Stock Market Optimism, Inflation Fears The first quarter of 2021 brought a renewed sense of optimism regarding progress against COVID-19, reinforced by the incredible market rebound since this time last year. It is pretty phenomenal that on a year-over-year basis, the US stock market gained 60% since this time last year. Global stocks were up for the quarter, while bonds (US and international) posted negative returns. Interestingly, parts of the markets that had been hot (for