Two steps forward, one step back
March 31, 2015
The market’s intermittent upward movement was temporarily interrupted by last week’s 2.2% S&P 500 decline. This resulted in a so far meager 0.1% YTD increase which has been softened by the 3.3% year-to-date increase in the Nasdaq. From a technical perspective, the S&P 500 is below its 50-day moving average, while the Nasdaq is holding above its 50-day line.
The markets are dealing with a number of uncertainties: Flight 9525’s tragic demise, Greek finances, Middle East turmoil which includes a Saudi Arabian coalition bombing rebels in Yemen [what happened to US diplomacy’s shining “success”?], and the ongoing scramble to reach a nuclear pact with Iran. This constantly changing potpourri will continue to foment market volatility.
Finally, the passing of Lee Kuan Yew deserves special mention. He seemingly willed his post-colonial city state from poverty to prominence. He did not embrace Western political principals, but combined autocracy with meritocracy, the rule of law, and intolerance for corruption. The result is an economic miracle: Singapore boasts the world’s second largest port, a celebrated airline with 15 million visitors a year and a per capita income of over $50,000 [the highest in Asia].
“Behind every successful man stands a surprised mother-in-law.” – Voltaire
Dollar Strength
March 23, 2015
Last week, both stock and bond markets advanced. For the week, the S&P 500 was up 2.67% closing at 2,108, while the DJIA was up 2.18% finishing at 18,128. International markets fared a little better as the MSCI EAFE finished up 4.02%, while the MSCI EM was up 3.21% for the week. The 10 year U.S. Treasury closed the week at a yield of 1.93% which was down from 2.13% the week prior. The most important economic news this week came from Wednesday’s Fed Meeting. As expected, the Fed removed the word “patience” from its post-meeting statement while also lowering its longer term unemployment rate projection to 5.1%. While this might allow more leeway in delaying a Fed Funds rate hike, we still believe we will see a rate increase at some point in 2015.
The dollar has appreciated 12% against the euro so far this year and 5.3% against the WSJ Dollar Index (as shown in the chart below). The strength in the dollar is negatively affecting the earnings of U.S. companies that generate a large proportion of their earnings from overseas. As a result, analysts are starting to reduce profit forecasts for the S&P 500. Last September, analysts were projecting profits to increase by 9.5% in the first quarter and 11.6% for the full year. Now they are expecting first quarter profits to fall by 4.9% and only increase by 2.1% for the year.
“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest steppingstones to success.” – Dale Carnegie
March Madness …
March 16, 2015
March madness is upon us – excitement, victory, and heartbreak … not unlike the markets!
Markets were quite volatile last week as they dropped for the third week in a row as pallid economic data and declining oil prices rattled investors. A slew of less-than-expected economic data hit the markets last week: U.S. retail sales fell for the third straight month, the Produce Price Index (PPI) fell 0.5% in February against an expected gain of 0.3%, Consumer Sentiment came in at 91.2 against an expected reading of 95, mortgage applications fell in early March, and oil prices plummeted to a nearly 6-year low. Perhaps the weather impacted a number of these data points, but it is tough to be encouraged by the overall tone of announcements. But all is not lost … a few positives from the markets and economy last week include initial jobless claims of 289,000 in early March along with relatively strong earnings reports. Most S&P 500 companies have reported quarterly earnings, and 68% of companies have reported better-than-expected results.
For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished at 17,749 to close down 0.56%. The broader-based S&P 500 closed at 2,053 for a loss of 0.80% for the week. The Nasdaq Composite closed the week at 4,872 for a drop of 1.10%. International markets fared even worse as the Dow Jones Global (ex US) Index dropped 2.06% for the week. The 10-year Treasury closed the week at a yield of 2.13% (down from 2.24% the prior week) as bond prices rose due to falling oil prices, troubles in the Eurozone and abnormally low yields overseas.
As always, we urge investors not to get caught up in the day-to-day noise of the markets. Instead, focus on long-term goals, and enjoy the gift of each day. Spring is almost here …
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
“Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.” – John Wooden
What Is Your Investment Philosophy?
March 10, 2015
Would you say you are a trader? I am venturing to guess … “Probably not”. Are you a long-term investor? You would probably say … “Yes, I am”. Some espouse the belief that they invest for the long-term, but get caught up in day to day information that might affect their investments. The old salt about the three principals of investing are patience, patience, and patience. But do you believe that? All of us can get caught up in our emotions of fear and greed when it comes to our own money. When the market is doing nicely (what were you thinking on October 9th 2007?), do you want to put more money into stocks or buy some speculative high flyers? When “Mr. Market” falls over 10% (which history tells us is long overdue…) or is in the midst of a recession will you be scared and want to sell some or even panic and sell all your holdings? These feelings are certainly universal, but try not to get carried away by the feelings of the moment.
We believe strongly in a true long-term approach. It is imperative to know what you are investing in, but don’t be swayed into a rash decision by current news stories. When you saw the Dow Jones index down 279 points on Friday, what was your reaction? Were you scared, did you think it could be an opportunity, or did you look at it as just another day? Your answer is critical to your success. On the other hand, you might want to let your financial advisor deal with the feelings of fear and greed. No, this is not a plug!
To be sure, there is good and bad news (and a lot of noise in today’s era of 24hr News Channels and Twitter…) that affect us all, i.e. the horrors of the Middle East, oil prices, new pharmaceutical drugs that could make a stock soar, etc.. Heck, today (March 9th) marks the 6 year anniversary of when the world finished “ending” (S&P 500 bottomed at 677 on March 9th, 2009 foretelling the end of the “Great Recession”). As you can see in the chart below, the market sold off sharply in 2008, but now has been up six consecutive years. How do these facts affect your thinking? Much of the time it should not lead to a buy or sell decision.
Enjoy your spring!
“Investing should be more like watching paint dry or watching grass grow. If you want excitement, take $800 and go to Las Vegas.” – Paul Samuelson
Markets Take A T.O.
March 2, 2015
Markets returns were mixed last week, with strong earnings and guidance from some well established U.S. companies [Lowe’s (L), Home Depot (HD), Macy’s (M) to name a few] offsetting weaker economic news and lower oil. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Fed Chair Janet Yellen delivered her semiannual economic and policy report to Congress. The Fed will continue to be patient for an interest rate increase while also expressing confidence in the economic strength and employment recovery. On Friday, according to the Commerce Department (see chart below), 4th Qtr. GDP was revised to 2.2% which was weaker than the 2.6% estimate last month. For 2014 as a whole, GDP expanded 2.4%, slightly better than 2.2% average during the 2010-2013 recovery.
For the week, the S&P 500 finished at 2,105, down -0.24% after three straight weeks of positive performance while the DJIA finished up .02% to close at 18,133. International markets continued their upward trend as the MSCI EAFE returned 1.09% and MSCI EM gained 0.61% for the week. Interest rates finished mostly lower for the week as the yield on a 10yr Treasury is now 1.99%. Oil (WTI) finished at $49.60 a barrel which was down 3.1% for week.
While the Fed continues to contemplate a rate increase… when its does occur, it will be sure to bring with it market volatility and uncertainty. Historically speaking, equities have performed well at the start of rate hikes. We recommend investors continue to be globally diversified in-line with one’s long term objectives.
“Nothing so needs reforming as other people’s habits.” – Mark Twain
Funds Flowing Overseas
February 23, 2015
Last week, U.S. equity markets continued their advance with both the DJIA and the S&P 500 hitting record highs. For the week, the DJIA was up 0.71% and the S&P 500 increased by 0.68%. Growth stocks continue to lead value stocks helped by healthcare and technology. This week, look for economic reports on durable goods, CPI, and the second revision to GDP for the 4th quarter. CPI is estimated to be -0.7% driven by lower gasoline prices, and GDP numbers may be revised downward to 2.1% from 2.6%.
Bond prices slipped last week as the rate on the 10 year U.S. Treasury rose to 2.13% from 2.02% the previous week. However, lower inflation numbers will probably allow the Fed to take more time before beginning to raise interest rates this year.
Last year, international diversification was a drag on equity returns, but this year it is helping with the MSCI EAFE index up 5.37% and MSCI EM up 3.11% YTD (much better than US returns). International economies have stabilized and valuations are more attractive than in the U.S.. As a result, funds have started to flow into foreign equities.
(Click chart for additional information)
“Price is what you pay, value is what you get.” – Warren Buffett
Dollar Domination
February 18, 2015
The market extended last week’s rally, with the S&P up 2% and the Nasdaq advancing 3.1%. Both the Greek and the Ukraine difficulties induced mid-week volatility, but were [temporarily?] put on the back-burner by week’s end.
We expect that several unresolved financial issues will soon reappear on center stage: when [and at what pace] will the Fed start to raise rates? How much pressure will the stronger $ put on S&P earnings [currently below $120/share]? Will oil prices make new lows [as the still-rising production and inventories suggest] or stabilize at current levels [as the financial markets seem determined to effect]? Finally, will further European QE actions drive rates to even lower negative real-return levels?
What is certain is that the US economy is maintaining its forward momentum, and that the dollar bull market, as the following chart illustrates, has just gotten started:
“Writing is an act of invention” – David Carr
Back To Where We Started…
February 9, 2015
Markets rebounded nicely last week on the back of generally positive economic data. The DJIA closed at 17,824 for a weekly gain of 3.8% while the S&P 500 closed at 2055 for a gain of 3.0%… essentially wiping out January’s loss of 3.6% for the DJIA and 3.0% for the S&P 500. Bond yields moved higher as the 10 year Treasury closed the week with a yield of 1.94%. Crude prices moved higher by 7% due to increased tensions overseas and short-covering by traders. Crude closed at $51.69 per barrel. Good news out of China (lowering their reserve requirements) pushed international stocks higher as well.
61% of S&P 500 companies have reported 4th quarter earnings with 72% of those companies reporting better-than-expected earnings. So far, 4th quarter earnings have grown 4.6% on average. Friday’s January non-farm payrolls came in at 257,000… nicely ahead of an expected gain of 237,000. Along with robust jobs gains came an unexpected gain of 0.5% in wages. Lower oil and gas prices along with better jobs numbers and payroll gains should lead to healthy consumer spending as the year goes on.
Deteriorating news out of Greece will present headwinds for the markets in the week ahead. A debt downgrade along with indications that Greece will run out of money soon (thus defaulting on debt payments and not having funds to pay pensioners) will certainly weigh on markets going forward. We continue to expect increased volatility in the weeks ahead.
“If you want to see the sunshine, you have to weather the storm.” – Frank Lane
NDS Weekly Commentary 2/2/2015
February 2, 2015
Stocks reversed course last week after a choppy week of trading due to mixed earnings, dollar strength, plunging oil, and the release of the Federal Reserve minutes. The U.S. economy continues to make steady improvement despite weaker than expected 2014 GDP numbers of 2.4% (see chart below). The personal consumption data (4.6% for the 4th qtr.) in Friday’s GDP report shows that consumers are in fact spending, due to lower prices at the pump and a surge in hiring (despite low wage growth).
For the week, the S&P 500 finished lower by 2.75% while the DJIA was down 2.83%. Smaller US companies measured by the Russell 2000 fared a little better, but were still down 1.96% for the week. International markets continue to outperform their US-based counterparts as the MSCI EAFE was down 0.25% for the week. Emerging Markets did not fare as well as the MSCI EM was down 2.94% for the week (but still remains positive for the year up 0.61%). Rates continued their move lower as the 10 yr. US Treasury finished at a yield of 1.68%.
We continue to expect volatility as we are in the thick of earnings season. Congratulations to Patriot’s Nation!! As the great Bill Belichick says, “Ignore the noise”; in our case, we suggest not reading too much into the day to day movements in the market.
“We’re on to Cincinnati.” – Bill Belichick
Bad News Equals Good News?
April 6, 2015
The markets shrugged off what was mostly disappointing economic news to finish slightly higher for the week. Headlining the negative news were weak employment and manufacturing numbers while geopolitical tensions continue to persist despite a tentative agreement with Iran on their nuclear program. Details from last week’s Labor Department report showed nonfarm payroll jobs grew only 126,000 in March (far fewer than expected which marked the smallest gain since Dec. 2013), a continued dip in workforce participation, and unemployment steady at 5.5%. ISM Manufacturing and factory orders were also reported last week showing a slowing pace of growth in the manufacturing sector … consistent with other indicators from the past few weeks (Durable Goods Orders). All of this seemingly negative news will likely push out the next Fed rate hike (good news for equity investors).
For the week, the S&P500 finished up 0.58% closing at 2,067 while the DJIA was up 0.53% finishing at 17,763. Smaller US companies measured by the Russell 2000 finished up 1.99% which continues to be aided by a stronger US Dollar. International markets also had a positive week, with the MSCI EAFE finishing up slightly at 0.01% and MSCI EM up 3.20%. The yield on the 10yr Treasury finished lower this week at a yield of 1.92%.
This past Tuesday marked the end of the 1st quarter which means two things: 1) Our Investment Committee at ND&S is putting the finishing touches on our 2015 1st Qtr Newsletter. 2) The Azaleas will be in full bloom at Augusta National Golf Club as The Master’s begins this Thursday.
Happy Spring!
“You swing your best when you have the fewest things to think about.”– Bobby Jones