When you think about it, investing is a lot like life: some years are great, some less so, but at the end of the day it’s of utmost importance to keep looking forward. In both endeavors we learn from our triumphs and mistakes, and we use that knowledge to keep getting better as we go.
2015 was a lot like 2011: a year when the stock market was rather volatile and did not offer much by way of positive returns.1 The U.S. and global economy grew but earnings felt some downward pressure from the Energy sector;2 the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in nearly 10 years;3 the Chinese economy started to show signs of slowing; Europe is showing signs of recovery, but remains fragile. Nothing seems alarming or wrong with the global economy – it just has that “middle of the road” feeling.
But it could get better from here. Below, we’ll use charts to take a look at where the markets stand now and how economic growth is shaping up around the world, and we’ll offer some insights as to what might be ahead for investors in 2016. The message overall: stay positive.
