Foreign stocks outperformed U.S. stocks last week, led by the U.K. and emerging markets. Strong industrial results in Germany, as well as relief sentiment in the U.K. post-Brexit appeared to be primary catalysts for continued gains. As in the last few weeks, hopes for an improved post-Covid environment as vaccine distribution ramps up appears to be driving investor moods.

Global stocks declined last week, as higher Covid case counts, lack of economic stimulus from the U.S. Congress, and upcoming deadline for Brexit weighed on investor sentiment. Bonds, on the other hand, fared well as interest rates retreated downward.