Equity markets started the month of November strong, but ended on a down note, as fears of a new Covid-19 variant (Omicron) and inflation overshadowed good news on the economy and passing of the jobs act. Equities, Real Assets, and riskier bonds were all down for the month as volatility spiked and the yield curve flattened. Investors flocked to safety as U.S. Treasuries had one of their best months of the year. 

“Maybe this year, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives not looking for flaws but looking for potential.” – Ellen Goodman

As this year comes to an end, we take the opportunity to reflect and look for potential ways to increase our well-being financially and overall. In this month’s HerPath highlight, Managing Director, Sue Peterson, helps us prepare for our financial future.

October saw energy prices rise due to supply and demand related issues. Natural Resource Equities reaped the benefits of higher prices, increasing 8.9% during the month. Heightened inflation continues to persist as the CPI increased 6.2% YoY as of the end of October. The Fed believes that as the job market strengthens, inflation will start to normalize. The Fed also announced tapering of its $120 billion-per-month bond buying program. Heightened inflation may force the Fed to raise interest rates sooner than anticipated.