Monday Morning Minute 112017
THE WEEK AHEAD
A Thanksgiving holiday-shortened week this week will see reports relating to business investment and minutes from the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee Oct 31-Nov 1 policy meeting.
MACROECONOMIC INSIGHT
Even though markets are pricing in good outcomes, risk assets can continue to perform well because monetary and fiscal policy remain supportive of growth and data reaffirms our conviction that the economy is on an expansion path.
Valuations Full
The value of U.S. equities is now over $28 trillion. At 145% of gross domestic product, this would suggest valuations are full. Since 2004, the market value averaged about 120% of output and fell to 60% of GDP in 2009. Another example that shows markets are already anticipating good outcomes is that the S&P 500 trades near 18x expected earnings. The average multiple was closer to 16 times and 14 times over the past five- and ten-year periods, respectively. We think the higher multiples speak to a better near-term growth outlook, but also imply some drag on returns over the long-run.
Momentum Continues
Even though markets are pricing in good outcomes, risk assets can still perform well as monetary and fiscal policy remain supportive. Short-term interest rates are still low compared to inflation, for example. After deducting inflation, short-term real interest rates are just over 0%. This is highly accommodative compared to the 1-2% real rates seen throughout the 2002-2007 cycle, and the 3-5% real rates seen during the late 1990s. Today’s low rates encourage a longer credit cycle, improving near-term growth prospects. Further lifting the growth outlook is some expectation for a fiscal push relating to tax reform. While there are plenty of details to work out on this front, the fiscal bias appears favorable to the growth outlook.
The most important reason risk assets can continue to perform is because data affirms the economy is on an expansion path. So long as this remains the case, a positive feedback loop exists. We see this behavior extending from investors to business owners and investment. For example, capital goods orders, industrial production, and purchasing managers surveys all suggest positive momentum.
Each of these cyclical indicators continue to show good progress following a period of weakness in 2015-2016. Last month’s capital goods orders were up 8% from a year ago — a big improvement from a year ago when the index was contracting at a 5% pace. Since business investment and profits tend to move with capital investment, it provides a useful insight into the cycle. For now, we see that “animal spirits” appear alive and well and this supports our belief that growth continues.
Barometer Update
A more comprehensive way to look at many of these trends is to combine several different inputs into a single measure. Our WCA Fundamental Conditions Barometer (below) looks to do just this. The barometer looks at a host of market based trends and other economic data to provide an unbiased view of how the cycle is progressing. Readings above 50 generally indicate a more favorable growth environment, whereas readings below 50 can indicate a more challenged outlook. Currently, we forecast the barometer to sit near 60-70 as our base case through year end. This suggests to us that the economy likely remains on the growth track, at least over the short term.
Source: WCA
So long as markets and the economy remain in this positive feedback loop, risk assets can continue to perform. We continue to look for changes in risk appetite and the economy.
ECONOMIC DATA THIS WEEK
| Date | Report | Period | Survey | Prior |
| Monday, Nov 20: | Leading Index | Oct | 0.7% | -0.2% |
| Tuesday, Nov 21: | Chicago Fed National Activity Index | Oct | 0.20 | 0.17 |
| Existing Home Sales | Oct | 5.40m | 5.39m | |
| Wednesday, Nov 22: | Durable Goods Orders (Core) | Oct | 0.5% | 0.7% |
| Capital Goods Orders (Core) | Oct | 0.6% | 1.7% | |
| FOMC Minutes (Oct 31-Nov 1 Meeting) | ||||
| Thursday, Nov 23: | Markets Closed – Thanksgiving | |||
| Friday, Nov 24: | Markit PMI Manufacturing | Nov | 55.0 | 54.6 |
| Source: Bloomberg |
ASSET ALLOCATION PORTFOLIO POSTURE
Based on shorter-term expectations, the “tactical” allocation within portfolios is overweight stocks versus bonds.
Client approved reports and commentaries click here
Kevin Caron, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager
Chad Morganlander, Senior Portfolio Manager
Matthew Battipaglia, Portfolio Manager Suzanne Ashley, Analyst
(973) 549-4052
www.washingtoncrossingadvisors.com
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Disclosures
WCA Fundamental Conditions Barometer Description: We regularly assess changes in fundamental conditions to help guide near-term asset allocation decisions. The analysis incorporates approximately 30 forward-looking indicators in categories ranging from Credit and Capital Markets to U.S. Economic Conditions and Foreign Conditions. From each category of data, we create three diffusion-style sub-indices that measure the trends in the underlying data. Sustained improvement that is spread across a wide variety of observations will produce index readings above 50 (potentially favoring stocks), while readings below 50 would indicate potential deterioration (potentially favoring bonds). The WCA Fundamental Conditions Index combines the three underlying categories into a single summary measure. This measure can be thought of as a “barometer” for changes in fundamental conditions.
The information contained herein has been prepared from sources believed to be reliable but is not guaranteed by us and is not a complete summary or statement of all available data, nor is it considered an offer to buy or sell any securities referred to herein. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and do not take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of individual investors. There is no guarantee that the figures or opinions forecasted in this report will be realized or achieved. Employees of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated or its affiliates may, at times, release written or oral commentary, technical analysis, or trading strategies that differ from the opinions expressed within. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged, and you cannot invest directly in an index.
Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit and may not protect against loss. There are special considerations associated with international investing, including the risk of currency fluctuations and political and economic events. Investing in emerging markets may involve greater risk and volatility than investing in more developed countries. Due to their narrow focus, sector-based investments typically exhibit greater volatility. Small company stocks are typically more volatile and carry additional risks, since smaller companies generally are not as well established as larger companies. Property values can fall due to environmental, economic, or other reasons, and changes in interest rates can negatively impact the performance of real estate companies. When investing in bonds, it is important to note that as interest rates rise, bond prices will fall. High-yield bonds have greater credit risk than higher-quality bonds. The risk of loss in trading commodities and futures can be substantial. You should therefore carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. The high degree of leverage that is often obtainable in commodity trading can work against you as well as for you. The use of leverage can lead to large losses as well as gains.
All investments involve risk, including loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be met. It is important to review your investment objectives, risk tolerance and liquidity needs before choosing an investment style or manager. Equity investments are subject generally to market, market sector, market liquidity, issuer, and investment style risks, among other factors to varying degrees. Fixed Income investments are subject to market, market liquidity, issuer, investment style, interest rate, credit quality, and call risks, among other factors to varying degrees.
This commentary often expresses opinions about the direction of market, investment sector and other trends. The opinions should not be considered predictions of future results. The information contained in this report is based on sources believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed and not necessarily complete.
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