Practice news
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Market & Economic Update
At konvergent wealth partners it is important to us that you are well informed about what’s happening in the markets. Here are a few of the key topics of conversation that we feel deserve the most attention this month. If you have any questions or would like to continue the conversation, let us know, and we appreciate the opportunity.
Markets Rally as the Global Economy Slows at a Dramatic Pace.
What’s going on? The global economy has quickly come to a standstill as efforts to fight the novel COVID-19 virus have continued. Unemployment numbers crushed previous records, with more than 20 million people filing jobless claims in a four-week span during March and early April. Businesses deemed non-essential closed their doors as the demand for consumer discretionary items has disappeared. Credit markets quickly responded to investor’s increased appetites for investment-grade or better fixed income securities, and their yields have indiscriminately fallen, diminishing forward expected returns in the process. Bonds with a rating below investment grade saw their yields move higher, as the COVID-19 induced selloff in combination with oil price wars between Russia and OPEC members all but diminished demand for those investments overnight. In response to all these points, both fiscal and monetary relief packages were deployed by the Treasury and the Federal Reserve to the tune of four trillion dollars and counting. The S&P 500 fell -33.8% on a total return basis from its peak on February 19th through March 23rd, marking the fastest bear-market decline in the history of the index (1). However, the S&P 500 subsequently rallied back more than 24% in 16 trading days. The week ending on April 9th returned 12.1% on a total return basis for its best week since 1974 (2).
Why is it important? The classic philosopher Socrates once wrote, “one thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing.” Most investors are feeling that way at this time as economic data, historic Federal Reserve and Treasury intervention, and continuously revised COVID-19 information has sent the market on a rollercoaster ride with limited historical events for comparison. What many fail to realize is that markets are inherently forward looking while economic data is inherently backward-looking. Initial statistical models showed a wide range of potential outcomes for the status of American healthcare, ranging from absolute devastation to only minor damage. As the scope of those models began to remove the most negative assumptions due to revised data, investors feel the economy has a higher probability of recovering at a faster rate than previously stated.
What do we think about its potential impact? Although markets have rallied from their lows on March 23rd, almost every major index that we track is still below its long-term average and has moved out of technically oversold territory. The combination of the two, as well as other unknowns such as when the economy will open again, could be a signal that there is more volatility ahead. One thing is for sure; the future remains very much uncertain.
The month ahead: For us to feel confident in a sustained recovery, we will first need to see the confidence in the US’s ability to contain the coronavirus. If we can achieve that, then we will have a much greater understanding of how severe the current economic conditions are and could potentially become. We will be looking at government leadership in this capacity. Furthermore, earnings and economic data will add greater visibility as to what extent the economic damage has already been priced into the markets.
The bottom line: The famed investor Howard Marks wrote in his recent memo that “the investor’s goal should be to make a large number of good buys, not just a few perfect ones.” Developing a rules-based strategy for your investments, which eliminates emotion from allocation decisions, is a huge advantage during big market swings as it empowers you to avoid the temptation of attempting to perfectly time the market and instead sets you up with a consistent roadmap. We are in unchartered territory when it comes to the economy and markets, and we very well could see markets recover before the economy. However, there is a significant amount of information that will have to be gathered before we reach that point, and we will continue to monitor the data as it arrives.
(2) https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/09/stock-market-today-live.html
konvergent wealth partners and Integrated Financial Partners are registered as an investment advisor with the SEC and only transacts business in states where it is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Homer Smith is a private wealth advisor affiliated with Integrated and also only transacts business in states where he is properly registered or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment advisor or financial advisor does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the advisor has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of Homer Smith as of the date of publication and are subject to change and do not constitute personalized investment advice. Mr. Smith should be consulted before implementing any of the strategies presented. No content should be construed as an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell anything mentioned herein. Neither Integrated nor Mr. Smith represents, warrants, or implies that the services or methods of analysis employed by the it or Mr. Smith can or will predict future results, successfully identify market tops or bottoms, or insulate clients from losses due to market corrections or declines. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this webinar serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Integrated or Mr. Smith. Investments are subject to market risks and potential loss of principal invested, and all investment strategies likewise have the potential for profit or loss. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and therefore can be no assurance that any specific investment will either be suitable or profitable for a client’s portfolio. There are also no assurances that any portfolio will match or outperform any particular benchmark.