Market trends

The STOXX Global 1800 index rose 7.1% in dollars last month, after falling to a two-year low. While most economists rightly forecast the Federal Reserve’s fourth consecutive hike of 75 basis points on Nov. 2, speculation grew during October that the central bank could indicate it would slow the pace of monetary tightening.

While ETF strategies focusing on the environment and general ESG have captured 39 billion euros this year, little to no money has gone to funds targeting principally social and governance issues, according to data from Qontigo’s Market Intelligence Team.

The STOXX Global 1800 index dropped 9.3% in dollars last month, taking its retreat in 2022 to 25.5%. The Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of England increased the cost of borrowing in the month, with the first two hiking by a larger-than-average 75 basis points.

The STOXX Global 1800 index dropped 4.1% in dollars last month, taking its retreat in 2022 to 17.9%. Investors are bracing for even tighter monetary policy as central banks fight higher-for-longer inflation.

About 85% of respondents in the Index Industry Association (IIA)’s second annual ESG survey indicated ESG has become more of a priority for their firms in the past year, even as equity prices fell and energy markets were roiled by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

This year has seen a steep slowdown in net purchases of global ESG funds, but inflows remain positive. Broader funds, meanwhile, registered USD 139 billion in net outflows in the first six months of 2022, according to Morningstar data.

The STOXX Global 1800 index gained 7.9% in dollars last month, its best monthly showing since November 2020. The index is still down 14.4% in 2022.

Futures and options enable investors to take directional views and hedge portfolios as markets pull back and price swings increase this year.

The global benchmark plunged 8.7% in dollars last month, wrapping up its worst month and quarter since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in the first quarter of 2020. The index is down 21% so far in 2022.

The STOXX Global 1800 index rose 0.1% in dollars last month, paring an earlier decline of as much as 5.6%. Value and high-dividend stocks rise, but most other strategies struggle as investors contend with the prospect of higher interest rates.

One year after the introduction of Europe’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, SFDR Arts. 8 and 9 funds increased their combined share of total European fund assets to 45.6%.

The Index Industry Association (IIA) provides education and advocacy on behalf of independent index providers worldwide, CEO Rick Redding explains to Qontigo’s blog. With the transformation of the role and shape of indices in full swing, he sees huge possibilities for the industry and for investors ahead – as well as key challenges.