Party Like It’s 1999.99
Doug Walters
Stocks touched a 2 month high with the S&P 500 closing just below the symbolically important 2000 level.
Market Review
Contributed by Doug Walters , Alan Leist, III
Risky business
The ever escalating political fireworks were largely ignored by the stock market this week, as risk assets stayed in favor, buoyed by positive job creation and an upbeat economic assessment laid out in the Fed’s beige book. Negotiations to cut output continued amongst certain OPEC members and other major oil producing nations, helping to firm up oil prices. With commodities in general on the rise, Emerging Markets have been a particular benefactor.
Dirty rotten scoundrels
Super Tuesday and the debates that surrounded it escalated the political rhetoric (and insults) amongst presidential hopefuls. Trump was accused of being a con man, but he was not the only one. Brazil’s former president was detained this week while the current President Dilma Rousseff is facing impeachment charges, both being accused of corruption. Stocks cheered the move with the Brazilian market one of the best performing of the week.
With this week’s move, the S&P 500 has erased most of the losses of the first two weeks, and is now down just 2% on the year.
Rocky
With this week’s move, the S&P 500 has erased most of the losses of the first two weeks, and is now down just 2% on the year. We believe investors should come to expect this volatility. The uncertain political landscape will be with us for some time, and while the U.S. economy remains resilient, much of the rest of the world is still seeking a recipe for recovery. Investors can benefit from this rocky road, through diligent stock selection and patient rebalancing.
| Indices & Price Returns | Week (%) | Year (%) |
|---|---|---|
| S&P 500 | 2.7 | -2.2 |
| S&P 400 (Mid Cap) | 4.4 | 0 |
| Russell 2000 (Small Cap) | 4.3 | -4.7 |
| MSCI EAFE (Developed International) | 3.4 | -6.1 |
| MSCI Emerging Markets | 5.4 | -1.8 |
| S&P GSCI (Commodities) | 2.4 | -1.4 |
| Gold | 2.9 | 18.8 |
| MSCI U.S. REIT Index | 3.6 | -0.3 |
| Barclays Int Govt Credit | -0.4 | 1.2 |
| Barclays US TIPS | 0.2 | 2.6 |
Economic Commentary
It’s the Economy
Job numbers reported Friday came in much stronger than expected, albeit with a decline in wages and hours worked. Companies have decided to hire more, but on a part time basis with less pay. The best sectors for prospective employees have been healthcare, retail, restaurants, education and construction while manufacturers cut jobs in February. Mining, which includes oil & gas, has of course been the worst sector with job cuts for the past 17 months. The job market is going through a rotation with wages lagging behind.
Evidence on the Ground
Cheap gasoline, easy credit and an improving job market has led to growth in car sales. In fact, US carmakers posted their best February sales number since 2001. Part of this was due to an extra day in the month and pent up demand from a January blizzard but the numbers do indicate confidence from consumers.
- Light trucks and SUVs combined have outsold cars for 30 months in a row with the larger vehicles making up 60% of total vehicle sales last month. With sub $2 gasoline nationally, this trend is likely to continue.
Week Ahead
Contributed by Aaron Evans
Big Government
In a calm week domestically, attention turns overseas where the annual session of China’s National People’s Congress, an almost 3,000 member legislative body, opens in Beijing next week.
- The annual NPC sessions and presentation of a new five year plan should provide insight as to how political leaders will address China’s slowing pace of economic growth and recent job losses.
Traveling Circus
With Super Tuesday in the past, another round of 12 states and territories will hold primaries and caucuses next including the candidates target dentation, the District of Columbia.
- Another round of debates is also on tap with both the GOP and Democratic contenders squaring off in Miami.
Strategy Update
Contributed by David Lemire , Max Berkovich
Strategic Asset Allocation
Back in line
Stronger returns from risk markets coupled with some recent buying have pushed overall asset allocations back to target ranges. Gold has lead the way this year, approaching a near 20% gain thus far, although its overall portfolio impact remains small due to position sizing. International markets also have helped as recent currency headwinds shifted to tailwinds.
- Our core equity positions continue to dig out from a tough start to the year as they approach break even. Turning to the bond side, TIPS have been a pleasant surprise with the broad market recently hitting a 9-month high on the back of an almost 4% gain since mid-December.
Goldilocks Returns
Friday’s jobs report triggered the fairy tale references as a not too hot, not too cold job market could forestall the next rate increase. For now, we don’t anticipate any material alterations to portfolios. Cash levels have declined slightly but we continue to maintain some dry powder should any dislocations occur.
Strategic Growth
Cost to Cost
Energy and Technology sectors took the lead this week while the consumer sectors and health care sector jostled for bottom finish. Speaking of the consumer…
- Warehouse club Costco Wholesale Corp. (COST) reported a mixed quarter, results fell short of consensus, but comparable sales were strong despite the impact of currency and gas prices. A day later the company announced it will raise wages for its employees. The company is giving a raise of 2.5% to workers, while stockholders were told to expect earnings to be a penny or two lighter for the next 3 quarters as a result.
Strategic Equity Income
Bucking the trend
Utilities and Health Care stocks were laggards, after being leaders most of this year. Financials had a strong week but it was the Industrials that ultimately prospered. One stock was clearly a stag…
- Deere & Co. (DE) had no notable news out on the tape, but the stock had a terrific week. It may have more to do with other machinery stocks, but the story is similar. The global slowdown has weighed on the space and earnings may be pressured, but enough is enough. The stocks may have become too cheap. Time will tell if this is an infliction point for the stock.
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