Global equities experienced broad-based gains with growth stocks outperforming amid a decline in global government bond yields.
Markets brushed off reports of a spike in April’s U.S. core personal consumption expenditures (PCE), a key barometer for inflation.
The S&P/TSX Composite Index strengthened as all sectors advanced. Health care, industrials, and consumer discretionary led the gains.
Financials and commodity sectors had strong contributions buoyed by better-than-expected earnings and surging raw material prices, respectively.
The S&P 500 Index (C$) strengthened led by communication services, consumer discretionary, and real estate. U.S. economic data continued to firm as initial jobless claims fell to a post-pandemic low.
The MSCI EAFE Index (C$) strengthened led by consumer discretionary, I.T., real estate, and industrials. Asian equities outperformed.