2020 was a year characterized in part by the outbreak of a global pandemic, which captivated the world and shocked the global economy and financial markets. As we turn the page to 2021, it can be helpful to reflect on the lessons learned from such a historic year. We offer 10 economic lessons we’ll remember from 2020.

A Year to Remember 

To say that 2020 was a unique year would be an understatement. What began as an ordinary year quickly turned into an extraordinary one—does anyone even remember it was a leap year? Initial reports in early January noted that a novel virus was beginning to spread, but few at

US and International Equities

The S&P 500 Index, Dow Jones Industrial, and Nasdaq Composite indexes, continued their November run in December. As noted last month, November was a record-breaking month for equities, thanks to positive vaccine news, a strong third quarter earnings season, and a likely split Congress. Even in the wake of weak economic data, market participants are looking forward to a new year and a potentially better economic landscape.

Information Technology Sprints Ahead While Financials Rebound

Financials were the best performing sector for December. The sector had been cha

Daily Insights

Markets start the New Year higher. US markets continue their trek higher following last year’s nine-month rally. Market participants appear optimistic for a better 2021 in the wake of COVID-19 vaccine progress and December’s stimulus measures.

• US stocks appear comfortable with the uncertainty ahead of Wednesday’s Georgia Senate runoffs.

• European markets are higher during midday trading, with the Euro Stoxx 50 up more than 1%.

• Asian markets finished mostly higher.

2020 Sector Wrap Up

The S&P 500 Index closed 2020 with a 16.3% gain, led by its la

2020 was an extraordinary year for the Federal Reserve (Fed). The Fed responded swiftly and decisively to the rapidly accelerating financial and economic uncertainty brought on by efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. The current Fed was helped by precedents and policies created during the 2008-09 recession, but also went beyond them to address the specific economic needs of the current crisis. We are not on the other side of that crisis yet, although we’re certainly getting closer, but there’s at least enough perspective to look back at what we learned about the Fed and markets in 2020 as we head into 2021.

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