November 2017
U.S. stocks performed strongly in November. Small- and mid-cap stocks surged in the second half of the month, reversing losses early in November. They closed up +3.52% and +3.68% respectively (S&P 600 and 400 indices). Large caps followed, closing up +3.07% (S&P 500 index) and finishing with positive returns for the 13th month in a row. International stocks also had a positive month, but their returns were more modest than those of U.S. stocks. Year to date, international stocks are still outperforming U.S. Stocks. Developed-market and emerging-market stocks rose by +1.05% and +0.20% (MSCI EAFE and Emerging Markets indices) respectively. Interest rates ended November up for the month. This led bonds to close down, with the Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate index returning -0.13%.
Overall, it was yet another period of low volatility in stock markets, with the S&P 500 not moving more than +/-1% on any day in November. Markets that tend to be more volatile were, true to form, more volatile in November. Small-cap U.S. stocks had four days of +/- 1% moves, and emerging-market stocks had three.
Blah, blah, blah..... Don't get me wrong, this is great news...this time. But, if you follow the news this closely and react to it, your investments are bound to underperform, because you will always be chasing yesterday's news. If you enjoy reading about the markets, that's fine, but my strategy and advice is to generally ignore short term happenings.
The fund's share price is up again, to 27.44 at month end. Willie had a month end balance of $204,622.90. His monthly benefit check would be $2036.91 if he changed his mind and decided to file for benefits at this time.
Irma deposited the $1971 check and withdrew 2365 from her existing account, so her net total is $217,260.17. Her Social Security deposited account now has $12,637.27.
Sam used his benefit check to supply $1552.20 of his monthly expenses. His untouched IRA account sat at $217,604.96.