With tighter financial conditions, elevated geopolitical uncertainty, and slower U.S. growth, global markets experienced an incremental decline. However, developed and emerging International markets continued to outperform in Q1. This is consistent with their performance over the last year.
Among U.S. markets, the Federal Reserve held rates steady in both January and March. An emphasis was placed on “sticky” inflation, geopolitical risks, and tariff-related price pressures. Tariffs were challenged by the U.S. court system. They were reinstated via alternative legal pathways. Within U.S. Job openings, hiring, and wage growth, decelerated through the quarter as labor demand cooled. As for the U.S. dollar, global investors have increasingly reallocated toward developed ex-U.S. and emerging markets amid policy risk, valuation gaps, and improved fundamentals abroad.
Source: Symmetry Markets and Factors Report March 2026. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Articles of Interest
Our Perspective on the Mideast Crisis
Wars can have substantial political, geopolitical, economic, and humanitarian impacts.
But it is important to remember that your investment strategy is based not on macro events and headlines but on your long-term financial objectives, which take into account market fluctuations and political and economic conditions (even conflicts) as well as the long-term potential of markets around the world.
Do You Need More Time to File?
For your convenience, we’ve included this resource from IRS.gov. The filing deadline for this year is Wednesday, April 15. But, did you know you can request an extension? Click below to learn more.
It’s National Garden Month! Who Knew?
A perfect way to decompress after meeting your tax filing deadline. Learn some helpful planting tips from the National Garden Bureau. There is a commendable amount of specificity here! We think you’ll enjoy it.
Advisory services offered through KCPAG Financial Advisors LLC and insurance services offered through KCPAG Insurance Services LLC, subsidiaries of Kemper Capital Management LLC. Tax services offered through Kemper CPA Group LLP.
Symmetry Partners, LLC is an investment advisory firm registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, excluded, or exempt from registration requirements. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply any specific level of skill or training and does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the SEC.
No one should assume that future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, product, or non-investment-related content made reference to directly or indirectly in this newsletter will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. You should not assume any discussion or information contained in this email serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice. Symmetry does not provide tax or legal advice and nothing either stated or implied here should be inferred as providing such advice. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions.
Diversification seeks to improve performance by spreading your investment dollars into various asset classes to add balance to your portfolio. Using this methodology, however, does not guarantee a profit or protection from loss in a declining market. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
