Expectations and Cycles
Surveys of consumers and businesses reveal a sense of unease about the future. Despite relatively full values for stocks, bonds, and real estate, there seems to be a good deal of uncertainty and worry about what comes next. The University of Michigan’s consumer expectations survey is near lows not seen since 2008, and small business confidence is declining toward levels last seen at the start of the pandemic (chart below).
Chart A
Consumer and Small Business Confidence
The “Cycle”
There are many cycles in markets. The business cycle, inventory cycle, accounting cycle, and capital investment cycle are a few, but the list goes on and on. Many sought to describe various cycles before, each with a slightly different take on the story. The basic idea is that crises are periodic. They come and go again with some regularity as economic conditions move from boom to bust and back again.
Economists have long sought to describe and explain the stages and causes of the cycle. Irving Fisher, for example, advanced in the 1930s a Debt-Deflation Theory to try and describe the happenings of the 1920s and 1930s. John Maynard Keynes laid out his theory of the business cycle, drawing on his understanding of the macroeconomy throughout his life. Ludwig von Mises laid out his Theory of Money and Credit in the 1950s. Many others saw similar patterns in economic life, each adding something to the conversation to better understand economic life.
We are not economists, yet we are familiar with cycles and have our own understanding based on what we have seen in our lifetimes. As we emerge from the pandemic-driven environment of 2020-2021, we see that conditions are changing. Importantly, we note that inflation is running hotter than expected (up 8% from a year ago), and the central bank is beginning to tighten monetary policy.
While we cannot know with certainty what lies ahead, we are interested in thinking about what might come next. What plausible outcomes should we consider at this point? In our experience, the business cycle does seem to recur and often generates results different than what might be regarded as the “consensus view.” What follows is our own highly stylized image of a typical cycle with pieces borrowed liberally from economists like those highlighted above.
A “Stylized” Cycle
| Stage | Description |
| Seeds of Inflation | The government, working through the central bank, engages in policies designed to encourage expansion of the economy, jobs, and credit. Everything seems to be working just fine. |
| Feeling Alright | Asset prices rise, and the stock market goes through a bull market. This is when the investing public “feels alright,” but those not invested may feel they have “missed the boat.” |
| Aches and Pains | Eventually, consumer prices will catch up, and debts mount. This can cause some “aches and pains,” which tend to foreshadow higher interest rates and lower government deficits. |
| Exhaustion | The bull market tires and loses momentum at the end of the inflationary cycle. Inflation hedges like hard assets, gold, or other commodities may become more attractive. |
| Applying the Brakes | The central bank applies the brakes, typically failing to engineer the fabled “soft-landing.” Immediately, interest and capital costs rise, liquidity recedes, and a credit crunch may ensue. |
| What Was That? | As markets become more volatile, many become surprised by events and the future seems very uncertain. Typically we see the liquidity drying up, stocks under pressure, commodity prices dropping, and recession worries increasing. Creditors and business owners pull in their horns and stop making loans and new investments. |
| Off a Cliff | Often, in this stage, credit growth slows or declines outright, unemployment rises, and the economy contracts further. It may even feel the economy has gone “off a cliff,” leaving some to doubt whether to hang on or get out of formerly profitable investments. |
| Silver Lining | We are ready to start a new cycle with market prices much lower. The correction in asset values has left prices depressed, creating a reason for at least a few brave investors to step in and begin to buy. This is the downturn’s “silver lining.” |
| To the Rescue | Under intense political pressure, policymakers unite and scramble to enact new tax cuts and spending initiatives. The central bank is also easing monetary policies to “jump-start” the economy and ease the public’s burden. By this point, exhaustion sets in, and public outcry for assistance is everywhere. |
| Full Circle | As the government and central bank intervene, sentiment improves, liquidity returns, the downturn ends, and an economic recovery begins anew. The cycle has come full circle, and a process of rebirth, renewal, and growth begins again. |
Conclusion
The cycle described above is a simple, highly stylized version of what we might reasonably expect from an economy as it moves from stage to stage. This is an imprecise and unscientific endeavor, and past performance does not indicate future results. Yet, we think we are well served by using our experience and imagination to think about what could happen next. With inflation high, the Federal Reserve removing at least some of the “punch” in the “punch bowl,” and asset valuations above average, we should start to think about the potential for some additional volatility.
At a deep level, it seems to us that cycles tend to emerge from disconnects between what is commonly expected and what can reasonably be delivered. If expectations are higher than what the economy can reasonably deliver, disappointment and corrections follow. A similar process unfolds in the opposite direction at cycle bottoms. At the turning points, overconfidence and a “herd” mentality often amplify the process. So, if history again repeats, we may find that the future looks different from what might otherwise be imagined today.
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
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Jeffrey Battipaglia
Client Portfolio Manager
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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.
