If you thought it was a tough year in 2015, you are not alone. According to CNBC, 2015 was the hardest year to make money in 78 years. The stock market’s meager return was actually the best of the major asset classes with bonds losing money, commodities off 23% and even Warren Buffet down 11% on the year.
With the Federal Reserve set to gradually raise rates in 2016, bond return expectations should be tempered for the foreseeable future and commodity prices will be subject to volatility ahead as well. The good news is stocks have a history of performing well after rate hikes and earnings are projected to expand. We’re glad to put 2015 in the rear view mirror and are looking forward to a better 2016.