Health Care Monthly Monitor

This timely update provides insights into health care sector stock performance and social impact themes related to U.N. Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).

Market Insights 

September was a difficult month for equities, as rising interest rates and various uncertainties weighed on markets. Economic growth estimates worldwide were revised down to reflect apparent slowdowns in the U.S. and Chinese economies. Meanwhile, inflation rose, and the U.S. Federal Reserve appeared to lay the groundwork for cutting back its bond holdings and raising short-term interest rates in 2022. Investors faced additional uncertainty from the default of China’s largest real estate developer, Evergrande Holdings, and political grandstanding in Washington about raising the federal debt limit. Against this backdrop, non-U.S. developed market equities generally outperformed U.S., small-company stocks beat large and value outperformed growth.  

Positive Developments on COVID Cases and Treatments

Peaks in the rates of new COVID-19 cases and deaths came in mid- to late-August and declined in September, according to World Health Organization data. 

Progress on Managing Diabetes  

We think it’s also important to mark significant progress in treating diabetes, a disease that afflicts more than 450 million people worldwide

Company in Focus

Insulet is an innovative company that specializes in diabetes treatment. The company’s disposable, wearable patch pumps provide automated, continuous delivery of insulin.