Altair Insight—2015 Q1 Market Review: Tricky Liftoff

Looking back on 2015, it was a disappointing year for investors with returns that were flat to negative, reflecting global market pressures that demand attention in 2016. The new year begins with a tricky liftoff around lowered market expectations and slightly more conservative positioning. Declines in corporate earnings, global growth, oil prices, and key economic metrics struck as reasons for increased caution (even as stocks rebounded in the fourth quarter). As Maurice Obstfeld, chief economist of the International Monetary Fund said, “It’s going to be a year of great challenges.” Despite the market turmoil, bright spots remain.