November 2015 Stock and Bond Index Returns

If you didn't hear much about the markets in November it's because they really didn't do much. All of the US Stock categories were relatively flat especially when compared to the market volatility we've seen this year. US Large Core and Value came in at 0% return this November. Small cap stocks fared better, up less than 2%. International Markets moved a bit more but to the downside. Intl large cap core and value were down (2%) and (3%), respectively. Intl small cap core was flat and small value down just over (1%). Emerging markets pulled back somewhat after it's surge last month, down (3.96%) in November.

Short-term bonds moved down slightly at (0.07%). Bonds are still up just over 1% year-to-date.

Now let's check in with Jim to get his recent thoughts on the markets. Jim, did you have a good Thanksgiving? Any predictions for the market before the end of the year?

"Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Less stressful than Christmas and there's always leftovers. I'm not sure if it's the same way with your family but the markets always seem to come up as a topic of conversation. It's like talking about sports or the weather. But the conversation is never about long-term investment strategies instead it's always about the most recent headlines and what the market is going to do in the future. If you are a client or reader of our blog you know that wealth is built over long periods of time and that no one can consistently predict what the market will do today, tomorrow, 6 months from now... you get the picture. So, my prediction for the new year, is that over long periods of time the markets will continue to go up and will remain one of the best wealth creation tools in the world. Not too exciting, I know. I’ll leave that to the financial media. Enjoy the Holidays everyone!"

And Merry Christmas to you as well, Jim!

Here's the monthly return numbers with stock charts:

November Returns By Asset Class

US Large Cap Core: 0.07%

US Large Cap Value: (0.05%)

US Small Cap Core: 1.97%

US Small Cap Value: 1.79%

International Large Core: (1.96%)

International Large Value: (2.82%)

International Small Core: (0.04%)

International Small Value:  (1.26%)

Emerging Markets: (3.96%)

Short Term Bonds: (0.07%)