.

STOXX was present at the annual gathering organized by ETF Stream, leading a workshop where a high number of participants discussed valuations and flows into European equities.

The global benchmark dropped 3.7% last month, paring its 2024 gain to 4.9%. Inflation data in the US was reported higher than expected, raising concerns the Federal Reserve may move slowly before cutting interest rates.

While Europe is known for some of the world’s most iconic brands, its stock univese offers additional opportunities that may be lesser known.

ETF flows can provide key information about the revealed preferences of investors. A STOXX paper analyzes fund purchases to determine the long-term choices across style, industry and regional exposures.

A key evolution to watch within thematic strategies is not just their increasing sophistication but their growing presence within mainstream investment portfolios, according to Arun Singhal, managing director and global head of product management at STOXX.

Prices for copper have climbed more than 10% this year as analysts speak of a new “secular bull market.” The positive sentiment has caught on shares of mining companies, with the STOXX® Global Copper Miners Index jumping 16.3% last month.

They have strong profitability, low volatility and have been quietly leading gains in the European equity market. The GRANOLAS – a group of 11 large, international companies – may have the right attributes for the current macro environment, argues Goldman Sachs.

The global benchmark jumped 3.2% last month for a quarterly gain of 9%. All regional indices rose as reports suggested the global economy has avoided a hard landing. Momentum is the best-performing factor for a second straight month.

The global benchmark jumped 4.3% last month after government and company reports signaled the world’s largest economy continues to steam ahead even amid high interest rates. Nvidia, Amazon and Meta were among companies whose earnings beat analysts’ forecasts.

The sector composition of the Eurozone blue-chip benchmark looks very different from its inception 26 years ago. Most recently, two technology stocks – ASML and SAP – have had the biggest influence on the index’s direction, and may be re-positioning it in the eyes of investors.

The STOXX Global 1800 rose 1.3% last month and nearly topped its record high from 2022 when excluding dividends. Technology shares extended their rally, while Momentum-style stocks had their best month on record relative to the benchmark.