Following the shortest recession on record, earnings for U.S. companies are soaring. Analysts now expect S&P 500 earnings to reach $214 over the next 12-months. This marks a 20% advance versus the $178 estimate that prevailed pre-pandemic and 54% above the pandemic low of $140. Unprecedented stimulus and the vaccination rollout explain boosting economic growth, too. According to the most recent figures from the New York Federal Reserve, current period economic growth is near 4%. While down from the 6.6% annualized pace of last quarter, 4% is still a healthy pace of improvement. A rapid rate of economic rebound is a primary driver behind the surge in profit forecasts.

Soaring Values

The combination of accelerating growth, near-zero interest rates, and soaring profits is not lost on the market. The total value of U.S. stocks is now over $51 trillion, a $16 trillion rise from a $35 trillion total valuation pre-pandemic. To put today’s $16 trillion advance in further perspective, recall that it took over two hundred years — from the founding of the earliest U.S. stock exchange in 1790 to just before the 2007-2009 financial crisis — for the U.S. stock market to create $16 trillion in value. The post-pandemic rally is remarkable because of the magnitude of the gains and because the gains happened during a recession and global health crisis.

Wealth Sets Records

The wealth created by the stock market is likely feeding back into the economy. A 2001 paper by Federal Reserve Board members concludes that changes in wealth directly boost consumption growth, but changes in wealth do not necessarily predict future changes in household income. This is important today because of the powerful one-two punch of massive stimulus checks plus large increases in stock (and real estate) wealth. According to Federal Reserve data, U.S. household net worth rose by $25 trillion last year to $142 trillion (a 22% gain). This 22% gain was the largest rise since the early 1950s. Moreover, household income rose by a record $1 trillion, mainly due to stimulus payments. Personal savings also surged to a record $2.3 trillion in 2020 from $1.2 trillion in 1999.

With higher wealth comes higher starting valuations for many assets, including stocks. As we move toward the end of the year, it is essential to look at valuations because they can have a meaningful impact on returns (Chart A, below). The chart below shows how valuations and subsequent returns are related. Inflation-adjusted returns over the ensuing 10-year period tend to fall as valuations rise, based on cyclically-adjusted earnings multiples. The opposite holds when valuations fall, with returns tending to be higher in the following years. What we pay for an asset does matter for most of us over most of our time horizons.

Chart A
Starting Market Valuations and Returns

Driving Up Valuations

Today, valuations appear elevated and approaching levels last seen in 1999 (Chart B, below). We expect this to weigh on future returns. But note that profitability is also elevated (Chart C, below), given the astonishing rise of technology’s place in our economy. Further lifting multiples are low interest rates and a high degree of liquidity. The Federal Reserve kept short-term rates at 0% last week, and outstanding global debt with negative yields is $14 trillion, for example. Such an absence of competing “safe” savings yields further drives demand for riskier stocks. Low yields also mean future earnings become more valuable when discounted back to the present.

Chart B

Chart C

Another place we see evidence of stretched valuation is in the area of dividends. For example, the dividend yield on the S&P 500, based on forecast dividends over the next 12 months, is at 1.5%, a new low (Chart D, below). While the yield could fall further, it could also revert to the historical average. If that were to happen, if stocks were to reprice so that the market’s dividend yield was in line with the historical 2.17% average, the stock market would need to decline by 30%.  This is why recovery must continue, dividends must be maintained, and financial conditions must stay supportive.

Chart D

Conclusion and Recommendations

Given the tall order asked of markets in today’s environment, we recommend the following portfolio actions:

  1. For overall asset allocation, consider a flexible but disciplined, tactical approach that is forward looking and can respond to changing market conditions;
  2. For equity investing, focus on flexibility, durability, and predictability over things like high dividend yields, chasing momentum, and “story” stocks;
  3. For fixed income, avoid guessing about interest rates and consider a carefully constructed ladder of high-grade issuers that can adapt to changing rates.

We believe these “big organizing ideas” offer a well-reasoned and practical approach to addressing today’s unique challenges as we emerge from an era unprecedented macroeconomic policy.

Kevin R. Caron, CFA
Senior Portfolio Manager
973-549-4051

Chad Morganlander
Senior Portfolio Manager
973-549-4052

Matthew Battipaglia
Portfolio Manager
973-549-4047

Steve Lerit, CFA
Senior Risk Manager
973-549-4028

Tom Serzan
Analyst
973-549-4335

Suzanne Ashley
Internal Relationship Manager
973-549-4168

Eric Needham
Director, External Sales and Marketing
312-771-6010

Jeffrey Battipaglia
Client Portfolio Manager
973-549-4031

Disclosures

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 forecast 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. Changes in market conditions or a company’s financial condition may impact a company’s ability to continue to pay dividends, and companies may also choose to discontinue dividend payments. 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. Bond laddering does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. 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. Changes in market conditions or a company’s financial condition may impact a company’s ability to continue to pay dividends, and companies may also choose to discontinue dividend payments.

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.

The securities discussed in this material were selected due to recent changes in the strategies. This selection criterion is not based on any measurement of performance of the underlying security.

Washington Crossing Advisors, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary and affiliated SEC Registered Investment Adviser of Stifel Financial Corp (NYSE: SF). Registration with the SEC implies no level of sophistication in investment management.

Disclosures

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 forecast 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. Changes in market conditions or a company’s financial condition may impact a company’s ability to continue to pay dividends, and companies may also choose to discontinue dividend payments. 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. Bond laddering does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. 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. Changes in market conditions or a company’s financial condition may impact a company’s ability to continue to pay dividends, and companies may also choose to discontinue dividend payments.

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.

The securities discussed in this material were selected due to recent changes in the strategies. This selection criterion is not based on any measurement of performance of the underlying security.

Washington Crossing Advisors, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary and affiliated SEC Registered Investment Adviser of Stifel Financial Corp (NYSE: SF). Registration with the SEC implies no level of sophistication in investment management.