Week in Review
Click to download the PDF
Equity Markets:
The markets had a strong week and the S&P 500 briefly moved past the 4,200 mark; which has been a major topside level. The S&P finished the week up 1.6% while the NASDAQ extended its year-to-date spread finishing up 3%. Growth has outperformed Value in a large way this year1, reversing the Value trend last year.
95% of S&P 500 have reported earnings for the first quarter. 78% have beaten earnings expectations and 76% have beaten revenue expectations. Companies reporting an earnings surprise are above the 5 and 10-yr averages, 77% and 73% respectively2. This is in large part by the low expectations coming into the quarter. Analysts were anticipating a 6.7% earnings decline for the quarter, but the blended earnings growth has fared much better at -2.2%.
Fixed Income Markets:
Yields rose for the week as the bond market had a small sell-off on the heels of slowing talks on the debt ceiling. The 10-yr Treasury finished with the week 24 basis points higher, yielding 3.7%. The 1-year Treasury finished the week above 5%; continuing its climb to yields last seen over 20 years ago.
Federal Reserve Chairman, Jerome Powell, spoke at a conference last week. Some of his comments appeared to be more dovish than his post-FOMC press conference. The Fed will remain diligent in monitoring inflation, but it appears a pause could be the next action taken.
Economic:
The Conference Boards Leading Economic Index fell again in April, declining 0.6%. The NAHB Housing Market Index came in at 50. This is the first positive reading on the index since July of last year. Existing home sales fell 3.4% in April. Supply still remains tight, with a 2.9-month supply. A six-month supply is considered to be a balanced market, according to the National Association of Realtors3.
Looking Ahead
Equity Markets:
Corporations have shown their resilience this quarter. Earnings have come in much better than expected. Much of the leadership this year has been dominated by mega-cap technology companies. Large-cap growth has outperformed large-cap value by a roughly 18.5% margin1. Investors should remain diversified because, as we saw last year, style rotations can occur at any point. Over-exposure to current trends can leave a portfolio vulnerable and increase risks as the trend breaks down.
We still have high conviction that earnings and fundamentals will be the driving force for the markets this year. Staying disciplined in your long-term investment plan will help ride out any short-term volatility. There are a handful of external risks that could have short-term impacts on the markets, but we see these opportunities for a systematic rebalancing program to purchase assets that are indiscriminately sold off and present long-term opportunities.
Fixed Income Markets:
On Wednesday, the minutes from this month’s FOMC meeting will be released. The markets are hoping to find indications of a pause once the full minutes are released. Members of the Federal Reserve have some conflicting opinions on the need for further rate hikes. Some believe a pause is the best path, while others advocate for at least one more 25 basis point hike.
We believe the decision to pause or slightly raise rates again will have little impact on the fixed-income markets. The majority of the damage occurred last year, with a swift rise in rates in a matter of months. This is why we still believe the high on the 10-yr treasury from October will likely be the ultimate high for this cycle.
Economic:
This week’s economic big economic news will be at the end of the week. The Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index (PCE) will be released Friday morning. Also, on Friday, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index will report. The second estimate for first-quarter GDP will be released on Thursday.
Sources:
1)JP Morgan
2)FactSet
3)National Association of Realtors
https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-faded-3-4-in-april
Important Disclosures:
Investment Advisory Services offered through Krilogy®, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Please review all prospectuses and Krilogy’s Form ADV 2A carefully prior to investing. This is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein. An offering is made only by a prospectus to individuals who meet minimum suitability requirements.
All expressions of opinion are subject to change. This information is distributed for educational purposes only, and it is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, recommendation, or endorsement of any particular security, products, or services.
Diversification does not eliminate the risk of market loss. Investments involve risk and unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Investors should understand the risks involved of owning investments, including interest rate risk, credit risk and market risk. Investment risks include loss of principal and fluctuating value. There is no guarantee an investing strategy will be successful. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Indices are not available for direct investment; therefore, their performance does not reflect the expenses associated with the management of an actual portfolio. The S&P data is provided by Standard & Poor’s Index Services Group.
Services and products offered through Krilogy® are not insured and may lose value. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial advisor and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein.
