Market volatility continued in August, which led to mixed performance for major indexes and exchange traded funds (ETFs). The Dow Jones industrial average ended the month down slightly by 0.3%, the S&P 500 was basically flat, but the Nasdaq gained 1.6%.
Foreign markets and ETFs lost ground this month, with iShares MSCI South Korea (EWY) down the most at 14.8%, followed by SPDR S&P Emerging Europe (GUR) and Market Vectors Russia (RSX).
Commodity-related ETFs also ended the month lower with iShares Silver (SLV) down 23%. Consumer, technology and real estate-related ETFs were higher, with SPDR S&P Homebuilders (XHB) leading the way, up 14.8%.
Lower commodity prices and economic woes in Europe helped the dollar this month.
Click here to view our ETF performance report to see how the different asset classes, global regions and sectors performed.
The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Tom Lydon, and may not actually come to pass. Information on this site should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any product.