2021 is off to a mixed start

Article Excerpt

The Vanguard Total World Stocks ETF (VT) gained 0.1% in January 2021. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) lost 0.3%, and the iShares MSCI Canada Equity ETF (EWC) lost 1.1%. The iShares Core EAFE ETF (IEFA), which excludes U.S. and Canadian stocks, lost 1.5% in the month. Emerging markets underperformed developed markets over the past decade but are making a strong comeback. The iShares Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) gained 4.1% in January, bringing its gains over the past three months to an impressive 18.0%. Chinese shares did very well among the emerging markets. Meanwhile, the Vanguard International Bond ETF (BNDX) lost 0.6% while Canadian bonds—the iShares Canadian Government Bond ETF (XGB) lost 1.3%. Real estate investment trusts struggled through 2020 as retailers and offices faced lockdowns, but the segment is gaining ground as investors start to look forward to a return to normality. The iShares Global REIT ETF (REET) gained 0.6% for the month and is up by 16.5% in the last three months. Among the precious metals funds, the iShares Silver ETF (SLV) had another good month with a 2.5% gain. The SPDR Gold…