01.03.2012

The New Year

01.03.2012

2011 was a mixed year for all asset classes. As gold enjoyed its mercurial rise (and subsequent fall), stocks ended the year mixed.

The S&P 500 closed at 1257, essentially ending the year flat. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 6% for the year, declining on Friday to 12,217. The Nasdaq Composite closed down 1.8% for the year, its first yearly loss.

As far as volatility was concerned, the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index (VIX) was at 23, up 3% on Monday. It remains to be seen whether traders are truly concerned about the future of Europe and other possible crises in 2012.

SEC Commissioner Mark Uyeda argued that private assets belong in retirement plans, saying diversified alts can improve risk-adjusted returns and that the answer to optimal exposure “is not zero.” @ShannyBasar reporting for @MarketsMedia:

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