Despite the once-in-a-century pandemic, stock markets posted significant gains this quarter, with some reaching near-record highs.

Despite the once-in-a-century pandemic, stock markets posted significant gains this quarter, with some reaching near-record highs.
The depth and duration of bear markets is unknown. Extreme market sell-offs are often opportunities to rebalance portfolios and add to quality businesses.
Abnormally low/negative bond yields continued to push investors to search for higher returning investments, prolonging the current equity cycle.
There was no shortage of negative headlines this quarter. They seemed at odds with the favourable return environment, which is not atypical of bull markets.
Global markets edged higher in the second quarter, following the strong rebound in Q1. While gains are welcome, markets are struggling to advance meaningfully.
What a difference a few months makes. Following a volatile end to 2018, all major equity markets advanced in the first quarter.