Market trends

The EURO STOXX 50 Volatility-Balanced index, which combines an investment in stocks with a dynamic allocation to volatility futures, jumped 8% on August 5 amid a broad equities sell-off. The volatility strategy has returned an average of 3.2 percentage points a year above its benchmark since 2006 as tail-risk protection paid off.

The global benchmark rose 1.7% in July, with all the advance coming in the month’s first half. Weaker output and inflation data in the US boosted forecasts that the Fed may start easing monetary policy as early as September.

Driven by strong domestic growth, the STOXX India All Cap has extended its bullish run this year, climbing 84% since the start of 2021. By comparison, the STOXX Emerging Markets All Cap index has fallen 2.1% over the same period.

The global benchmark rose 2.3% last month for a 2024 advance of 11.6%. It was the index’s seventh monthly advance in eight months as investors expect US interest rates to start dropping this year, aiding the global economy.

Buoyant markets and the ongoing shift to index investments put European ETFs on track for a tenth straight year of net inflows. Funds tracking the EURO STOXX 50 attracted USD 2bn in the first five months of 2024.

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.