Global equity markets posted strong returns in the third quarter, turning the tide on the year-to-date figures and bringing them back firmly into the positive.

With all major asset classes logging negative quarterly performance, the US equity markets posted a modest -3.15% return for the quarter.

Led by the excellent performance of US stocks, global equity markets posted strong returns in the quarter. Emerging markets enjoyed their best quarter since the third quarter of 2010, with most experiencing double-digit positive returns.

The past year reminded investors that they should hope for the best, prepare for the worst, and be thankful when reality does not match their fears.

Led by the excellent performance of US stocks, global equity markets posted strong returns in the quarter. Those returns, however, were not sufficient to overcome a dismal third quarter, and most markets had negative returns for the year.