Market commentary, 4th Quarter 2018

Markets were mostly negative except for a few fixed income categories. U.S. stocks were down 13.52% on worries about Fed policy as well as global trade, resulting in higher volatility in the market. Emerging markets and foreign developed markets were down 7.47% and 12.54%, respectively, on trade concerns and continued U.S. dollar strength. Total employment increased by 762,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate increased from 3.7% to 3.9%. The price of oil decreased from $74 to $45 a barrel over the quarter largely due to increased production and slower demand growth.