### 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.
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The S&P 500 has fallen nearly 5% in August, and opinions on whether stocks will rebound are divided among Wall Street firms and market commentators, with some, like Goldman Sachs and Fundstrat, remaining optimistic while others, including Michael Burry and David Rosenberg, are bearish.
Investors are turning to high-yield cash alternatives, such as savings accounts and bonds, which offer returns of over 5% and are outperforming the S&P 500, prompting some to reconsider their exposure to the stock market's volatility.
Stock investors are optimistic and focused on the potential positives, while bond investors are more concerned about potential negatives; however, when the stock and bond markets differ, the bond market is typically more accurate in predicting the state of the economy according to Interactive Brokers Chief Strategist Steve Sosnick.
Wharton professor Jeremy Siegel predicts that the stock market will continue to rise into the end of the year, with the S&P 500 potentially surging 25% and gaining an additional 9% if the Federal Reserve acknowledges falling inflation and refrains from further interest rate hikes.
The S&P 500 could experience significant gains in the coming months following the end of the current rate hike cycle by the Federal Reserve, with historical data showing positive returns after previous cycles and strong economic indicators supporting this trend. Investors are advised to consider investing in an S&P 500 index fund or industry-leading stocks like Amazon.
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.
Stocks are expected to rally next month, with the S&P 500 potentially reaching its previous highs, according to Fundstrat's Tom Lee, who cited reasons such as a cooling economy, no further interest rate hikes from the Fed, overly bearish sentiment in August, and historically strong performance in September.
The top 25 stocks in the S&P 500 outperformed the index in the 35th week of 2023, with tech stocks leading the way, suggesting a return of bull markets and a decrease in recessionary fears; however, market health, the balance between developed and emerging markets, and investor behavior still need to be addressed. Additionally, market correlations have dropped since COVID, and on "down-market" days, correlations are 5% higher than on "up-market" days. Market correlations also decrease during upward economic cycles. Retail investors are showing a preference for dividend-driven investing and investing in AI stocks. The global subsidies race is impacting valuations in tech and leading to supply chain inefficiencies. As a result, there are opportunities for diversification and investment in a wide variety of equities and bonds.
The stock market is still in an uptrend despite a recent pullback, and there is a likelihood of higher stock prices in the near term as long as the market continues to advance within its uptrending channel. Additionally, the recent breakout in the S&P 500 is a bullish sign for the market, and commodity-related stocks have begun to outperform, making them attractive investments.
Analysts at BMO and UBS predict that the yield on the 10-year Treasury will surpass the S&P 500 earnings yield, indicating a potential fall in stocks and a rise in bond prices.
The stock market is expected to reach new highs by the end of the year, as a leading bond market indicator signals a bullish trend, according to Bank of America.
The S&P 500 index has seen impressive gains this year, but one expert believes the rally is coming to an end, citing rising bond yields as the main threat to stock prices.
Higher interest rates have historically correlated with lower market returns, but new research from BMO Capital Markets suggests that the impact of higher rates on the S&P 500 is overblown, as returns tend to be slightly below average but with lower volatility; BMO recommends buying 28 stocks with low leverage and high free cash flow to benefit from this strategy.
High-yield bonds outperforming relative to corporate bonds suggests a risk-on environment for stocks, according to a bullish signal in the bond market.
Stocks plunged on Thursday and the S&P 500 suffered its worst day since March as increasing investor risk aversion and a surge in bond yields raised concerns about the US economy and impacted both stock and bond investors.
The stock market experienced a correction as Treasury yields increased, causing major indexes to break key support levels and leading stocks to suffer damage, while only a few stocks held up relatively well; however, it is currently not a favorable time for new purchases in the market.
Bitcoin and the S&P 500 are likely to end the third quarter lower due to the strong case for owning bonds over stocks, with government bonds offering a higher return, making them more attractive than risk assets like cryptocurrencies.
Stocks edge higher amid concerns over rising bond yields and the Federal Reserve's plans to maintain high interest rates, while the S&P 500 records its biggest weekly decline since March and the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq reach their lowest levels in months.
The S&P 500 is expected to reach a new all-time high by mid-2024 as the Federal Reserve is projected to stop raising interest rates, according to JPMorgan strategist AJ Oden. This forecast suggests a minimum increase of 12% from current levels.
The S&P 500 is likely to experience more pain in the stock market unless the rise in Treasury yields and the U.S. dollar comes to an end, based on technical charts and trends among index components.
The U.S. stock market has experienced a decline due to conflicting economic news and a surge in bond yields, which may be driven by factors other than data, such as fiscal deficits and central bank policies.
Investors are concerned about a potential showdown for the S&P 500 as stock market commentator, Heisenberg, shares a chart indicating bearish patterns and a major trend line off the October lows, suggesting a sharp drop in the index. Rising bond yields, climbing oil prices, and fears of slowing consumer spending are also factors contributing to investor unease.
The recent surge in bond yields, with 10-year Treasury yields hitting levels not seen in over 15 years, is impacting the stock market as investors shift their focus to safer bond investments, which offer higher yields and less volatility than stocks.
The S&P 500 fell as investors reacted to an inflation report and adjusted their portfolios on the last day of a weak third quarter for stocks, with the benchmark index also on track to post its biggest monthly percentage drop of the year.
The S&P 500 has been hit hard by the September Effect, but investors should remain optimistic as history suggests the market will rebound, and there are compelling buying opportunities in certain growth stocks like Block and SolarEdge with upside potential of 93% and 127% respectively.
U.S. stocks and bonds are falling due to another surge in Treasury yields, leading to anxiety among investors who fear that the Fed will hold interest rates higher for longer if the labor market remains strong.
Stocks on Wall Street are drifting as higher interest rates continue to impact the market, with the S&P 500 remaining largely unchanged and the Dow Jones down slightly, as investors grapple with the prospect of high inflation and the Federal Reserve's efforts to lower it.
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 aggressive interest rate hikes have resulted in a decline in the profitability of S&P 500 companies, with the return on equity ratio falling this year, and the trend could worsen if interest rates remain high.
Stocks slumped as the bond rout continues and one Fed policymaker predicted another interest rate hike this year, with the Nasdaq falling 0.5% and the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average losing 0.4%.
The stock market is currently dependent on the bond market, as stocks can only soar once bond prices increase and yield rates decrease, according to CNBC's Jim Cramer.
Stocks plummeted and bond yields surged, highlighting concerns about the impact of high interest rates on equities as the Dow and S&P closed at their lowest levels in over four months.
S&P 500 utility stocks are currently undervalued and offering attractive dividends, making them an appealing opportunity for value-focused investors, despite competing with Treasury yields.
Stocks are expected to end the year "significantly higher" despite recent losses, as surging bond yields are not sustainable and are disconnected from the fundamentals, according to Fundstrat's Tom Lee.
The rise in Treasury bond yields above 5% could lead to a more sustainable increase and potential havoc in financial markets, as investors demand greater compensation for risk and corporate credit spreads widen, making government debt a more attractive option and leaving the stock market vulnerable to declines; despite this, stock investors appeared unfazed by the September jobs report and all three major stock indexes were higher by the end of trading.
Despite challenges such as surging Treasury yields and Federal Reserve hawkishness, the equity-investing landscape has shown resilience, with the S&P 500 posting modest gains and the Nasdaq 100 up for the week. Investors remain optimistic about the economy's ability to withstand higher borrowing costs and anticipate positive revenue and earnings growth. Credit markets have remained stable, while volatility has remained muted and profit strength in Corporate America is expected to drive stocks.
Goldman Sachs predicts that momentum traders who have been short on U.S. equities will reverse their positions and buy the S&P 500 over the next month, potentially boosting stock prices.
Stocks are defying factors that would normally cause them to fall, such as war in the Middle East and economic uncertainty, due to a decrease in bond yields and investors seeking safety in Treasuries.
Stocks plummeted as Treasury yields rose, consumer prices increased, and a disappointing bond auction caused a decline in the broader stock market.
The S&P 500 has seen a strong bounce off its previous low, but it has yet to fully recover, and the recent rise in Treasury yields and geopolitical conflicts contribute to a cautious outlook on the market's future performance.
UBS advises investors to focus on bonds rather than stocks, predicting that the 10-year US Treasury yield will drop to 3.5% by mid-2024 due to slowing growth and the Federal Reserve's easing of policy, offering bondholders returns of around 13%.
Stocks rise and bond prices decline as markets focus on corporate earnings and the strength of the U.S. economy, rather than Middle East tensions, signaling a reversal of last week's risk-off sentiment.
Bond yields have surged as investors realize they are a poor hedge against inflation, while stocks are a much better option, according to Wharton professor Jeremy Siegel.
The S&P 500's record-breaking performance, driven by a handful of technology stocks, is causing concern among economists due to their inflated valuations and the high levels of Treasury debt yields, suggesting an imminent correction in the market.
The S&P 500 is at a crucial moment as it is caught between key technical levels, and the next phase of the bull market hinges on a breakout; year-end seasonality is expected to be positive for the stock market.
Many S&P 500 stocks, including SolarEdge Technologies, Enphase Energy, and Moderna, have experienced significant crashes of 50% or more from their 52-week highs, highlighting the market's struggles and the impact of inflation and interest rates on stocks.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury is now equivalent to the highest dividends paid by S&P 500 firms, leading to investors pulling cash from dividend stock funds at a faster pace than the overall stock market. The narrowing difference between dividend yields and the 10-year Treasury yield suggests that bonds are becoming a viable competitor to stocks.
