The first half of 2022 has been a nightmare for even the most seasoned of investors. When looking back, from the March 2020 lows until January 2022, investors were treated to a 21-month bull market that saw equity markets more than double. Since then, the S&P 500 has dropped 20.6%, its worst first six months of a year since 1970. The Dow Jones Industrial Average's 15.3% first-half drop is its worst since 1962, while declines of 29.5% from the NASDAQ Composite and 23.9% from the Russell 2000 are both indexes' worst first halves on record. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate, a broad index of fixed income securities, fell 10.7% since the start of 2022. That's also its worst first half on record, based on data going back to 1975.
Although equity markets are still higher than they were during pandemic lows, mid-year investment statements could make even the most patient of investors uncomfortable. As Warren Buffett has said, “The stock market is a device which transfers money from the impatient to the patient.” Investors now more than ever are going to remember that equities are for their longterm dollars.
On June 13, when the S&P 500 closed near 22% below its record high on January 3, it officially put the S&P 500 into a bear market. A “bear market” is defined as a decline of 20% of an index’s recent high. This marks the first bear market for this index in over two years, the last one triggered by the selloff in early 2020 due to the pandemic-driven lockdowns that stunted economic activity. Even with this downturn, the S&P 500 is still up nearly 70% from the 2020 low. (Source: wsj.com; 6/13/22)
The S&P 500 ended the quarter down 16.4% while the DJIA was only down 11.3%. The second quarter continued this year’s theme of heavy volatility: high inflation rates; rising interest rates and forewarnings of more rate hikes in the near future; elevated gas prices; and continued global unrest.
The annual inflation rate for the U.S. was 8.6% for the 12 months that ended this May. According to the U.S. Labor Department, this was the largest increase in over 40 years. Food, energy, and shelter, the three areas that make up about 54% of the consumer price index (CPI), continue to be high priced items, and many forecasters do not expect these main staples to simmer down any time soon. (Source: cnbc.om; 6/10/2022)
In this current economic environment, discussions of a recession are at the forefront of financial news headlines. Despite debate and rumors, we are not currently in a recession. The word recession is a harsh word and the media conjures up images and instills feelings that many people have reserved for events like the Great Depression. The last recession the U.S. experienced was recent but short as it only lasted from February 2020 to April 2020. While possible, a number of experts believe we will not see a recession in the near future. The U.S. Department of Labor statistics show unemployment at 3.6% in May, the lowest since the pandemic, and consumers spending is still strong despite inflation. Equity markets are still well above pandemic-drive declines.
Please remember, that even if we do go into a recession, this does not mean that investors will get wiped out!
There are two schools of thought in today’s economic environment. While many investors are seeing crisis, others are looking at the dip in equity markets as an opportunity to buy stocks “on sale.”
There are always multiple factors that need to be watched because they can directly affect equity markets. With an excessive number of media sources nowadays, investors are being barraged with data and news making it difficult to keep up with the facts and information that may affect their personal situation. As your financial professional, we want to help you sort through the confusion and keep you apprised of changes and activity that could directly impact you and your situation.
Inflation & Interest Rates
Standing by its commitment to fight inflation, on June 15, the Federal Reserve again raised interest rates, this time by 75 basis points, or 0.75%, the biggest single rate hike since 1994. Add that to the 0.75% increase already implemented this year, this brings the Federal Funds Rate to a target range of 1.50 – 1.75%. Wall Street responded with selloffs, taking the S&P 500 officially into a bear market. In late June, the DJIA dropped below 30,000 for the first time since January 2021.
Most analysts are expecting another 0.75% interest rate increase in July and economic projections are suggesting that 2022 will end with the Fed funds rate near 3.4%.
The Fed is making these moves in an effort to quell inflation for Americans. “At the Fed, we understand the hardship high inflation is causing.
We are strongly committed to bringing inflation back down, and we are moving expeditiously to do so,” Fed Chairman Powell stated in the Senate Banking Committee meeting. (Source: cnbc.om 6/22/22)
The Federal Reserve’s goal is to create a soft landing for the U.S. economy but it is finding this task challenging. What does this mean for you? Do not plan on seeing rate increases stagnate or go away in the near future. With continued expectations of more rate increases, we suggest you: proactively pay off all non-essential interest-bearing debt, maintain liquidity for any short-term purchases, and if you have a mortgage, if you haven’t already, look into locking in your rate. If you have bonds in your portfolio, understand the duration of them. Also, for clients we are reviewing all income-producing investments.
As your financial professional, we are committed to keeping a vigilant eye on all aspects of financial planning that may affect your situation. Interest rates will continue to be near the top of our watchlist. If you are concerned about how interest rate increases may affect your portfolio, please connect with us to discuss any possible strategies that may help combat the effect on your personal situation.
The Bond Market & Treasury Yields
Investors seeking a safer alternative to equities amidst market volatility, rising interest rates, and tightening financial conditions, often look at bonds. At the opening of the week after the Fed announced the interest rate increase, the benchmark 10-year Treasury note yield was 3.3% and the 30-year Treasury note yield was 3.37%. These yields are helping bonds become more favorable as key components to a diversified portfolio. Please remember, while diversification in your portfolio can help you reach your goals, it does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. If you would like to explore how bonds could fit into your retirement income strategy, please contact us. We are monitoring how the Fed’s movements and rising interest rates are affecting bond yields.
Investors Outlook
The current economic environment is most certainly testing the discipline of even the savviest of investors. There is currently a lot in play that can justifiably make any investor worried. Some investors panic and jump ship during choppy waters, and some ride it out and wait for calmer waters. Which mindset do you have? The cycle of emotional investing is a theory every investor should understand. Preparing a plan to react to each cycle before it happens can help you make the best, non-emotional and non-hasty decisions. The term “bear market” can be scary so let’s review some facts about bear markets that may help put them in perspective.
Bear markets are normal. Since its inception in the late 1920s, the modern S&P 500 has seen 26 bear markets. Keep in mind that there have also been 27 bull markets. During these bear markets, stocks on average lost 36%. However, stocks have gained an average of 114% during the bull markets, thus rewarding long-term investors.
The long-term average frequency between bear markets is 3.6 years. This means an investor could see about 14 bear markets in a 50-year investment window. Since 1930, the market has been bearish for a total time period equal to 20.6 years. This means that stocks have been on the rise the other 71.4 years!
Bear markets last for significantly less time than bull markets. Bears last on average 9.6 months to 2.7 years on average for bulls.
Does a bear market mean a recession is coming? Not necessarily. Of the 26 bear markets, a little more than half came with a recession. Keep in mind that a bear market means the decline in the value of stocks. A recession means something entirely different. A recession is the overall decline in the country’s production of goods and services and is considered active when we experience this decline over the course of two consecutive quarters. (Source: cnbc.com; 6/13/22)
Investors have seen multiple record highs over the last few years in the stock market. At some point, a market correction or larger downturn for equity markets was inevitable. Please remember, a normal part of investing is experiencing the ups and downs of the market and it is never prudent to try to find equity market tops and bottoms. We feel that volatility isn’t likely to go away in the coming months, so investors need to be prepared. However, remember, if you have a well-diversified, long-term financial plan, abandoning ship is almost certainly not in your best interest. Not reacting to the fear-mongering news headlines, keeping perspective of market fluctuations, and focusing on your long-term goals can help you stay on course toward your financial objectives.
The last few years have reminded us that “anything can happen.” COVID is still an issue, especially when it comes to commodities that are manufactured in China. In addition, there are still other variables likes geopolitical unrest, including the war in Ukraine, to consider. That is why we always abide by our mantra of “proceed with caution.” As your financial professional, our strategy is to devise a plan that focuses on your time horizon, tax implications, liquidity needs, risk tolerance, and your overall personal objectives. Having a long-term plan is important and sticking to it is equally important.
Please call our office to discuss any concerns or ideas you may have. Remember, a skilled financial professional can help make your financial journey easier. Our goal is to understand your needs and create an optimal plan to address them. Investing in equities should be considered a long-term commitment. We are here for you! As always, please feel free to connect with us with any concerns or questions you may have. While we cannot control financial markets, inflation, or interest rates, we keep a watchful eye on them. We can discuss your specific situation at your next review meeting or you can call to schedule an appointment. As always, we appreciate the opportunity to assist you and your financial matters.
Disclosure:
Advisory Services offered through Materetsky Financial Group Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered by Registered Representatives through Private Client Services, Member FINRA/SIPC. Private Client Services and Materetsky Financial Group Inc. are unaffiliated entities. All insurance products are offered through unaffiliated insurance companies. Note: The views stated in this letter are not necessarily the opinion of Private Client Services and should not be construed, directly or indirectly, as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Please note that statements made in this newsletter may be subject to change depending on any revisions to the tax code or any additional changes in government policy. Please note that individual situations can vary. Unless certain criteria are met, Roth IRA owners must be 59½ or older and have held the IRA for five years before tax-free withdrawals are permitted. Additionally, each converted amount is subject to its own five-year holding period. Investors should consult a tax advisor before deciding to do a conversion. Rules and laws governing 529 plans are varied and subject to change. As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a 529 plan. There is also a risk that these plans may lose money or not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. Most states offer their own 529 programs, which may provide advantages and benefits exclusively for their residents. Investors should consider, before investing, whether the investor's or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any tax or other benefits that are only available for investment in such state's 529 college savings plan. Such benefits include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors. The tax implications can vary significantly from state to state. Tax laws and provisions may change at any time. Death of the contributor prior to the end of the five-year period may result in a portion of the contribution to be included in the contributor’s estate. Please consult a qualified tax professional to discuss tax matters. Source: irs.gov. Contents provided by the Academy of Preferred Financial Advisors, Inc. Reviewed by Keebler & Associates. © Academy of Preferred Financial Advisors, Inc. 2022. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Materetsky Financial Group, Inc. [“Materetsky]), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this commentary will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this commentary serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Materetsky. Materetsky is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of the commentary content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. A copy of the Materetsky’s current written disclosure Brochure discussing our advisory services and fees continues to remain available upon request or at www.materetsky.com. Please Remember: If you are a Materetsky client, please contact Materetsky, in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services, or if you would like to impose, add, or to modify any reasonable restrictions to our investment advisory services. Unless, and until, you notify us, in writing, to the contrary, we shall continue to provide services as we do currently. Please Also Remember to advise us if you have not been receiving account statements (at least quarterly) from the account custodian.