Mid-Cycle Slowdown Continues

Investing Environment Review and Outlook – Volume 26

Mid-Cycle Slowdown Continues

The equity rating remains a bullish 5. The U.S. economy weakened in April based on our indicators. We view the recent weakness, however, as a mid-cycle slowdown, the third in this cycle. Although some economic declines lead to equity bear markets and recessions, most are a normal part of every expansion, similar to equity market declines within bull markets. As you can see in the chart below (chart 1), the latest move in the ISM since August is similar to the European crisis in 2011-12 and the crude oil collapse in 2015 during this cycle. The previous two slowdowns in the economy served to extend the cycle by delaying economic overheating and higher inflation, key precedents to bear markets and recessions. One key benefit already was the Federal Reserve’s shift to neutral at the end of December, which was a catalyst for the markets’ rebound this year. In addition, we now have very low investor expectations for economic growth. Consensus is the Fed will tolerate a bigger inflation increase before hiking again, which effectively lengthens the runway for this expansion and equity bull market.

Recession Risk: Low

The risk for equities is that a weakening economy will fall into a recession. Our indicators show that the risk of a recession is very low. Historically, one of the most reliable indicators is the trend of bank lending standards. Prior to a recession, loan officers have typically tightened standards, restricting credit, which can lead to a reduction in commercial and industrial activity. The most recent survey in April surprisingly showed conditions easing, with a reading of -4.2 (chart 2). Historically, a reading over 20 signifies standards are tight. In addition, since 1990 the S&P 500 returned 11.1% when credit standards were easing (and the Fed was hiking) as they are today. This compares to a -9.3% S&P 500 return when this survey showed tighter credit standards (above 20).

Unemployment Rate Falling: Low Recession Odds

Equity Sentiment: Mixed

Stock market sentiment is neutral (Chart 4). Institutions and hedge funds as a group are still underinvested after the December decline. When all groups reach an extreme, as they did in
January 2018, it will be a risk for the stock market, since it will mean allocations are high, with very little cash available for investors to push prices higher.

Rising Tariffs: Does not provide a strong signal on the implications for stocks

The escalation of the trade war with China may be contributing to the recent stock market volatility. Despite the dire headlines, in a July 2018 study of prior tariff hikes back to 1820, we concluded there were no significant investment implications. The 1921 and 1931 cases were bearish for commodities, coming amidst the end of WW I and the Great Depression. However, the 1862 case during the Civil War, and the 1899 case during the Spanish American War, were bullish. Prior cases gave a very mixed picture for stocks as well. It appears that the effect of tariff increases depends on the circumstances and does not provide a strong signal on the implications for stocks. This confirms why we continue monitoring our key indicators like the economic outlook, the Federal Reserve, inflation, and the dollar for investment implications rather than daily headlines.

 

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

This review and outlook report (this “Report”) is for informational, illustration and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as, financial, legal, tax or investment advice, of Brenton Point Wealth Advisors LLC or any of its affiliates (“Brenton Point”). This Report does not take into account the investment objectives, financial situation, restrictions, particular needs or financial, legal or tax situation of any particular person and should not be viewed as addressing any recipient’s particular investment needs. Recipients should consider the information contained in this Report as only a single factor in making an investment decision and should not rely solely on investment recommendations contained herein, if any, as a substitution for the exercise of independent judgment of the merits and risks of investments.
This material is based upon information obtained from various sources that Brenton Point believes to be reliable, but Brenton Point makes no representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of such information. Views expressed herein are current only as of the date indicated and are subject to change without notice.
This Report contains certain forward looking statements opinions, estimates, projections, assessments and other views (collectively “Statements”). These Statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward looking statements and projections. Brenton Point makes no representations as to the reasonableness of such assumptions or the likelihood that such assumptions will coincide with actual events and this information should not be
relied upon for that purpose. Changes in such assumptions could produce materially different results. Past performance is not a guarantee or indication of future results, and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding future performance of any financial instrument mentioned in this Report.
Any benchmark shown herein is shown for illustrative purposes only. No index benchmark is available for direct investment. It may not be possible to replicate the returns of any index, as the index may not include any trading commissions and costs or fees, may assume the reinvestment of income, and may have investment objectives, use trading strategies, or have other materials characteristics, such as credit exposure or volatility, that do not make it suitable for a particular person. This is not an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security, investment, or other product and should not be construed as such. References to specific financial instruments and to certain indices are for illustrative purposes only and provided for the purpose of making general market data available as a point of reference only; they are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as recommendations to purchase or sell such securities. Investing in securities and other financial products entails certain risks,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested, as the value of investment can go down as well as up. You should obtain advice from your tax, financial, legal, and other advisors and only make investment decisions on the basis of your own objectives, experience, and resources.
Brenton Point accepts no liability for any loss (whether direct, indirect or consequential) occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material contained in or derived from this Report, except to the extent (but only to the extent) that such liability may not be waived, modified or limited under applicable law.
This Report may provide addresses of, or contain hyperlinks to, Internet websites. Brenton Point has not reviewed the linked Internet website of any third party and takes no responsibility for the contents thereof. Each such address or hyperlink is provided solely for your convenience and information, and the content of linked third party websites is not in any way incorporated herein. Recipients who choose to access such third-party websites or follow such hyperlinks do so at their own risk.
All marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. This Report is licensed for non-commercial use only, and may not be reproduced, distributed, forwarded, posted, published, transmitted, uploaded or otherwise made available to others for commercial purposes, including to individuals within an institutional use, without written authorization from Brenton Point.
Source of data and performance statistics: Bloomberg L.P. and Factset Research Systems Inc.
©Brenton Point Wealth Advisors LLC 2019

Brenton Point - Careers

Michael Schaus

Director of Market Research

Michael Schaus is the Director of Market Research for Brenton Point Wealth Advisors and Zweig-DiMenna. Since joining Zweig-DiMenna in 1992, his focus has been on macroeconomic research, the analysis of…

READ MORE

Check out our services!

Services

Download PDF

DOWNLOAD

Sign up!

Sign up for our monthly newsletter and get the lastest news and research from our esteemed advisors here at Brenton point. Right into your inbox!