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Global stocks stage broad-based rally: Q1 roundup
April 4, 2024

Global stocks rallied in the first quarter, extending strong gains from 2023. The S&P 500 Index hit a series of record highs, boosted by healthy corporate earnings, solid U.S. economic growth and investor expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates later in the year. The MSCI Japan Index also moved significantly higher, generating the best returns among major developed markets.


Information technology stocks rose on investor enthusiasm for advancements in artificial intelligence. Market gains broadened to other sectors, including communication services, energy, financials and industrials. In the MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI), only one sector lost ground: Real estate stocks fell 1%, pressured by relatively high interest rates and stress in the commercial property sector.


Bond markets generally declined as investors adjusted their expectations for interest rate cuts in the months ahead. At the end of 2023, investors had priced in six rate cuts in the U.S., which has since been revised down to three as inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target. European Central Bank officials have indicated that the rate path for 2024 remains uncertain.


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MSCI indexes are free-float-adjusted, market-capitalization weighted indexes. Developed market index results reflect dividends net of withholding taxes. Emerging market index results reflect dividends gross of withholding taxes through December 31, 2000, and dividends net of withholding taxes thereafter. Each index is unmanaged, and its results include reinvested dividends and/or distributions but do not reflect the effect of sales charges, commissions, account fees, expenses or U.S. federal income taxes. MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) is designed to measure results of more than 40 developed and emerging equity markets.

 

MSCI has not approved, reviewed or produced this report, makes no express or implied warranties or representations and is not liable whatsoever for any data in the report. You may not redistribute the MSCI data or use it as a basis for other indices or investment products. 

 

MSCI All Country World Index (ACWI) is designed to measure results of more than 40 developed and emerging equity markets. MSCI Japan Index is designed to measure the performance of the large and mid cap segments of the Japanese market.

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