Birthday Week

WEEKLY MARKET UPDATE – July 12, 2021

Markets were mixed this week, with the S&P 500 reaching new all-time highs. Economic data was mixed, as PMI data in the services sector disappointed, but manufacturing PMI data came in at expectations. Both readings remain firmly in expansionary territory. Unemployment claims came in slightly above expectations, but still appear to be trending downward as the economic recovery soldiers on. Overall, the economy is well-positioned to continue recovering from pandemic lockdowns. New COVID-19 infections remain low in spite of concerns over more infectious strains of the virus.

Overseas, developed markets outperformed emerging markets, with both indices returning negative performance. European indices were mostly negative, while Japanese markets returned positive performance for the week. Improving prospects against the pandemic as well as improved prospects for economic recovery should continue to help lift markets globally over time.

Markets were mixed this week as investors continue to assess the state of the global economy. While fears concerning global stability and health appear to be in decline, the recent volatility serves as a great reminder of why it is so important to remain committed to a long-term plan and maintain a well-diversified portfolio. When stocks were struggling to gain traction last month, other asset classes such as gold, REITs, and US Treasury bonds proved to be more stable. Flashy news headlines can make it tempting to make knee-jerk decisions, but sticking to a strategy and maintaining a portfolio consistent with your goals and risk tolerance can lead to smoother returns and a better probability of long-term success.

Chart of the Week

Interest rate traders have begun to speculate that the Fed will not be able to hit its target interest rates. After a strong recovery in the implied Fed terminal interest rates in the second half of 2020 and the first quarter of 2021, markets now are beginning to anticipate interest rates falling further.

Market Update

Equities

Broad market equity indices finished the week mixed, with major large-cap indices outperforming small-cap. Economic data has been most encouraging, but the global recovery has a long way to go to recover from COVID-19 lockdowns.

S&P sectors were mixed this week. Real estate and consumer discretionary outperformed, returning 2.64% and 1.45% respectively. Financials and energy underperformed, posting -0.63% and -3.41% respectively. Energy maintains its lead in 2021 with a 39.59% return.

Commodities

Oil fell slightly this week as crude oil inventories shrunk more than expected. Energy markets have been highly volatile in the COVID era, but it appears that rising prices may be more of the norm given recent market fundamentals. Demand is still low compared to early 2020, but as global economies are continuing to open up, oil consumption is recovering rapidly. On the supply side, operating oil rigs are still well under early 2020 numbers, but trending upwards. In addition to supply and demand, a volatile dollar is likely to have a large impact on commodity prices. A developing new dimension in the oil markets is the current impasse at OPEC. There is disagreement amongst the oil cartel members about how much the respective members will be able to increase production and any agreement is currently being held up. The outcome of this situation could have a dramatic impact on oil prices.

Gold rose this week as the U.S. dollar weakened. Gold is a common “safe haven” asset, typically rising during times of market stress. Focus for gold has shifted again to include not just global macroeconomics surrounding COVID-19 damage and recovery efforts, but also inflation and its possible impact on U.S. dollar value.

Bonds

Yields on 10-year Treasuries fell this week from 1.4238 to 1.3595 while traditional bond indices rose. Treasury yield movements reflect the general risk outlook and tend to track overall investor sentiment. Expected increases in future inflation risk have helped elevate yields since the pandemic era’s lows rates. Treasury yields will continue to be a focus as analysts watch for signs of changing market conditions.

High-yield bonds rose this week as spreads loosened. High-yield bonds are likely to remain more stable in the short to intermediate-term as the Fed has adopted a remarkably accommodative monetary stance and major economic risk factors subside, likely helping stabilize volatility.

The stock market is filled with individuals who know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.”

– Phillip Fisher

FormulaFolios Indicators

FormulaFolios has two simple indicators we share that help you see how the economy is doing (we call this the Recession Probability Index, or RPI), as well as if the US Stock Market is strong (bull) or weak (bear).

In a nutshell, we want the RPI to be low on a scale of 1 to 100.  For the US Equity Bull/Bear indicator, we want it to read at least 66.67% bullish. When those two things occur, our research shows market performance is typically stronger, with less volatility.

The Recession Probability Index (RPI) has a current reading of 20.19, forecasting a lower potential for an economic contraction (warning of recession risk). The Bull/Bear indicator is currently 100% bullish, meaning the indicator shows there is a slightly higher than average likelihood of stock market increases in the near term (within the next 18 months).

It can be easy to become distracted from our long-term goals and chase returns when markets are volatile and uncertain. It is because of the allure of these distractions that having a plan and remaining disciplined is mission-critical for long-term success. Focusing on the long run can help minimize the negative impact emotions can have on your portfolio and increase your chances for success over time.

The Week Ahead

This week sees multiple high-impact economic releases, including CPI, retail sales, PPI, and consumer sentiment. Additionally, Fed Chair Powell will be testifying before the Senate banking committee.

More to come soon. Stay tuned.

-Joshua Grow, MBA