2021 Q4 Market Review

This review features world capital market performance and a timeline of events for the past quarter, as well as an annual review for 2021.

Download the full PDF report at the end of this post for complete commentary.

US Stocks

The US equity market posted positive returns for the quarter and outperformed both non-US developed markets and emerging markets.

Value underperformed growth in large cap stocks but outperformed growth in small cap stocks.

Small caps underperformed large caps.

International Developed Stocks

Developed markets outside the US posted positive returns for the quarter. They underperformed US equities but outperformed emerging markets.

Value underperformed growth.

Small caps underperformed large caps. 

Emerging Markets Stocks

Emerging markets posted negative returns for the quarter, underperforming the US and non-US developed equity markets.

Value outperformed growth.

Small caps outperformed large caps.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

US real estate investment trusts outperformed non-US REITs during the quarter.

 

Market Summary

World Stock Market Performance

These headlines are not offered to explain market returns. Instead, they serve as a reminder that investors should view daily events from a long-term perspective and avoid making investment decisions based solely on the news.

 

2021 Year In Review

US Stocks

The US equity market posted positive returns for the year and outperformed non-US developed and emerging markets.

Value underperformed growth in large cap stocks but outperformed growth in small cap stocks.

Small caps underperformed large caps.

REIT indices outperformed equity market indices.

International Developed Stocks

Developed markets outside the US posted positive returns for the year, underperforming US equities but outperforming emerging markets equities.

Value outperformed growth.

Small caps underperformed large caps.

Emerging Markets Stocks

Emerging markets fell 2.5% for the year, underperforming both US and non-US developed equity markets.

Value outperformed growth.

Small caps outperformed large caps.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

US real estate investment trusts outperformed non-US REITs during the year.

Download the PDF version for a complete review featuring additional performance data for individual asset classes and further commentary.

View Report