What a Difference

The past 30 days or so has marked a sharp departure from the negativity laden market environment up until about March 6th or so. Previous bear markets have shown that turnarounds can be very quick . It may still be too early to tell if this rally holds or if it backs up some but in either event the past few weeks have been better...much better. 

Since March 9 (through April 9), the S&P 500 Index has gained over 26%. Other segments of the market have posted even higher increases. The Russell 2000 Index (mostly small stocks) is up over 36% (best 4 weeks ever). The DFA U.S. Small Value Fund is up over 44% and U.S. Large Value up 38%. One month does not make a market but it demonstrates the resiliency and strength  in the markets overall despite all the challenges . The rapid fire quickness of the increases also points out why we stay invested in the markets even in tough periods.