Most ETFs fell in October

Article Excerpt

The month of October saw declines in most asset classes, especially during the last trading week. That came after very strong gains for most assets starting in April. Representing the broad global, U.S. and Canadian markets, the Vanguard Total World Stocks ETF (VT) lost 2.0% in the month, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) lost 2.5%, and the iShares MSCI Canada Equity ETF (EWC) lost 3.4%. However, the iShares Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) beat the developed markets with a 1.3% gain led by China and India. Despite significant volatility, both the broad global equity market index and U.S. equities are now roughly unchanged for a year earlier. Fixed income was stable during the month. The Vanguard International Bond ETF (BNDX) gained 0.3% while Canadian bond fund iShares Canadian Government Bond ETF (XGB) lost 1.0%. Real estate investment trusts continued to struggle. The iShares Global Reit ETF (REET) dropped 3.1% in the month and is now down by 26% for the…