What a first half it’s been for capital markets! Global equity and debt capital markets have lost a cumulative $31 trillion. The main American index, the S&P500, is down 20% from its high, the Nasdaq, where tech darlings are listed, is down 30%, and bonds have experienced their worst episode since 1994. Many investors are wondering if the worst is over.
Markets deal with the allocation of capital. When the markets are function-ing effectively, they allocate capital efficiently based on the associated risks at the right price. When they don’t work – because of crises, shocks, or distortions – there are consequences.