Stocks pulled back in September

Article Excerpt

The month of September saw declines in equity markets after significant gains over the previous six months. At the broad market level, the Vanguard Total World Stocks ETF (VT) lost 4.0% month over month, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), 4.5%, and the iShares MSCI Canada Equity ETF (EWC), 5.3%. Emerging markets also struggled, with the iShares Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) down by 3.0%. Fixed income outperformed equities during the month. The Vanguard International Bond ETF (BNDX) gained 0.7% while Canadian bonds—specifically the iShares Canadian Government Bond ETF (XGB)—gained 0.5%. Global REITs had another poor month— the iShares Global Reit ETF (REET) lost 4.7%. Commodities also pulled back, with the Invesco Base Metals ETF (DBB) falling 2.5% when producers were dragged down by stock market declines. Precious metals struggled in the face of a stronger U.S. dollar—the iShares Silver ETF (SLV) lost 15.5%, and physical gold fund SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) lost a more moderate 3.5% in the month. However, gold is still up 23.9% so far this year while gold producers have also seen substantial gains. gains…