The market had a banner year in 2021, with the S&P 500 Index advancing over 25%, according to data from the St. Louis Federal Reserve. But tailwinds that fueled gains shifted dramatically in 2022; overall it was a tough year for investors. No longer were the economic fundamentals favorable. For stocks and bonds, 2022 was a year of survival. The S&P 500 index fell 18.1% for the year, the 3rd worst year for the S&P going back to 1980. Average bond investors did not fare much better, as the U.S. Aggregate Bond Index lost 13.1%. Going back to 1976, this is the worst return for the Aggregate Bond Index and only the 5th negative annual return over that period. The next closest was a -3% loss in 1994… to read more click HERE
