The S&P is down by 2.75% YTD. US bank stocks declined even more and are getting close to bear market territory. The crash in tech stocks especially the FAANGs is not surprising. Developed European markets are in the negative YTD as well with Germany’s DAX off by 16%. Among the Latin American markets, Mexico is down due to the election of AMLO while Brazil is up with the election of “Trump of the Tropics” Jair Bolsonaro. With this year almost looking a down year for the US markets, investors are looking forward to 2019, although that is promising to be a great year for equities either.

The following are some interesting reads that you can check out:

• Rational vs. Reasonable, Morgan Housel
• Does a Brexit Resolution Require a New Referendum or a General Election?, Templeton
• 3 market themes likely to shape 2019, Blackrock
• Why Small Habits Make a Big Difference, Farnam Street
• Key commodities trends to look out for in 2019, Focus Economics
• Carbon Crossroads: Can Germany Revive Its Stalled Energy Transition?, Yale Environment 360
• From China to Mexico to Brazil, Headline Noise Obscures Underlying Emerging Market Drivers, Thornburg
• Outlook 2019: Emerging markets equities, Schroders

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona