Here We Go Again?

May 13, 2019|1:29pm

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For those of you keeping score at home, the S&P 500 is in the midst of the second longest stretch without a 3% correction in the last 10 years (source: Ned Davis Research Group). Although the action was certainly exciting at times last week, that streak remains intact as the S& closed Thursday down just 2.55% from the recent high and rose 0.4% on Friday. And based on the action in the early going, it appears that the bears will make another attempt to push lower again this morning.

Granted, it took some impressive “dip buying” to keep the market out of the -3% correction zone last week as both Thursday and Friday saw pretty big intraday reversals. But the bottom line is the current pullback can so far be categorized as garden variety.

Yet the recent volatility does not allow pundits to sow seeds of fear by pronouncing that the next big, bad, decline is just around the corner. And with the memories of the market’s Q4 frightening market hysterics still fresh, investors can’t be blamed for worrying that something ugly is about to happen again.

Pullbacks vs. Bears

At this stage of the game, it is important to recognize that trade news alone isn’t likely to cause the type of devastation that tends to occur in bear markets. And so far at least, the action doesn’t even resemble the near-bear seen at the end of last year. Hedge funds aren’t blowing up and causing forced selling. The Fed isn’t on the warpath. The economy isn’t in bad shape. Inflation isn’t a problem. And valuations aren’t extraordinary relative to the last twenty years.

To borrow an argument made by Leon Cooperman on Friday, the conditions for an important top in the stock market just aren’t present at the current time. So, unless things change, investors should probably view the current sloppy action as a normal pullback and act accordingly.

Remember, history (and the database at Ned Davis Research Group) reminds us that corrections are normal. In fact, the S&P 500 has, on average, experienced corrections of at least 5% more than three times a year and has seen at least one decline of 10% or more in any given year. Thus, the current pullback of -2.5% on a closing basis and -4.35% on an intraday basis doesn’t appear to be anything out of the ordinary. Well, at least at this stage.

The question, of course, is if the decline will worsen. As you are likely aware, history shows that the biggest and baddest stock market declines tend to be accompanied by a recession in the U.S. And since there has been a lot of talk about the state of the economy since last fall, I thought it might be time to check in on NDR’s U.S. Recession Probability Model.

This model uses a regression of state coincident indexes from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. The state indices combine nonfarm employment, average manufacturing hours worked, the unemployment rate, and real wages/salaries. The idea is to look at the “health” of the state economies in order to get a feel for the state of the overall economy.

As the chart below shows, the odds of a recession in the near term remain very low – at least as far as the health of state economies are concerned.


Another way to look at the probability of recession is through the lens of the yield curve. The thinking here is that when yields on longer-term bonds (typically the U.S. 10-Year) fall below short-term yields (typically the 2-year), it means the bond market is worried about economic growth.

There has been MUCH discussion on this topic lately as the yield curve has long been viewed as a strong predictor of recessions. The key is that some versions of the yield curve have briefly inverted – yet others have not. But as the chart below shows, there can be no arguing that the risks associated with the flattening yield curve are on the rise.


However, it is also important to take note of the red arrows on the chart. The bottom line is that a flattening or inverted yield curve does not always mean a recession is likely in the near future.

Back to Trade

To be sure, headlines on the state of trade negotiations with China have driven stock prices of late and will again today as there is word that the Chinese are talking about dumping U.S. Treasury Bonds. And I think everybody will agree than a protracted trade war would be negative for all parties involved as well as the global economy. Yet, with negotiations ongoing, the market appears to be thinking that a deal will get done at some point.

Another thought is to calculate how the current tariffs would impact our economy if left in place for an extended period of time. According to Mr. Cooperman, this could knock 0.5% off GDP, add to inflation measures, and cut $5 from S&P 500 earnings. And according to Cooperman’s back-of-the-napkin analysis, $5 times a 17 multiple equals 85 S&P points, which is about the size of the decline we’ve seen so far.

My Models Suggest…

While it is fun to prognosticate what is likely to occur on the economic/earnings/inflation/yield fronts, I’m not a fan of making predictions about what is going to happen next in Ms. Market’s game. No, I prefer to try and stay in tune with what IS happening now.

It is for this reason that I rely on a myriad of indicators/models to suggest what is actually going on in the market. So, my final point on this fine Monday morning is that in order to get a feel for the big-picture market backdrop, it is a good idea to review the fundamentals. And it is precisely for this reason that we built our Fundamental Indicators scoreboard.


As you can see from the board, the “fundies” are in pretty good shape. Monetary conditions remain positive. The Economic composite suggests the economy is doing just fine. Earnings remain strong. Inflation is low. And Valuations are relatively neutral. So, as Mr. Cooperman pointed out last week, conditions are not set for a significant top in the stock market.

However, this does NOT mean that a “bad news panic” can’t occur/continue due to trade. No, the point is that the risk of a recession appears to be low and as such, any corrective action in the stock market is likely to be temporary.

Thought For The Day:

A smile is the lighting system of the face, the cooling system of the head and the heating system of the heart. – Unknown

All the best,
David D. Moenning
Chief Investment Officer

David D. Moenning

Disclosures

At the time of publication, Mr. Moenning and/or Redwood Wealth Management, LLC held long positions in the following securities mentioned: None

Note that positions may change at any time.


Disclosures

NOT INVESTMENT ADVICE. The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are those of Mr. David Moenning and may not actually come to pass. Mr. Moenning’s opinions and viewpoints regarding the future of the markets should not be construed as investment recommendations. The analysis and information in this report is for informational purposes only. No part of the material presented in this report is intended as an investment recommendation or investment advice. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation to purchase or sell securities or any investment program.

Any investment decisions must in all cases be made by the reader or by his or her investment adviser. Do NOT ever purchase any security without doing sufficient research. There is no guarantee that the investment objectives outlined will actually come to pass. All opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Neither the editor, employees, nor any of their affiliates shall have any liability for any loss sustained by anyone who has relied on the information provided.

Mr. Moenning may at times have positions in the securities referred to and may make purchases or sales of these securities while publications are in circulation. Positions may change at any time.

The analysis provided is based on both technical and fundamental research and is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Although the information contained is derived from sources which are believed to be reliable, they cannot be guaranteed.

Investments in equities carry an inherent element of risk including the potential for significant loss of principal. Past performance is not an indication of future results.

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