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Major Asset Classes | September 2016 | Performance Review Broadly defined commodities led the way higher in September for the major asset classes. Last month’s 1.8% loss for REITs left the asset class dead last among the major asset classes for the second month in a row. For the year-to-date column, all the major asset classes are posting gains when measured in total-return terms. The big winner: emerging-market stocks. The MSCI Emerging Market Index is ahead 16% so far this year http://www.capitalspectator.com/major-asset-classes-september-2016-performance-review/#more-8054
Fitch: US HY Default Forecast Lowered to 5%; 3% for 2017 Crude oil prices stabilizing in the mid-$40s that aided the challenged energy sector, coupled with improving conditions in the high yield market, contributed to Fitch lowering this year's expected rate.... Secondary bid levels strengthened significantly from earlier in the year. Currently, $75 billion of issues are bid below 70, a striking difference from the $280 billion seen in mid-February. In addition, the high-yield distress ratio has declined for six straight months and is at its lowest level since last June 2015 https://www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/1012365
Shovel Ready Rates ! Muni Bonds rates bouce off July low of 2.80 % still near 51 year low. Bond Buyer Go 20-Bond Municipal Bond Index https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/WSLB20/
