With the threat of additional cases of coronavirus globally, and investors adopting a risk off mentality over the past week, it is important to take a step back and put these recent events in context.

With high expectations for a re-acceleration of Chinese growth as the backdrop, investors grappled with the potential ramifications of the coronavirus outbreak, and what - if any actions should be taken to protect against the unknown impact.

With heightened concern around the spread of the coronavirus in China and beyond, and no cure currently on the horizon, the concern is certainly justified.

Twenty-nineteen was a banner year for most asset classes and fixed income was no different. Broad bond market annual returns, as measured by the US Aggregate Bond Index, were the third highest in the last 20 years and occurred even with rates at relatively low levels.

Despite having its challenges, 2019 was extremely kind to equity investors. When we take a step back and think about the year, it is a stern reminder not to get caught up in the over-sensationalized media and concentrate on company and industry specific fundamentals.

2019 proved to be an exceptional year for investors, as all major asset classes posted positive returns, led by strong equity markets on the back of continued economic growth and easy money.

After four years of discord in Washington D.C., the 2020 elections are at hand – and could bring changes for the economy and policy.

U.S. equities didn’t waiver as fears of a weakening consumer were cast aside, the Fed remained firm on their monetary policy stance and investors may want to look to Europe for opportunity, this and more in this month’s CIO note.