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Medium-term Momentum Dominates in Q1
Medium-term momentum (MTM) generated the largest spread in the first quarter. Stocks that had outperformed the most over the previous six months often outperformed in the subsequent weeks. The highest momentum stocks beat the lowest momentum stocks by 15.1%, on average, during the quarter.
Brian
11 hours ago
Weekly Factor Returns
Medium-term momentum (MTM) was the lone factor with dissimilar return profiles across each capitalization segment. MTM was positive in the large and mid cap universes and negative among small caps. Stocks that performed best over the previous six months continued to outperform in the Russell 1000 and Russell MidCap. MTM reversed in the Russell 2000. Stocks that had outperformed the most over the past six months tended to underperform last week.
Brian
3 days ago
Weekly Factor Returns
Size had directionally similar spreads, although the range between the largest and smallest spread was significant. Size was negligible in the Russell 1000. Size was a negative influence in the Russell 2000. The largest ten percent of companies underperformed the smallest ten percent by 3.19%, on average, in the small cap universe. The small cap Size spread was greater than one standard deviation below its average.
Brian
May 4
Weekly Factor Returns
Volatility had divergent returns. Lower Volatility was favored among larger and mid cap stocks. Volatility declined 2.20% in the Russell 1000. The large cap Volatility return was the largest absolute spread among all factors. Volatility declined 1.92% in the mid cap space. Higher Volatility was rewarded in the Russell 2000.
Brian
Apr 27
Quarterly Market Data - March 2026
Commodities soared in the first quarter, driven largely by oil. The price of oil increased over 70% due to the war in Iran and subsequent closing of the Strait of Hormuz.
Real Estate had the second-highest return among the major asset classes.
Non-U.S. markets fared best among major equity categories. Emerging Markets (+3.80%) and International Developed (+1.15%) beat out each capitalization range of U.S. equities.
Brian
Apr 24
Weekly Factor Returns
Volatility was a big driver of returns. Stocks with the most Volatility outperformed those with the least Volatility, on average. The spread between the top and bottom deciles was +9.20% in the Russell 2000, +8.25% in the Russell MidCap, and +8.02% in the Russell 1000. Each spread was greater than two standard deviations above their averages.
Brian
Apr 20
Weekly Factor Returns
Medium-term momentum (MTM) was a driving factor. Stocks that had outperformed the most over the previous six months continued to outperform last week. MTM was highest in the mid cap (+4.08%) and large cap (+3.48%) universes. Each spread was greater than one standard deviation above its average.
Brian
Apr 13
Weekly Factor Returns
Volatility was higher last week. Stocks with the highest Volatility outperformed those with the least Volatility. Volatility was most influential in the small cap universe (+2.35%). The Volatility spread was +1.53%.
Brian
Apr 6
Weekly Factor Returns
Medium-term momentum (MTM) was positive across the board. Stocks that had outperformed the most over the past six months continued to outperform last week. The MTM spread was +2.79% in the large cap universe and +3.42% among small caps. All three spreads were greater than one standard deviation above average.
Brian
Mar 30
Weekly Factor Returns
Medium-term momentum (MTM) was positive in each index. Stocks that had outperformed the most over the previous six months continued to outperform last week. MTM was strongest in the Russell 2000 where the spread was +1.99%. MTM rose over 1.00% in the large and small indices as well.
Brian
Mar 23