To Our Valued Clients and Friends

 June started out badly, but rallied at the end of the month and closed only moderately down for the month.  (Markets were down for the month, but are up for the year.  See below).

 The major U.S. stock indexes were down from 1% to 2.5% for the month.  The EAFE index (Developed International Markets) was down 1.2%, and the iShares EEM (Emerging International Markets) was down 0.94%.  For the year through June 30^th, all major domestic and international stock indexes are up, from 8.6% for the DJIA and Russell 2000 (domestic small cap) Growth; to 0.91% for the iShares EEM.

Domestic and international bond indexes were negative for the month, with the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index down 0.45% and the Barclays Capital Global Treasury Ex-US Index down 0.01%.  For the year through June 30^th these indexes are positive.

Commodities and REITs, both domestic and international, were negative in June, and the commodity index has gone negative for the year.

All Starmont Client portfolios are positive for 2011 through June 30th—with the amount dependent on how their assets are allocated among the various asset groups.  So far in 2011 the higher the allocation to equities, the better the portfolio performance.  Your First Half Reports will be sent to you later in the month.

July Could Be A Volatile Month—Buckle Up!

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