US equity markets post strong gains during the fourth quarter, Mercer Investment Consulting reports

New York, February 8, 2007
US equity markets rose strongly during the fourth quarter, as overall
economic growth continues to be modest and inflationary fears subsided
with the decline in oil prices. A mix of stable inflation and continued
economic growth would lay the groundwork for a continuation of the bull
market, according to a new analysis by Mercer Investment Consulting
(Mercer IC).
During the fourth quarter, the Federal Reserve maintained a neutral
policy stance, producing neither a rise nor a decline in interest rates.
While uncertainty still exists regarding the direction of the economy
and interest rates, the market is beginning to anticipate a stable
Federal Reserve policy for the foreseeable future.
Mercer IC's fourth-quarter 2006 Defined Contribution Universe Summary
found gains in all equity markets during the quarter. The report
analyzes returns of various funds and helps institutional investors
evaluate their mutual fund managers' performance against other funds and
asset class benchmarks.
Full release and report with charts is attached.

Charles Salmans
Principal
Global Public Relations
Mercer
1166 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
USA

phone: +1 212 345 4512
mobile: 1 203 536 1271
fax: +1 212 345 1153

#charles.salmans[at]mercer.com
www.mercerHR.com

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