November: Good month for stocks

Article Excerpt

The month of November saw strong gains for stocks, commodities, and energy. This comes after the conclusion of the U.S. Presidential election and promising announcements from several pharmaceutical companies regarding COVID-19 vaccines. At the broad market level, the Vanguard Total World Stocks ETF (VT) gained 10% in the month, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) climbed 7.5%, and the iShares MSCI Canada Equity ETF (EWC) rose 10.9%. The iShares Core EAFE ETF (IEFA), which excludes the U.S. and Canada, gained 13%. The iShares Emerging Markets ETF (IEMG) lagged the developed markets, but still posted a solid 9.4% gain. Despite significant volatility, the broad global stock market , including emerging markets and the U.S., are showing strong gains for 2020. Fixed income was mostly unchanged during the month. The Vanguard International Bond ETF (BNDX) gained 0.2% while Canadian bonds—through the iShares Canadian Government Bond ETF (XGB)—were unchanged. Real estate investment trusts had a stellar month—the iShares Global Reit ETF (REET)—gained 12.4%. Still, it remains down by 16% for 2020. U.S. and Canadian REITs had equally strong monthly returns. After months of…