Main financial assets discussed:
- Inflation
- Interest rates
- Treasury yields
- Medical Properties Trust (MPW)
- S&P 500 (SPY)
Top 3 key points:
1. Negative real rates have been the norm for the past two decades, but currently, we likely have positive real rates. It is important to use the right measurement periods to evaluate real rates accurately.
2. Inflation should be defined more precisely, and the use of trailing data for housing in inflation indexes can lead to underestimation or overestimation of market price changes.
3. The Federal Reserve may raise rates again, driven by the desire to maintain a tough image and the market's optimism about a no-recession scenario. However, strong real economic growth is unlikely.
Recommended actions: **Hold**
Main financial assets discussed:
- Government debt
- Gold
- Precious metals mining stocks
- Equities
Top 3 key points:
1. Fiscal dominance among major developed economies has led to an escalating debt burden, with government spending representing a substantial percentage of nominal GDP.
2. The US government is issuing a significant amount of debt, while the Federal Reserve is shrinking its balance sheet assets, leading to a rise in the cost of debt.
3. Inflation is expected to increase in the near future, driven by underlying structural issues such as wage-price spirals, supply constraints, government spending, and deglobalization trends.
Recommended actions:
- **Buy gold** as an escape valve and hedge against the deteriorating debt problem.
- Consider investing in **precious metals mining stocks** as they are poised to benefit from increased demand for metals and potential M&A activity.
- Be cautious with **equities**, particularly highly valued tech megacap stocks, as the market is overvalued and there is a risk of a severe economic downturn. Consider short opportunities in the equity market.
### Summary
Investor Jeremy Grantham warns that the U.S. will experience a recession next year due to the Federal Reserve's interest rate hikes and unsustainable asset prices.
### Facts
- Grantham believes the Fed's previous predictions and actions have been wrong, and it has failed to predict recessions in the past.
- He argues that the economy is still feeling the impact of the Fed's interest rate hikes, which are increasing borrowing costs and depressing real estate prices.
- Grantham criticizes the Fed for stimulating asset price bubbles with low interest rates and aggressive purchases of securities.
- He predicts that the unsustainable growth in asset prices and a lack of investment in key raw materials will lead to a recession.
- Economist David Rosenberg shares Grantham's bearish outlook and warns of headwinds to the U.S. economy, including China's economic issues and the end of the U.S. student debt relief program.
- Both Grantham and Rosenberg have had to push back their recession predictions but remain convinced that rising interest rates will eventually lead to an economic downturn.
### Summary
The global financial markets are facing multiple challenges, including the crisis in the Chinese property market, rising U.S. bond yields, and declining U.K. retail sales, causing concerns among investors.
### Facts
- 📉 The Chinese property market crisis, combined with Country Garden's bond payment suspension, raises concerns about China's real estate sector.
- 🌧️ U.K. retail sales fell by 1.2% in July, dampening sentiment.
- 🌎 The global markets are experiencing a "perfect storm" due to surging interest rates, weak economic data in China, summer liquidity issues, and a lack of fiscal stimulus.
- 💼 Barclays suggests employing a "barbell" investment strategy, focusing on both cyclical and defensive stocks with a value tilt.
- 💸 The upcoming Jackson Hole symposium and flash PMI readings will provide further insight into the market's direction.
- ⬇️ David Roche from Independent Strategy warns that markets may face a significant downside if geopolitical and macroeconomic risks are fully priced in.
### Summary
The US economy and markets appear to be in good shape, with a strong stock market, low inflation, and low unemployment. However, there are potential risks on the horizon, including the impact of the Federal Reserve's monetary tightening, supply and labor shocks from the pandemic, political polarization, and the possibility of another government shutdown. While the overall outlook for investing remains uncertain, it's important for investors to prepare for any eventuality.
### Facts
- The US stock market is close to its 2022 peak, inflation is less severe than a year ago, and the economy remains strong with low unemployment.
- The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by 5 percentage points, which could lead to economic growth faltering.
- The US economy is facing supply and labor shocks from the pandemic and commodity shortages caused by Russia's war with Ukraine.
- Falling prices in China could contribute to disinflation in the US and elsewhere.
- Political polarization in the US and the possibility of another government shutdown could negatively impact the economy and markets.
- Despite the resilience and stability of the economy and markets, there are still risks to consider, including a crisis in commercial real estate and the potential for inflation to flare up again.
- Some economists and surveys predict a 50% probability of a recession occurring within the next 12 months.
- Investing should be based on a long-term outlook and a diversified portfolio, with cash on hand to cover expenses.
Note: Due to the nature of the text provided, some of the facts may be subjective or based on the author's opinion.
### Summary
📉 Americans could run out of savings as early as this quarter, according to a Fed study. Excess savings are likely to be depleted during the third quarter of 2023.
### Facts
- 💸 As of June, US households held less than $190 billion of aggregate excess savings.
- 💰 Excess savings refer to the difference between actual savings and the pre-recession trend.
- 🔎 San Francisco Fed researchers Hamza Abdelrahman and Luiz Oliveira estimate that these excess savings will be exhausted by the end of the third quarter of 2023.
- 💳 Americans are using their credit cards more, accumulating nearly $1 trillion of debt.
- 📉 The downbeat forecast raises concerns about the US economy as consumer spending is crucial for growth.
### Summary
The S&P 500 returns over the last one, five, and ten years are only slightly above their long-term averages, suggesting that the stock market is not unanchored from reality. However, the performance of long-term US Treasuries has been poor, with even 10-year Treasuries resulting in losses over the last five years. Slower economic growth may be on the horizon, but it remains uncertain whether it will be enough to bring down inflation rates.
### Facts
- The S&P 500 returns over the last one, five, and ten years are only slightly above their long-term averages.
- The performance of long-term US Treasuries has been weak, resulting in losses for investors even after accounting for coupon payments.
- Slower economic growth may be on the horizon, but it remains uncertain if it will bring down inflation rates.
- The nature of the stock market rally suggests that investors are still searching for buying opportunities rather than thinking about selling.
- Energy, industrials, and financials have become favored sectors, while technology stocks have started to decline.
- The Chinese economy is struggling, with retail sales and industrial production growth slowing down.
- The Federal Reserve has expressed concerns about inflation but also noted downside risks to the economy.
###
### Summary
Investors are looking to put their cash into junk assets as fears of a severe US recession recede, leading to increased demand for high-yield markets and borrowers taking advantage of refinancing and amend-and-extend transactions.
### Facts
- There is an excess demand for high-yield markets due to limited issuance, resulting in borrowers having more flexibility through refinancing and amend-and-extend transactions.
- The amount of high-yield credit due in 2025 has decreased by almost 12% since the start of 2023.
- US GDP growth is expected to increase, leading to Morgan Stanley lowering its base case for US junk and loan spreads.
- Safer companies are holding back from taking advantage of the rally, anticipating lower borrowing costs in the future.
- Risk appetite has softened due to concerns over higher interest rates, leading to a two-speed economy and potential challenges for companies with high levels of leverage.
- The private credit market set a record with the largest loan in its history, and several other notable financial transactions have taken place in the week.
- There have been personnel changes in various financial institutions, including Credit Suisse, Canada's Bank of Nova Scotia, and Santander.
Summary: Many pundits believe that rising interest rates are causing the decline in the market, but the author argues that this belief is false and that the market has ignored high rates in the past while still rallying. The author suggests that the recent decline could be attributed to public fear of UFOs and aliens or to the media's need to find any reason to blame for the decline, even if it lacks internal consistency. The author emphasizes the importance of not letting personal biases and opinions influence investment decisions, and instead relying on objective analysis, such as the Fibonacci Pinball method of applying Elliott Wave analysis. The market's next move will determine the direction for the rest of 2023, and investors should approach the market with an open mind.
A stock market rally is likely to occur in the near future, as recent data indicates that a bounce is expected after a period of selling pressure, with several sectors and markets reaching oversold levels and trading below their normal risk ranges. Additionally, analysis suggests that sectors such as Utilities, Consumer Staples, Real Estate, Financials, and Bonds, which have been underperforming, could provide upside potential in 2024 if there is a decline in interest rates driven by the Federal Reserve.
The stock market has been riding high in 2023, but recent market trends and uncertainties about interest rates and inflation have led to a pullback in August, leaving investors unsure about the future direction of the market. It is advised to stick to a long-term investment plan and remain focused on investment objectives and risk tolerance.
The market anticipates a 100 basis point interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve in 2024, with US 10-year yields falling and Fed funds futures indicating a lower path ahead of the Jackson Hole symposium, as US services PMI disappoints and US retailer Foot Locker warns on the consumer.
The cryptocurrency market is preparing for a potential larger financial event in September that could significantly impact Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and the wider digital asset landscape.
Stocks are overvalued and a recession is expected in the first half of next year, according to economist Steve Hanke. He predicts that inflation will cool, Treasury yields will fall, and house prices will remain stable.
The fundamentals and technicals support a demographically driven bull market in stocks until 2034, but potential risks include inflation, interest rate-induced debt crisis, and refinancing problems, which could lead to a drop in the stock market. Comparing the S&P 500's score in August 2023 to historical patterns, the market seems confident and not indicating an imminent debt crisis or severe recession. Credit spreads also appear tame compared to previous crisis periods. However, the article notes the possibility of abrupt changes in the market and encourages openness to a wide range of outcomes.
Summary: The article provides a brief overview of economic and financial indicators from the September 2nd, 2023 edition.
Investors are becoming increasingly nervous due to concerns about the Fed potentially increasing interest rates, as well as rising 10-year interest rates and the VIX, which may put pressure on stocks; however, there are also positive factors emerging, such as improving S&P 500 profit estimates and a shift away from data dependence by Fed officials, which suggests a better finish to September is probable.
U.S. stock investors are closely watching next week's inflation data, which may determine the future of the equity rally, as signs of a soft landing for the U.S. economy have contributed to the S&P 500's gains, but too high inflation could lead to fears of higher interest rates and stock sell-offs.
The US consumer is predicted to experience a decline in personal consumption in early 2024, which could lead to a potential recession and downside for stocks, as high borrowing costs and dwindling Covid-era savings impact household budgets.
The US economy is facing a looming recession, with weakness in certain sectors, but investors should not expect a significant number of interest-rate cuts next year, according to Liz Ann Sonders, the chief investment strategist at Charles Schwab. She points out that leading indicators have severely deteriorated, indicating trouble ahead, and predicts a full-blown recession as the most likely outcome. Despite this, the stock market has been defying rate increases and performing well.
The Wall Street Journal reports a notable shift in the stance of Federal Reserve officials regarding interest rates, with some officials now seeing risks as more balanced due to easing inflation and a less overheated labor market, which could impact the timing of future rate hikes. In other news, consumer credit growth slows in July, China and Japan reduce holdings of U.S. Treasury securities to record lows, and Russia's annual inflation rate reached 5.2% in August 2023.
Investors are growing increasingly concerned about the ballooning U.S. federal deficit and its potential impact on the bond market's ability to finance the shortfall at current interest rates, according to Yardeni Research.
Utah's housing market experienced volatility and a contraction due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a decline in home prices and affordability issues, but experts do not predict a crash due to the state's strong economy and growth, although a housing shortage is expected to worsen by 2024. Interest rates have caused fluctuations in homebuilding activity, and despite a dip in housing prices, affordability remains a challenge for many. Predictions for the housing market include a modest price correction, an increase in homebuilding activity and real estate sales in 2024, and a continuing housing shortage. Interest rates will play a crucial role in determining the future of the market.
The stock market is currently stagnant and the key question is when the Federal Reserve will start cutting interest rates, as the market struggles when the Fed tightens monetary policy.
The Federal Reserve plans to continue reducing its holdings of Treasury securities, agency debt, and agency mortgage-backed securities, which will have an impact on stock markets, while keeping interest rates at current levels due to the lagged effect of monetary policy and the need for the commercial real estate market to adjust; however, there are concerns about the impact of tighter credit conditions on hiring and an increase in strikes, particularly in the auto industry. Elevated interest rates will pressure dividend-income investors and affect Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), while the reduction of securities by the Fed may lead to a decline in stock indices. The Fed is considering raising rates in November or December but is uncertain about how long rates will remain at current levels. The core personal consumption expenditure is falling, and rising energy prices are increasing overall inflation, but the Fed is excluding energy prices due to volatility and suggests that high oil prices may impact its stance in the future. Stock market traders have a short-term time frame and may find instruments like Instacart (CART) and Arm (ARM) more suitable, while long-term investors should prepare for the market adjusting to the Fed's restrictive policy by moving capital gains into money market funds, considering energy stocks at lower prices, and being cautious of high-flying technology stocks and IPOs.
Markets on Wall Street are expected to open with losses after the Federal Reserve suggests it may not cut interest rates next year by as much as previously thought, leading to a decline in futures for the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average; uncertainty surrounding inflationary indicators and high rates is a major concern for traders moving forward.
The forecasted U.S. recession in 2024 is expected to be shorter and less severe than previous recessions, with the economy's interest-rate sensitivity much lower due to reduced leverage and elevated savings from the postpandemic environment, leading investors to consider positioning for investment opportunities that will drive markets into 2024.
The recent surge in long-term interest rates, reaching the highest levels in 16 years, poses a threat to the US economy by putting the housing market recovery at risk and hindering business investment, as well as affecting equity markets and potentially slowing down economic growth.
A majority of Wall Street investors are concerned about the stock market's gains in 2023 and believe that it could retreat further as the risk for a recession increases.
Investors are becoming increasingly concerned about sustained high interest rates, with the bond and foreign-exchange markets already showing signs of adjusting, and if stock markets do not follow suit, the coming months could be particularly challenging.
China's economic outlook, particularly for the real estate sector, is expected to become clearer in the last three months of the year, with potential government support and loosening of restrictions to stabilize the housing market and allow the economy to recover fully by mid-2024. However, economists predict that real estate growth will remain weak and prices may fall gradually, as significant price declines could have adverse social consequences.
The strain from interest rate hikes is starting to impact the real estate market, particularly in Germany and London, as well as the Chinese property sector; corporate debt defaults are increasing globally; banking stress remains a concern, especially regarding smaller banks and their exposure to commercial real estate; and the Bank of Japan's tighter monetary policy could lead to a sharp unwind of investments, potentially impacting global markets.
The Federal Reserve's decision to keep interest rates elevated through 2024 is causing damage to the economy, resulting in falling stock prices, soaring debt costs, and negative impacts on sectors such as housing and commercial real estate. This poses a potential challenge for President Joe Biden's reelection campaign, as the economy struggles to handle the highest borrowing costs in two decades.
The US economy is facing turbulence as inflation rates rise, causing losses in US Treasuries and raising concerns about the impact of high interest rates on assets like Bitcoin and the stock market. With additional government debt expected to mature in the next year, there is a fear of financial instability and the potential for severe disruptions in the financial system. The Federal Reserve may continue to support the financial system through emergency credit lines, which could benefit assets like Bitcoin.
Investor sentiment is being weighed down by factors such as rising interest rates, low bond yields, a potential government shutdown, and consumers facing rising prices without salary increases, but there is optimism that October could bring a turning point for the market.
The stock market's seasonal weakness in August and September may set up a rally in the final quarter of 2023, historically the best quarter for U.S. stocks, according to market strategists, despite the recent worst month and worst performing quarter for the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite.
The federal debt, which has reached over $33 trillion and is increasing, is predicted to cause a crisis in the near future, leading to high inflation, lower profits for companies, and potential stock market problems, highlighting the importance of diversifying investments.
Bill Ackman warns that the U.S. economy is slowing down due to aggressive rate hikes and high real interest rates, which could lead to a challenging period for investors in the commercial real estate market.
The S&P 500 closed out the quarter with a 3.6% loss, attributed to factors such as rising interest rates, a slowing housing market, and businesses preparing for tough times, resulting in a slow decline in stocks. Additionally, the resumption of student loan payments and expectations of more rate hikes from the Federal Reserve are expected to impact consumer spending power and business cutbacks. However, as the year comes to an end, traders and investors may look forward to 2024 for possible rate cuts and a return of strength in the market.
The Federal Reserve's shift towards higher interest rates is causing significant turmoil in financial markets, with major averages falling and Treasury yields reaching their highest levels in 16 years, resulting in increased costs of capital for companies and potential challenges for banks and consumers.
The market is experiencing a breakdown and may be headed for a crash due to the budget battle in Washington and the dysfunctional state of the House of Representatives after the removal of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker; however, there is a chance that a financial crisis in the commercial property sector could lead to a market rally if the Federal Reserve is forced to cut interest rates.
Equity markets are prone to boom-and-bust cycles, and a recent study suggests that valuations, macroeconomic factors, and technical variables can help predict large drawdowns in these markets, with the US acting as a fundamental driver of global equity market fragility. The research also highlights the importance of expensive valuations in predicting lower future returns and increased market fragility, indicating the need for caution among investors. Increasing allocations to international equities and small-value stocks may help mitigate these risks. However, it's important to approach forecasts with skepticism and consider a wide range of potential outcomes.
Despite the ongoing bear market in Treasury bonds, certain sectors of the fixed-income market, such as bank loans, short-term junk bonds, and floating-rate notes, are performing well in 2023, offering some protection from the losses in long-term Treasuries, which have slumped 46% since March 2020. The future performance of long-dated bonds depends on the Federal Reserve's monetary policy and the resilience of the economy.
The American economy is facing a softening trend, with depleted savings, rising debt, and increasing inflation putting pressure on consumer spending power, making a near-future recession highly likely, which could benefit real estate investment trusts (REITs) due to falling interest rates.
Top real estate and banking officials are urging the Federal Reserve to stop raising interest rates due to surging housing costs and a "historic shortage" of available homes, expressing concern about the impact on the real estate market.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for September 2023 is expected to show a slow increase in prices, with market expectations forecasting a 0.3% increase in core inflation on a monthly basis and 4.1% on a yearly basis, which may lead to stronger market reactions if the figures exceed expectations. Banks such as Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and Bank of America have provided their predictions for the upcoming CPI report. Analysts suggest that if the core CPI exceeds 0.1% on a monthly basis, it could lead to a decline in the stock market as it may indicate a potential interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve. This data is particularly significant as it precedes the FOMC meeting scheduled for October 31-November 1.
Investors are closely monitoring the bond market and September CPI data to determine the Fed's stance on interest rates, with Seema Shah of Principal Asset Management highlighting the circular nature of market reactions to yield spikes and their subsequent declines. She suggests that while there are concerns about upward momentum, the equity market will find comfort in a continued drop in yields and could remain range-bound for the rest of the year. Diversification is recommended as the market narrative remains unclear, and investors may consider waiting until early 2024 for greater clarity on the economy and the Fed's actions.
The U.S. stock market is currently trading at a discount to fair value, and Morningstar expects rates to come down faster due to optimism on inflation; strong growth is projected in Q3, but the economy may slow down in Q4, and inflation is expected to fall in 2023 and reach the Fed's 2% target in 2024. The report also provides outlooks for various sectors, including technology, energy, and utilities, and highlights some top stock picks. The fixed-income outlook suggests that while interest rates may rise in the short term, rates are expected to come down over time, making it a good time for longer-term fixed-income investments. The corporate bond market has outperformed this year, and although bankruptcies and downgrades may increase, investors are still being adequately compensated for the risks.
