The S&P 500 Index had a slight decline of -0.68% in April 2025 while the Vanguard Total World Stock Index ETF (VT) showed a modest gain of 0.56%. This showed a mixed performance in the global equity markets.
Growth outperformed value across both large and small-cap stocks, while small-cap stocks underperformed large-caps. The best performing sector was biotech while the worst performing sector was energy and healthcare also underperformed. International Treasury Bonds were the standout performer while US Treasury Bonds also performed well.
Trade tensions with China continue to impact stocks. International equities outperformed U.S. equities and the commodities sector struggled. These trends highlight the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio and actively managing investments across different asset classes and market segments to navigate the current market conditions.
The economic and market outlook points to a global economic slowdown amidst market volatility with economists cautioning that risks to economic outlook are increasing.
Geopolitical tensions are shaking global markets, and there is evolving consumer behavior to subscription based models in this challenging economy.
The Federal Reserve maintained the target range for the federal funds rate at 4-1/4 to 4-1/2 percent.
