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As we reach another month-end, it’s time for monthly investment update. Let me start with the most important news from last month and how the markets reacted, followed by my recent trades.

Global News

European natural gas storage reached a record high for the time of year, leading to a drop in prices. Oil prices climbed to a five-month high due to worries about conflict in the Middle East. Stronger-than-expected US economic data, including rising inflation and job growth, caused investors to doubt the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates soon. Eurozone inflation dipped closer to the European Central Bank’s target, prompting them to signal a potential rate cut in June. Some investors believe the ECB will cut rates before the Fed. The International Monetary Fund revised its global growth forecast upwards, indicating a more robust post-pandemic recovery. China’s GDP growth exceeded projections in the first quarter, fueled by a rise in industrial production.

Tesla experienced its first year-on-year decline in vehicle deliveries since 2020. Despite remaining the top electric vehicle seller, the company plans to lay off 10% of its workforce. However, investors reacted positively to the news of faster production for new, affordable models, causing the stock price to jump. US announced significant funding to TSMC for a new facility in Arizona to manufacture advanced semiconductors. Intel unveiled a new AI chip claiming to outperform Nvidia’s leading product. Microsoft made a strategic investment in a government-backed AI technology company based in Abu Dhabi.

April Trades

I did spring cleaning in my portfolio and closed some stock positions. I sold XBI (pharma), PLTR (tech), UEC & UUUU (uranium), CENX & AA (aluminum) with a profit. I had purchased these shares in Q4‘23 and had already reached my target price, so I realized the profits. I also sold FMANF and NETZ, but with a loss instead. I had been holding these shares for around 2 years and made the mistake of not selling at the stop-loss level, so the losses grew even bigger each month. I finally made my peace with them and closed the positions this month. It is always easier to realize profits than losses, but I should stick to my stop-loss levels more strictly.

I also purchased some new stocks & fund (on top of other regular trades) and opened positions in VGEA (EU government bond fund), ALT & AMGN (pharma). I am doubling down on bonds and purchasing more as I expect the EU to cut rates earlier than the US. I also expect the weight loss drugs market to grow, so I purchased two firms that work on related drugs.

April Performance

My overall % gain (MTM) stayed in line with March. Most of the stocks experienced sharp downward price movements due to change in US interest rate cut expectations, but I offset those with gains in precious metals (thanks to Gold), which acted as a safe haven. This shows the importance of diversification and how it reduces volatility.

Historical Performance

I also want to share my performance from the past years to give you a better understanding of how a portfolio such as mine performs. Markets fluctuate, and some years will be worse than others, but it is important to stick to a personal strategy and focus on the long term.