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May 2, 2022
April market review
Dear Clients and Friends of the Firm:
The nature of the economy is that there are always causes for concern in strong markets, just as there are reasons for optimism in weaker ones. It’s fair to say, however, that April made it easier to find the concern than the optimism. Still, we take the view that the headwinds we’ve faced so far in 2022 represent discomfort masking long-term opportunity and a fundamentally tenacious economy.
“While the markets have been focused on the negative, they have ignored the resiliency the economy is showing,” said Raymond James Chief Investment Officer Larry Adam.
That said, it’s wise to acknowledge the prevailing pessimisms:
• The U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) fell at a 1.4% annual rate in the first quarter.
• Inflation remains high, with the Consumer Price Index rising 8.5% over the year ending in March.
• China’s ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns are contributing to supply chain challenges.
• The Russia-Ukraine war will likely continue to cause difficulties.
• Each headline market index was down for the month, with the S&P 500 having its worst day, April 26, since March 2020, falling 2.81%.
A forward-looking view recognizes that at some point we will be able to look back at where we crossed the peak of these difficulties. For some of these issues, there is evidence to suggest that will come soon. The end of this year may look vastly different than its beginning. Here’s why:
• Final sales to private domestic purchasers, a better measure of domestic demand than GDP, rose at a 3.7% annualized rate.
• Month-over-month inflation in April is expected to be milder, lowering the year-over-year inflation rate.
• Supply chain data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York suggests an easing of disruptions.
• First quarter corporate earnings were strong with 80% of S&P 500 companies that have reported beating estimates.
• Corporate cash on hand is at near record levels, empowering shareholder-friendly policies of stock buybacks and strong dividends.
• Consumers are stronger than ever, sitting on more than $2 trillion in savings.
Before we continue, let’s take a brief look at the 2022 tallies so far.
Here are some other issues worth exploring:
Pressure to overcorrect
If inflation remains at elevated levels, the U.S. Federal Reserve may feel the pressure to further increase interest rates to stabilize prices – its top priority – but at the cost of growth. Clearly, the best result is for this wave to break as other contributing factors ease, which evidence suggests could happen for the latter half of this year. Until then, equities will likely continue to struggle to find footing from which to push forward.
Spreads keep widening
In fixed-income markets, April was all about yield. The continued combination of widening spreads and higher Treasury yields has created yield opportunity for income buyers not seen in decades. The market’s perspective seems to be that high yield spread is likely to be more stable than emerging market spreads, which have a higher probability to widen more.
Limited window of action
The month of April saw the Senate advancing key nominations for top regulatory posts that will have impacts across the technology and financial sectors and may lead to broader macro policy changes over the course of the next several years. By pushing through this docket, the Senate may free up time to consider legislation, including a domestic manufacturing and China economic competition bill, as well as some of President Biden’s other domestic priorities.
Common ground between Democratic factions remains scarce, however, which will complicate the path forward before D.C. shifts focus to the fall election campaign season.
The bottom line
In the near term, volatility will likely remain elevated and equity market weakness may persist as investors grapple with the potential peaks in inflation, bearish sentiments, expectations for central banks and geopolitical tensions.
However, we think that many of these concerns have been priced into the market already. Meanwhile, there is evidence suggesting some of the largest headwinds will ease this year, presenting opportunities to long-term investors.
As always, the market and the world remain in flux and we’ll have an eye on your investments as we navigate the current conditions together. Please contact us with any questions. Thank you for your continuing trust and confidence in these matters.
On a Personal and Fun Note - A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind and touches a heart.
Teachers have a profound influence on our school experience and childhood years, as they impart wisdom and help us to retain important information. The start of May marks the beginning of Teacher Appreciation Week, with National Teacher Day falling on that Tuesday, May 3rd. Whether we have school-aged children or not, this is our opportunity to thank these individuals as they inspire and educate the next generation.
There are many ways you can recognize and celebrate the contributions of amazing educators within your own community, whether with a card from you or your child, a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant or by hosting an appreciation event in your school or community. Even just letting a teacher know the impact they’ve made on your life or your child’s will likely mean more than you think.
Later in the month, on May 30th, the financial markets and our office will be closed to observe Memorial Day in honor of the people who sacrificed their lives while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Should you find it necessary while our office is closed, you can access your accounts using Raymond James Investor Access any time. We’ll reopen the next day.
Sincerely,
Tricia L. Tripp, CPA, CFP®
Financial Advisor
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Tripp Financial Consultants, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.
Investing involves risk, and investors may incur a profit or a loss. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors and are subject to change. There is no assurance the trends mentioned will continue or that the forecasts discussed will be realized. Past performance may not be indicative of future results. Economic and market conditions are subject to change. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index of 30 widely held stocks. The NASDAQ Composite Index is an unmanaged index of all common stocks listed on the NASDAQ National Stock Market. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks. The MSCI EAFE (Europe, Australia, Far East) index is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of the international stock market. The Russell 2000 is an unmanaged index of small-cap securities. The Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market. An investment cannot be made in these indexes. The performance mentioned does not include fees and charges, which would reduce an investor’s returns. Small-cap securities generally involve greater risks. Investing in the energy sector involves special risks, including the potential adverse effects of state and federal regulation, and may not be suitable for all investors. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. The forgoing is not a recommendation to buy or sell any individual security or any combination of securities. Be sure to contact a qualified professional regarding your particular situation before making any investment or withdrawal decision.
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