Week 31: Fed Holds, Microsoft Surges, Markets Recover
A volatile week of central bank signals, hawkish bond moves and swinging tech earnings resolved in a positive weekly close and three of four portfolios beat the S&P 500. →
This week marked a stark contrast to the previous fortnight's spike in volatility. After last week's sharp selloff in equities and the VIX surge to 21.51, markets found their footing early in the week. The S&P 500 recovered modestly, whilst the Nasdaq's rebound proved more decisive. More telling than raw index performance was the shift in the volatility regime: the VIX compressed from 21.51 to 17.68 over five trading days — a 15% decline that reflects a genuine risk-off reversal rather than a mere positioning unwind.
A volatile week of central bank signals, hawkish bond moves and swinging tech earnings resolved in a positive weekly close and three of four portfolios beat the S&P 500. →
Alphabet and Tesla missed the mark, Brent briefly crossed $100, and equity markets fell for a second consecutive week: yet the combined portfolio ended the week virtually flat. →
A quieter macro backdrop gave way to late-week selling in technology — but strong earnings from banks and a resilient vol structure kept three portfolios close to the index while one stood apart. →
Iran tensions, a hawkish Fed and surging oil prices kept traders on edge: yet equities ended the week higher and all four Rivativ portfolios outperformed the S&P 500. →
A week of falling volatility and flattening term structures rewarded systematic positioning — but tactical gamma trades faced headwinds. →