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Annual review, business, customer review. Action plan, review evaluation time for review inspection assessment auditing. Learning, improvement, planning and development. End of year business concept.
INVESTING, MONTHLY MARKET REPORTS, NEWS

Market Month in Review – November 2024

Download as a PDF

At a Glance

Inflation & Labor Data: Headline and core PCE inflation data increased in October to 2.3% and 2.8%, respectively (vs. 2.1% and 2.7% the month prior). The PCE increases were in line with expectations but introduce concerns that inflation will remain sticky. After September’s noisy labor report, the October report, published on December 6, will be widely anticipated. The unemployment rate remains at 4.1%.

U.S. Election: Since the election on November 6, markets have been assessing potential policy changes and cabinet appointees from President-Elect Trump, ushering in a “Trump Trade.”

Fed & Monetary Policy: The Fed continued their easing cycle by cutting interest rates another 25-bps in November. Inflation and labor market data remain hyper-important as the Fed continues to be data dependent. There is one final FOMC meeting in 2024 in December, which will likely witness another rate cut and an update to the Fed’s Summary of Economic Projections, providing insights into the possible monetary policy activity for 2025 and beyond.

Equity Markets: Equity markets continued their year-to-date run-up in November, with major equity indices continuing to notch record highs. The S&P 500 reached its 53rd all time high (ATH) in 2024 on November 29.

Asset Class Performance

The “Trump Trade” took full effect in November, as news of President Trump’s re-election reverberated through global markets. Emerging markets were hit the hardest, a direct result of Trump’s tariff threats and a surging U.S. Dollar. Conversely, U.S. equities fared the best, led by small cap stocks, which stand to benefit from expected Trump policies, including de-regulation and greater reliance on domestic companies.

Source: YCharts. Asset class performance is presented using total returns for an index proxy that best represents the respective broad asset class. U.S. Bonds (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond TR), U.S. High Yield (Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield TR), International Bonds (Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD TR), U.S. Large Cap (S&P 500 TR), U.S. Small Cap (Russell 2000 TR), Developed International (MSCI EAFE TR), Emerging Markets (MSCI EM TR), and Real Estate (Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate TR). 

Markets & Macroeconomics

Elections and Rate Cuts and Earnings, Oh My!

Markets digested a lot of information in the month of November, including the results of the U.S. election, another Fed interest rate cut, and a slew of 3Q earnings reports. While markets experienced volatility intra-month, they ended the month solidly up, with major indices like the S&P 500 and Russell 2000 turning in their best monthly results of the year, gaining 5.7% and 11.0%, respectively, in November.

The results of the U.S. election in early November brought news of another Trump Administration and a “red sweep” across Congress. Markets reacted positively to this outcome, with small caps as measured by the Russell 2000 up nearly 8% from November 4, the day before the election, through November 6, the day after the election. The market enthusiasm in small caps was primarily due to Trump’s promise of “deregulation,” which has the potential to positively impact smaller companies more than larger ones. Market participants also started positioning around Trump’s stance on tariffs, immigration, and other potential policy decisions. Cryptocurrency is another asset class benefiting from Trump’s re-election, illustrated by Bitcoin’s run-up of over 140% in 2024. Fervor related to the so-called “Trump Trade” waned over the course of the month as much uncertainty remains around the extent of Trump’s policies.

Exhibit 1: Equity Markets Pre- and Post-Election

One day after the Presidential election results were declared, on November 7, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 bps, continuing their policy easing. The Fed has continued to reiterate its “data dependent” approach, particularly as it concerns inflation and labor data. Whether the policies outlined in the Trump agenda have the potential to impact the course of monetary policy is of no concern to the Fed – they remain independent from politics and focused on a broad set of data to determine their policy trajectory, not speculation of potential fiscal policy changes. The Fed meets one more time in 2024 in December, where they will publish a new set of economic projections, providing important data on what to expect in 2025.

Source: YCharts

Finally, 3Q earnings season is drawing to a close, with over 95% of companies having reported already. Earnings have now grown for five quarters in a row, and expectations for 4Q are expected to double the growth seen in 3Q, with broader contributions from companies outside the Magnificent Seven expected. Year-over-year earnings growth was led by the Health Care and Communication Services sectors, meanwhile the Energy sector was the most challenged in 3Q. As company earnings continue to grow, so too do major equity indices, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones indices notching multiple all-time highs over the course of the month. The S&P 500 now has 53 all-time highs in 2024. Equity markets remain slightly overvalued, making it important to not just consider large cap stocks, but diversify across asset classes and sectors.

The Bottom Line: November was an eventful month, with the U.S. election, an interest rate cut, and the 3Q earnings season keeping markets busy. As the “Trump Trade” took effect, we saw markets end the month higher, as illustrated by the number of all-time highs by major U.S. equity indices. The Fed continues its easing policy which may come into conflict with Trump’s fiscal agenda in 2025.

Looking Ahead

Wrapping Up 2024

With 2024 drawing to a close, there are still a few events left that have the potential to drive market activity in the final month of the year: the December Federal Open Markets Committee (FOMC) meeting, including the publication of the Fed’s latest economic projections, and, of course, Santa Claus!

Every quarter, the Federal Reserve updates their projections for future GDP growth, unemployment, inflation, and interest rates in a publication titled the Summary of Economic Projections, the “SEP” or “Dot Plot” for short. Updates to the Dot Plot inform market participants about the trajectory of interest rates, both in the short- and long-term, and this trajectory can shift course as economic data changes. Throughout 2024, the Fed has been extremely “data dependent” with monetary policy, meaning their decisions have been heavily influenced by monthly macroeconomic data points, particularly inflation and unemployment data. This data has guided the Fed in their decision-making and has resulted in changes to their economic projections, as illustrated in Exhibit 2 below, which shows the March, June, and September SEP or Dot Plot projections. What we learned from these projections is that the latest Dot Plot in September showed interest rates elevated at a higher level in the long-term (2027 and beyond) than previous projections in March and June, indicating a slower pace of rate reductions. The December Dot Plot, which will be published on December 18, will provide important clarity on whether the Fed’s thinking has changed based on the latest macroeconomic data. We could also see an additional rate cut at the December FOMC meeting.

Exhibit 2: Changing Fed Funds Projections

Source: The Federal Reserve

As markets assess the Fed and the direction of monetary policy, they may also get to experience the magic of Santa Claus this December. The “Santa Claus Rally” is a technical market phenomenon explaining why equity markets advance in the final week of the year. This phenomenon is illustrated in Exhibit 3 below, where four out of the past five years saw equity market gains in the last week of December. There are numerous reasons why this phenomenon can occur, with one major explanation being the lower institutional trading volume during the holidays. Some believe a Santa Claus Rally can help set expectations for market performance in the coming year; however, skeptics believe it to be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Either way, wrapping up 2024 could see continued growth in equity markets, and depending on the commentary and decisions from the Fed, may introduce short-term volatility to close out the year.

The Bottom Line: 2024 is wrapping up and two events have the potential to keep markets busy through year-end: the last FOMC meeting, where an interest rate cut is largely expected, in addition to updates to economic projections, and a potential for a Santa Claus Rally, which could drive equity markets even higher to end the year.

Exhibit 3: S&P 500 Recent December Returns

Source: YCharts

Capital Markets Themes

What Worked, What Didn’t

•Small Caps Take Off: Small cap stocks, as measured by the Russell 2000 Index, were up nearly 11% in November, spurred by the “Trump Trade” and policy implications that would stand to benefit smaller domestic companies.

•Growth vs. Value Equity: While growth equities have largely outperformed value equities in 2024 due to the tech- and AI-boom, these two styles performed roughly in-line with one another in November, illustrating how equity market participation may be starting to broaden outside of tech.

Large vs Small Cap Equity

Growth vs Value Equity

Developed vs Emerging Equity

Short vs Long Duration Bonds

Taxable vs Municipal Bonds

Investment Grade vs High Yield Bonds

Source: YCharts. Data call-out figures represent total monthly returns

On Alternatives

The Outlook for Private Credit

The private credit market is around $1.7 trillion in size and has grown nearly two-fold in the past 10 years. Most of this growth has been in the direct lending sector of the market, which represents close to 50% of the entire private credit market, illustrated in Exhibit 4 below. Direct lending is a form of private lending to small- or medium-sized companies without the use of an intermediary, typically in the higher quality, or senior, portion of the company’s capital structure.

Exhibit 4: Private Credit AUM

Source: Preqin. Data as of 6/30/2024

Direct lending, and private credit as a whole, is predominately floating rate, meaning that the underlying debt instrument is tied to a rate, typically the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR), that can fluctuate over its life, i.e., the rate “floats.” SOFR is an interest rate that is directly tied to the federal funds rate, meaning that as the fed funds rate increased in 2022 and 2023, so did SOFR, and, subsequently, the yields for private credit. Conversely, this means the opposite also holds true in the current environment: as the Fed cuts interest rates, the yields across private credit are expected to decline, albeit at a delayed cadence to rate cuts.

Illustrated in Exhibit 5, private credit has recently enjoyed elevated yields of close to 12%, measured by the private credit benchmark, the Cliffwater Direct Lending Index (“CDLI”). Compared to the public credit alternative, short-term Treasury bills, private credit offers a yield advantage of nearly 6%. This yield advantage helps explain why private credit has seen such strong inflows in recent years.

While declining interest rates typically lead to lower yields for private credit, they also reduce the interest burden on companies, particularly the smaller companies that direct lending targets. Smaller-sized companies are more sensitive to interest rates, meaning they benefit more when rates fall. This creates a double-edged sword in
the private credit market: lower rates mean lower yields, but they also ease the burden on borrowers, potentially reducing default risks and overall investment risk.

Although investors may not see yields of 11% or higher moving forward, private credit still offers elevated yields and other advantages, such as diversification from traditional fixed income – a key
benefit that has become even more important in the falling rate environment.

Exhibit 5: Private vs. Public Credit Yields

Source: Cliffwater

The Bottom Line: The outlook for private credit is changing, driven by falling interest rates which will reduce yields within the asset class over time. Falling rates should also reduce the interest burden on companies targeted by direct lending. Private credit still offers advantages against traditional fixed income, including higher yields and diversification benefits, which remain paramount in the current environment.

Asset Class Performance Quilt

Markets are ever-changing, making diversification across asset classes and sectors a critical component to portfolio construction. As illustrated below, a Balanced 60/40 portfolio provides greater consistency of returns and less volatility over time.

Source: YCharts. Asset class performance is presented using market returns from an exchange-traded fund (ETF) proxy that best represents its respective broad asset class. Returns shown are net of fund fees for and do not necessarily represent performance of specific mutual funds and/or exchange-traded funds recommended by Centura Wealth Advisory. The performance of those funds may be substantially different than the performance of broad asset classes and to proxy ETFs represented here. U.S. Bonds (iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF); High Yield Bonds (iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corp Bond ETF); Intl Bonds (Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF); Large Growth (iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF); Large Value (iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF); Mid Growth (iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF); Mid Value (iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF); Small Growth (iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF); Small Value (iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF); Intl Equity (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF); Emg Markets (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF); and Real Estate (iShares US Real Estate ETF). The return displayed as “60/40 Allocation” is a weighted average of the ETF proxies shown as represented by: 40% U.S. Bonds, 12% International Stock, and 48% Large Blend.

Disclosure: CCG Wealth Management LLC (“Centura Wealth Advisory”) is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Centura and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Insurance products are implemented through CCG Insurance Services, LLC (“Centura Insurance Solutions”). Centura Wealth Advisory and Centura Insurance Solutions are affiliated. For current Centura Wealth Advisory information, please visit the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with Centura Wealth Advisory’s CRD #296985.

12/05/24
https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/iStock-1816227914.jpg 1224 2448 Andre Lawrence https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Centura-Logo-White.png Andre Lawrence2024-12-05 18:47:522025-04-08 16:27:35Market Month in Review – November 2024
Annual review, business, customer review. Action plan, review evaluation time for review inspection assessment auditing. Learning, improvement, planning and development. End of year business concept.
INVESTING, MONTHLY MARKET REPORTS, NEWS

Market Month in Review – October 2024

Download as a PDF

At a Glance

Inflation & Labor Data: With inflation data continuing to decline, illustrated by the latest headline and core PCE data of 2.1% and 2.7%, respectively, the focus has turned to the labor market. September’s labor report included noise related to Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the Boeing strike, making it difficult to assess the latest reading of labor market health. The unemployment rate remains at 4.1%.

U.S. Election: Donald Trump was elected the 47th President, and markets are likely to experience short-term volatility as they adjust to the results and the subsequent implications for broader markets.

Fed & Monetary Policy: The Fed cut interest rates by 50-bps in September, with an additional 50-bps of cuts forecasted by Fed officials through the end of 2024. Monetary policy decisions continue to be data dependent, meaning markets have become more data dependent, creating volatility ahead of future Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meetings, including the next one on November 6.

Equity Markets: As of month-end, the S&P 500 is experiencing the best first 10 months of an election year since 1936. Additionally, the third quarter earnings season is off to a solid start, with positive, albeit slowing, quarter-over-quarter earnings growth.

Asset Class Performance

International markets fared the worst in October, with bonds, developed international equities, and emerging market equities all down over 4%. U.S. large cap equities were slightly down for the month and experienced volatility ahead of the November U.S. election but remain up 20% on a year-to-date basis. High yield bonds performed better than investment grade bonds in the U.S.

Source: YCharts. Asset class performance is presented using total returns for an index proxy that best represents the respective broad asset class. U.S. Bonds (Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond TR), U.S. High Yield (Bloomberg U.S. Corporate High Yield TR), International Bonds (Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD TR), U.S. Large Cap (S&P 500 TR), U.S. Small Cap (Russell 2000 TR), Developed International (MSCI EAFE TR), Emerging Markets (MSCI EM TR), and Real Estate (Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate TR). 

Markets & Macroeconomics

3Q Earnings Season – Slower but Solid Growth

U.S. equity markets continue to surprise investors in 2024 with their solid performance. Even amidst the volatility and uncertainty in the lead-up to the U.S. Election throughout October, major equity indices, like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100, continued their run-up and reached all-time highs over the month, with both indices up 20% year-to-date through October 31. In fact, the S&P 500 experienced the best first 10 months of an election year since 1936, and this trend may continue depending on the election outcome.

Looking at third quarter (Q3) earnings data, 70% of companies in the S&P 500 have reported earnings as of month-end, with eight out of the eleven sectors reporting year-over-year growth. A lot of this has to do with the larger macroeconomic picture, where the U.S. is seeing a resilient consumer and a strong labor market, both of which have contributed to solid corporate profits. Additionally, the percentage of companies in the S&P 500 reporting earnings above consensus estimates is the predominant trend across most sectors, depicted by the green bars in Exhibit 1 below.

Exhibit 1: Earnings Scorecard

The S&P 500 is currently reporting 5.1% earnings growth as of month-end, and, if this trend continues through the end of earnings season, it will mark the fifth-straight quarter of earnings growth. The magnitude of growth, however, illustrates a slowing trend, compared to the 10.9% and 11.3% growth seen in Q1 and Q2 of this year, respectively. This slowdown in Q3 is largely being driven by the energy sector.

Source: FactSet. Data as of 11/01/24

With the slower growth trend in Q3 earnings, investors may be wondering why equity markets continue to reach new highs, and, while earnings are generally supportive of current market valuations, the S&P 500 remains relatively rich in today’s environment, placing even greater focus on future company earnings growth potential. 

Prudent investors understand that markets don’t go up forever, nor do company earnings, and while we have witnessed solid performance in the ongoing Q3 earnings season, as well as in 2024 as a whole, it does not mean this trend will continue in perpetuity. The U.S. will have to contend with falling interest rates, a new political regime, and potential policy changes, all of which could have trickle-down effects on corporate earnings, making this and future earnings seasons ever-important to watch.

The Bottom Line: Thus far, third quarter earnings have been relatively solid, surprising investors to the upside, illustrated by above-estimate earnings growth, and while we are starting to see this growth moderate from recent quarterly trends, corporate profits remain on solid footing amidst an uncertain macro and fiscal backdrop. 

Looking Ahead

U.S. Election, Fiscal Policy & Muni Markets

The 2024 U.S. Presidential election has shaped up to be one for the history books, with major policy decisions surrounding international trade, health care, and, perhaps most importantly, taxes, on the docket. The uncertainty surrounding these potential policy changes may concern some investors, but it is important to keep in mind that policy implementation takes time and is not a foregone conclusion given how close races across Congress have been.

One of the most important policy decisions that will have to be addressed is the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025, unless the newly elected President moves to extend it. Choosing to extend all, or part, of the TCJA could impact corporate tax rates, individual income tax rates, alternative minimum tax (AMT) exemptions, to name a few, and most importantly, any extension is expected to increase the federal deficit. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that, if extended, the TCJA could cause federal net debt-to-GDP to increase to nearly 132% by 2034, as illustrated in Exhibit 2, from the current level of approximately 98%.

Exhibit 2

Source: J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Data as of 10/31/24

These potential tax changes offer investors the opportunity to assess their tax ramifications and diversify their fixed income exposure, particularly in the tax-exempt, or municipal, bond market. Municipal bonds are issued to fund local projects and agencies, including initiatives related to schools, parks, airports, and toll roads. The interest on municipal bonds is typically exempt from federal, often state, and even local taxes, making them attractive for higher-taxed individuals and entities. Unlike the federal government, municipal governments are not facing the same level of fiscal challenges as they are required to have a balanced budget, making them a potentially important diversifier as the federal deficit expands.

It does not appear either party in the U.S. is equipped to deal with the rising federal deficit, and, while worrisome, investors should focus on what they can control: managing risk and exposure of their investments. Diversifying exposure by looking to other areas of fixed income, like municipal bonds, can help provide greater stability and manage risk related to fiscal and tax policy decisions on the horizon.

Remember, policy changes take time and require collective government action, and, while investors wait for any changes to occur, they can enjoy elevated tax equivalent yields across the municipal curve and a strong outlook for fixed income amidst the falling interest rate and fiscally challenged environment.

The Bottom Line: With voting for the U.S. Election closed and markets digesting the results, the focus will begin to turn to fiscal policy, particularly as it relates to tax policy and the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Given continued rising fiscal deficits, the timing may be appropriate for investors to consider diversifying exposure across the entire fixed income spectrum, including in municipal securities, which are currently offering higher income advantages relative to historical averages, and, in many cases, traditional fixed income on a tax-adjusted basis.

Capital Markets Themes

What Worked, What Didn’t

•International Markets Had Tougher October: International markets, including both developed international and emerging markets equities, performed the worst for the month of October, down over 5% and 4%, respectively.

•Municipal Bonds Outperform Taxable: Municipal bonds underperformed in October but outpaced taxable bonds by 100 bps, with high yield municipals delivering the strongest performance and highest yield advantages.

Large vs Small Cap Equity

Growth vs Value Equity

Developed vs Emerging Equity

Short vs Long Duration Bonds

Taxable vs Municipal Bonds

Investment Grade vs High Yield Bonds

Source: YCharts. Data call-out figures represent total monthly returns

On Alternatives

Supply/Demand Dynamics in Multifamily Real Estate

The multifamily real estate market is currently experiencing a historic wave of new supply in 2024, with over 671,000 units projected to be completed this year according to RealPage, the highest level since 1974. This supply/demand dynamic is illustrated in Exhibit 3, where deliveries in the multifamily sector have outpaced absorption since 2022 when the Fed started raising interest rates. While this current surge in supply is meaningful, it is likely to be temporary, as the increased cost of financing due to higher interest rates have halted new construction projects. Experts project multifamily supply will start to dry up after 2025, causing the supply/demand dynamic to shift once again.

Exhibit 3

Source: J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Data as of 9/30/24

The current oversupply within multifamily severely hampers rent growth, which benefits tenants, but restricts the property’s ability to drive revenue growth. Coupled with higher interest rates, operating expense growth has outpaced rent growth, a trend that is expected to continue until supply dwindles in 2026. 

While the multifamily sector is trying to absorb the excess supply hitting the market, demand remains somewhat strong, due in large part by the lack of home affordability across the nation. Along with high interest rates, mortgage rates have also been historically high, with the 30-year mortgage rate around 6.7%, causing home affordability to reach a 10-year low, both illustrated in Exhibit 4. In fact, the median price of a home in the U.S. is currently around $420,000, a 32% increase over the past 5 years.

While the home affordability metrics are grim, they create a significant tailwind for multifamily housing as the double-whammy of high mortgage rates and low home affordability have priced many tenants out of single-family homes, pushing them into multifamily housing instead.

It may be a bumpy ride along the way as supply/demand dynamics shift back into favor, but beyond 2025, we expect properties to perform well and rent growth to pick back up in the multifamily sector, particularly as the Fed continues to cut interest rates.

Exhibit 4: Home Affordability vs. Mortgage Rate

Source: YCharts. Data as of 10/31/24

The Bottom Line: The multifamily real estate sector is currently experiencing a surge of new supply, hampering rent growth amid rising expenses due to high interest rates, labor costs, and insurance. Demand remains robust as home affordability in the U.S. has reached a 10-year low. These supply and demand dynamics are expected to shift after 2025 when the influx of new supply falls off a cliff.

Asset Class Performance Quilt

Markets are ever-changing, making diversification across asset classes and sectors a critical component to portfolio construction. As illustrated below, a Balanced 60/40 portfolio provides greater consistency of returns and less volatility over time.

Source: YCharts. Asset class performance is presented using market returns from an exchange-traded fund (ETF) proxy that best represents its respective broad asset class. Returns shown are net of fund fees for and do not necessarily represent performance of specific mutual funds and/or exchange-traded funds recommended by Centura Wealth Advisory. The performance of those funds may be substantially different than the performance of broad asset classes and to proxy ETFs represented here. U.S. Bonds (iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF); High Yield Bonds (iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corp Bond ETF); Intl Bonds (Invesco International Corporate Bond ETF); Large Growth (iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF); Large Value (iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF); Mid Growth (iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF); Mid Value (iShares Russell Mid-Cap Value ETF); Small Growth (iShares Russell 2000 Growth ETF); Small Value (iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF); Intl Equity (iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF); Emg Markets (iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF); and Real Estate (iShares US Real Estate ETF). The return displayed as “60/40 Allocation” is a weighted average of the ETF proxies shown as represented by: 40% U.S. Bonds, 12% International Stock, and 48% Large Blend.

Disclosure: CCG Wealth Management LLC (“Centura Wealth Advisory”) is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Centura and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. Insurance products are implemented through CCG Insurance Services, LLC (“Centura Insurance Solutions”). Centura Wealth Advisory and Centura Insurance Solutions are affiliated. For current Centura Wealth Advisory information, please visit the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov by searching with Centura Wealth Advisory’s CRD #296985.

10/31/24
https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/iStock-1816227914.jpg 1224 2448 Andre Lawrence https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Centura-Logo-White.png Andre Lawrence2024-10-31 16:39:002025-04-08 16:27:35Market Month in Review – October 2024
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INVESTING, MONTHLY MARKET REPORTS, NEWS

Q3 2024 MARKET WRAP: Despite Hurdles, The Hot Streak Continues

Markets in the summer months are historically sleepy as individuals go on vacation and gear up for a new school year, but the third quarter brought anything but sleep to investors worldwide. Equities were marred with bouts of negative activity throughout the quarter – markets experienced a historic 180% surge in the VIX to an intraday high of 65.7 on August 5, yet, despite the volatility, both stocks and bonds pushed higher to end Q3. The market’s resilience caused the month of September to post its first gain in five years. While initially overreacting to adverse events, markets quickly put them in the rearview mirror as the S&P 500 witnessed the best nine-month start to a year since 1997, which also coincided with the best start to an election year ever, all while registering its 42nd all-time high of the year. The busy quarter witnessed the following:

  1. Yen Carry Trade – On the heels of the Bank of Japan’s rate increase announcement, global hedge funds that capitalized on the arbitrage opportunity presented by zero long-term rates in Japan for years, realized the music was about to stop in early August. Quickly unwinding their trades, Japan’s Nikkei stock market experienced the largest single day loss dating back to “Black Monday” in 1987, resulting in a single-day decline of 12.4% on August 5.
  2. Softening Labor Market – The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced an 818,000 revision lower for the prior 12-months jobs added through March of 2024. The labor reports for June, July, and August confirmed softening with the revised additions of 118,000, 61,000, and 142,000, respectively.  Every month in the quarter came in below expectations, as the unemployment rate continued to rise – ending at 4.2% through August.
  3. Assassination Attempts – Former President Trump survived two assassination attempts in the quarter as the Presidential race picks up steam, further adding to the market’s anxiety amid election uncertainty.
  4. Candidate Swap – President Biden dropped out of the Presidential race, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to grab his bid. Since Harris’s party nomination, Democrats have seen a sharp reversal of fortunes, and now hold a slight advantage in the polls as of 10/1.
Source: Real Clear Politics 
  1. Fed Rate Cut – In line with traders’ expectations — though surprising to many economists and investors — the Fed aggressively cut rates in September for the first time since 2019, front-loading their easing cycle with a 0.50% reduction in their overnight borrowing rate. This led many to question the Fed’s perception of the economy and whether the central bank could manufacture a soft landing and avoid a recession.
  2. Port Strike – As of 12:01 am Eastern Standard Time on October 1, a union labor strike forced ports on the Eastern US and Gulf Coasts to shut down, threatening the economy. JPMorgan Chase & Co. anticipate the closures will result in economic losses between $3.8 billion to $4.5 billion per day, and will likely cause supply chain disruptions and perhaps transitory inflation. Oxford Economics projects a week-long strike would take about a month to clear the shipping congestion.
  3. Israel-Iran – Iran fired nearly 200 missiles into Israel escalating tensions in the Middle East. Israel cited it would retaliate, and this pledge caused Gold (GLD) prices to reach record highs, a U.S. stock market sell off, losses in Crude oil (USO), and a gain in defense sectors.

In face of the strife and a broadening out in earnings growth, the Fed signaled the start of its easing cycle in July, pointing markets to their first rate cut at the September FOMC meeting. While markets experienced hurdles throughout the quarter, economic growth, fueled by resilient consumer spending, continued to surprise to the upside, and investors chose to focus on these positives, causing both the S&P 500 and bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index, to advance more than 5% over the quarter. This solid performance in the face of market angst and during a historically slow period demonstrated that investors’ animal spirits are alive and well.  

Market Recap 

Equities – After contracting 3.62% in the second quarter, rate cut speculation supported higher returns among the profit-hungry and interest-rate sensitive small caps. The Russell 2000 led the way, up 9.27% in 3Q. Lagging their small cap counterparts, the S&P 500 witnessed a broadening out of market participation away from the Magnificent Seven on its way to a 5.89% return for the quarter, and a 22.08% advancement for the year. 
      
Bonds – Amidst moderating yet conflicting economic growth signals, bond yields fell aggressively during the quarter in anticipation of the first Fed rate cut. Entering July, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury dropped sharply from 4.48% to 3.66%, leading up to the looming rate cut in mid-September. Generating fewer headlines over the quarter, the Treasury market continued to grapple with robust U.S. debt issuance and weakening demand for U.S. Treasury securities. We believe supply absorption concerns will likely continue to apply upward pressure on yields, illustrated by yields slightly reversing course to close the month of September. The 10-Year U.S. Treasury closed the quarter at 3.81%. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index rose 5.20% in the quarter, erasing the negative 0.71% return in the first half of 2024, finishing up 4.45% through September 30.

 Source: YCharts. The Bloomberg US Aggregate Index was used as a proxy for Bonds; the Bloomberg US High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index was used as a proxy for High Yield Bonds; the Russell 2000 Index was used as a proxy for Small Cap Equities; and the MSCI ACWI Ex USA Index was used as a proxy for Foreign Equities. All returns are based on total return levels as of 09/30/2024.
  
Economic data remains mixed, and base case expectations still call for the Fed to successfully achieve a ‘soft landing’ and avoid recession. However, as the Federal Reserve’s attention shifts from price to job stability, the path of monetary policy will likely be driven by the health of the labor market. 

Economy: The Consumer Surprises 

In contrast with the nation’s revised first quarter GDP growth of 1.6%, which was held down by softer consumer spending of 1.9%, the second quarter surprised to the upside. A lift in personal income fueled a resurgence of consumers’ penchant to spend, as spending jumped to a 2.8% pace, and an 8.3% increase in business investment helped push U.S. growth higher at a 3% annualized pace. Building on the first two quarters of 2024, as of September 27, 2024, the Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow model for Q3 has been revised from 2.9% to 3.1%, indicating a stable, albeit moderating economic growth engine. This revision reflects the sustained trends of a resilient consumer and further business investment, though an economy hindered by negative residential investment.

Source: Atlanta Fed GDPNow

Unemployment    

August’s Labor Market Report registered the 44th consecutive month of job gains. Estimates called for 161,000 jobs in August, and the market once again surprised to the downside with the addition of 142,000 jobs and further downward revisions to June and July’s reports to 118,000 and 61,000, respectively. Conversely, the unemployment rate retraced slightly to 4.2%, which is still nearly 1% higher than the 55-year low of 3.4% in April 2023. The deterioration of the labor market has quickly grabbed the attention of the Fed, as softness became evident across several pockets of the economy.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics announced an 818,000 revision lower for the prior 12-months jobs added, through March of 2024, reflecting weaker job growth than anticipated. Since peaking in 2022, job openings (JOLTs) have continued to trend lower, bouncing around from month-to-month. For example, job openings fell to their lowest level since January of 2021 to 7.71 million in July, only to reverse course back above eight million in August, bringing the ratio of job openings to those unemployed down to 1.13:1. While the ratio of 1.13:1 is above historical levels, the ratio has fallen significantly from nearly two job openings for every job opening in 2022, indicating the labor market is showing signs of tightening. Over the course of the year, the number of open jobs has trended lower, while the number of unemployed job seekers has trended higher, as evidenced by the additional 991,000 unemployed persons from January to August.  

Since the Fed embarked on its tightening journey and increased rates, the strength and resiliency of the labor market gave them confidence to keep rates higher for longer. Ultimately, the Fed would like to see wage growth continue to trend lower from its current, elevated level of 3.83%. Given the slowing pace of hiring and the increase in unemployment figures, labor market stability has become a primary concern for the Fed. Fears surrounding further labor market weakening cast doubt on the Fed’s ability to avoid a recession and produce a soft landing. The surge in late July Unemployment Claims helped fuel the market selloff in early August that witnessed the S&P 500 enter a nearly 10% correction, although claims have since retraced. Unemployment Claims (both Initial and Continuing) are released weekly and provide the most up to date insight on the health of the labor market. As mentioned, Initial Claims have fallen from 250,000 on July 27 to 218,000 on September 21, while Continuing Claims have been range-bound between 1.73 million and 1.87 million since the start of the year. Both of these levels are nowhere near levels seen in prior periods leading up to a recession, though remain important to monitor.

Inflation 

The Fed appears to be in a position to win the war on inflation. However, we would not be surprised to see a few battles lost from month-to-month as pricing pressure moves towards the Fed’s 2% target. All inflation measures are below wage growth of 3.8%, with both of the Fed’s preferred inflation measures (PCE) coming in at 2.7% or lower. Core inflation, as measured by CPI and PCE, remains stickier: core CPI stayed at 3.2% year-over-year, while core PCE saw a slight uptick in August to 2.7%. 

Further evidence of falling price pressures should provide Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell the confidence to continue down the path of monetary easing, supporting further rate cuts. Threatening the falling trend in inflation measures are the recent port closures across the Eastern seaboard and the Gulf. We are paying close attention to these closures and hoping for a quick resolution. A prolonged strike could result in serious supply chain constraints, potential price increases for goods, and a slowing in economic output.  

Fed Starts Strong Out of the Gate

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) elected to lower rates by 0.50% (50 bps) at their September meeting, while leaving the size of future rate cuts open. The Fed’s decision to cut rates was largely expected. The surprise centered around the size of the Fed’s cut and the subsequent updates to their Summary of Economic Projections (SEP). This surprise was best illustrated by the Fed’s updated median projection for total rate cuts in 2024, which increased from a mere 0.25% of cuts projected in the June SEP to a total of 1.00% worth of cuts in the September SEP, signaling to markets that interest rates would be cut at a more accelerated pace than initially expected. 

Many expected the Fed to start slow with rate reductions, pointing to the health of the overall economy. A larger cut can indicate the Fed believes the economy is deteriorating quickly and that they waited too long to cut rates; however, the Fed has downplayed this rhetoric, stating that a 50 bps cut was warranted due to the strength the economy has exhibited.  

Source:  US Federal Reserve Summary of Economic Projections, September 2024

The Committee held its projection for 2025 at 1.00% (100 bps) of cuts, indicating a slower pace of change as the Fed adopts a more patient data-dependent position after front-loading their easing in the final four months of 2024. Barring any exogenous event or resurgence of inflation, we believe Powell’s plan is to settle into a predictable cadence in terms of size and timing as we transition into 2025. We believe the Federal Reserve will align further rate reductions with their quarterly meetings and updated Summary of Economic Projections to the tune of more traditional 0.25% policy changes. We fully anticipate the Fed will hit its policy target for 2024 with 100 bps of cuts. However, the question remains whether they will do so in the form of one more 0.50% or elect a more traditional policy change and reduce the terminal rate by 0.25% in November and December: we are in the latter camp.

Centura’s Outlook  

The Fed’s goal to lower inflation to its 2% mandate and avoid recession is still our base expected outcome. However, the Fed will need to monitor the state of the labor market deterioration closely if they are to fully avoid an economic contraction. 

Successfully delivering lower inflation and monetary policy normalization should bode well for equities and bonds, however, as always, there are several potential risks looming and investors should proceed carefully.  

By most measures, the S&P 500 is overvalued. According to FactSet, as of September 27, the forward 12-month Price-to-Earnings Ratio (P/E) is 21.6x, which is higher than both the 5-year and 10-year averages of 19.5x and 18.0x, respectively. Current valuations pose a risk to the market, as negative sentiment can lead to sharper selloffs. Also posing a risk to the overall market is the concentration of the Top 10 largest stocks in the S&P 500. According to JPMorgan Asset Management, the 10 largest constituents represent 35.8% of the index, as of August 31, while contributing to 28.1% of the earnings. Concentrations of this magnitude make the index vulnerable to significant changes stemming from those underlying companies, which is one of several reasons we favor global diversification across a multitude of asset classes – both public and private.

In the face of higher borrowing costs, corporate profits remain resilient, illustrated by the fourth consecutive quarter of positive earnings growth by the S&P 500, rising 5.1% in the second quarter. As of September 27, FactSet estimates third-quarter earnings to expand at a slower pace, only advancing 4.6% year-over-year. We are encouraged by the positive earnings growth trends, though the second quarter saw investors punish negative earnings surprises more than they rewarded positive beats. Relative to the five-year average, stocks that beat earnings guidance in 2Q rose less (0.9% vs. 1.0%), while those companies that missed guidance fell nearly double the 5-year average (-4.3% vs. -2.3%), indicating the market appears overvalued, and investors are overreacting to news and resetting expectations.

Source: FactSet Earnings Insight

Since 2023, the Magnificent Seven have been responsible for most of the market’s earnings growth, increasing 31%, versus the 4% contraction of the remaining 493 companies’ earnings in the S&P 500 last year. While third quarter earnings for the 493 companies are expected to be flat for 3Q, we remain optimistic by the fact that JPMorgan is expecting the remaining companies outside the Magnificent Seven to catch up and accelerate earnings throughout the remainder of the year. Both the Magnificent Seven and the S&P 500 ex-Mag Seven are expected to experience double-digit year-over-year earnings growth in the fourth quarter of 21% and 13%, respectively. A broadening of earnings growth should bode well for increased market breadth and carve a path for higher broad-based returns on equities, outside of the Magnificent Seven. 

Source: JPM Asset Management Guide to the Markets

Persistent, elevated rates will continue to cause issues for certain companies, such as small caps, though earnings are expected to grow broadly through the remainder of 2024 and 2025; the Fed’s pivot to lowering rates should alleviate some of the pressure on company financials. 

While equities generally produce positive returns during election years, we expect volatility will likely increase as we approach the election through October and early November. The recent political turmoil has created a great deal of market uncertainty, particularly given the differing policy initiatives of both candidates. In the face of uncertainty, we generally avoid making changes to investment portfolios in advance of an election, as the policy expectations could change greatly. Markets tend to rally once the election has concluded. We encourage clients to avoid making rash decisions and stay invested, as we are strong believers that long-term investment outcomes are improved by time in the market, rather than timing the market. We suggest investors concerned with historical market behavior leading up to, and after an election, listen to the podcast we recorded with Michael Townsend, Managing Director, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at Charles Schwab & Company.

The stock market’s resilient momentum, a more favorable rate environment, a potential post-election rally, and expected earnings growth all serve as potential tailwinds to push equities to further highs. However, a fair amount of uncertainty and risks pose headwinds for markets. Outside of further labor market deterioration or a resurgence of inflation leading to a Fed policy misstep, significant geopolitical risks are present and could result in additional volatility, especially if there are escalations in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, or China. For instance, on October 1, Iran fired nearly 200 missiles into Israel escalating tensions in the Middle East. Israel cited it would retaliate, and, as a result, Gold (GLD) prices reached record highs, U.S. stocks sold off, Crude oil (USO) experienced losses, and investors flocked to safe haven investments and sectors.

Real estate tends to be an interest rate-sensitive asset class; as rates continue to move lower, we anticipate a pick-up in activity and a subsequent reversal of valuations over the next several years. We may not have found the bottom of the real estate market cycle quite yet, though based on improving fundamentals and discussions with our real estate partners, we may be bouncing off the bottom, from a valuation adjustment perspective. Access to nearly-free credit post-pandemic resulted in record numbers of new construction, particularly in commercial real estate sectors like multifamily and industrials. As a result of the Fed’s rate hiking cycle, those new constructions screeched to a halt as the cost to borrow and build has been unfeasible. However, 2024 is still expected to deliver more than 650,000 multifamily units, the most since 1974. Like most goods, price is determined by supply and demand, and real estate is no different. Currently, demand, or absorption, is failing to keep pace in multifamily, applying downward pressure on rents. Furthermore, new higher-quality inventory generally attracts higher rents, forcing older vintage properties to offer rent concessions to remain competitive and applying downward pressure on net operating income (NOI). On the opposite side of the ledger, expenses have outpaced income, particularly the cost of insurance and labor. 

We believe we are approaching the light at the end of the tunnel. While valuations may trend sideways over the next 12-18 months, we are optimistic that increased activity resulting from lower interest rates, combined with supply concerns evaporating as we enter 2026 and few-to no new construction starts, should bode well for private real estate in the long-term, with 2024 and 2025 vintages potentially producing strong results at disposition. We continue to remain extremely cautious and selective, focusing on select submarkets, signs of possible distress, and attractive risk-adjusted returns.

Private equity, particularly lower middle market buyouts, appears to have stabilized, potentially presenting attractive investment opportunities relative to public market alternatives. Current yield levels still present challenges for private equity valuations, though, like real estate, lower rates should lead to increased exit activity and higher valuations moving forward. With limited private equity exit opportunities since mid-2022 and our expectation for increased activity, we favor managers specializing in co-investments, GP-led secondaries, and late-stage primaries that offer the potential for superior risk-adjusted returns in this environment, a potentially quicker return of capital, and generally lower fee structures. 

Private credit is predominantly floating and tied to a base rate such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) and closely linked to the Fed Funds overnight rate, as such the asset class has benefited from the Fed’s restrictive monetary policy, though we believe the asset class remains attractive. However, yields on private credit will start to come down as the Fed continues to cut rates, though with a lag to the Fed’s timing as the floating rate on private loans does not adjust immediately. Rather, there is a delay before the loan terms reset lower. Should our Fed rate path expectations prove accurate, we expect private credit to continue to produce a high level of income, particularly on a relative basis.

While the third quarter brought both hurdles and strong market performance, we remain laser-focused on long-term objectives and minimizing volatility in the short-term amidst this data-dependent backdrop. 

Thank you for your continued confidence and support. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your Centura Wealth advisor.     

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor.  

The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on the market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.   

All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed.  There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability, or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such.  

Centura Wealth Advisory is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Centura Wealth Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. 12255 El Camino Real, St. 125, San Diego, CA 92130.  

10/03/24
https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/iStock-1699822168-scaled-1.jpg 1159 2560 Andre Lawrence https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Centura-Logo-White.png Andre Lawrence2024-10-03 21:59:242025-04-08 16:27:35Q3 2024 MARKET WRAP: Despite Hurdles, The Hot Streak Continues
Charts of financial instruments with various type of indicators including volume analysis for professional technical analysis on the monitor of a computer.
INVESTING, MONTHLY MARKET REPORTS, NEWS

Q2 2024 Market Wrap: Dependency Issues

After rising more than 10% in the first quarter of 2024, the S&P 500 stumbled out of the gate in the second quarter. The index contracted more than 4% in April and produced the first negative month of the year as the market reassessed the timing of the Fed’s first rate cut. While the Fed’s higher for longer mantra has not changed, they are stressing their dependence on data, which has proven mixed. The market, on the other hand, has become Fed-dependent, placing great emphasis on each major economic reading, primarily inflation, labor, and economic production. With hopes that the Fed will initiate rate cuts sooner, the market applauds lower inflation and negative growth signals, like a slowing economy or consumer spending. Conversely, traditionally well-received data points, such as a robust and resilient labor market, can trigger market selloffs. This counterintuitive reaction occurs because positive economic news suggests that the Federal Reserve might delay its first rate reduction, extending the timeline for monetary easing.

Following two positive reports that inflation is trending lower, the S&P 500 witnessed solid rebounds of 4.80% and 3.47% in May and June, respectively, driven primarily by gains in Big Tech stocks. With hopes of an early rate cut, the equity markets continued to fuel the Nvidia-led AI frenzy. The sustained AI rally is heavily influenced by expectations surrounding the timing of monetary policy adjustments.

In line with the April selloff in equities, bonds saw the yield on the 10-year US Treasury whipsaw 0.37% higher, from 4.33% to 4.70%, before peaking on April 25. Like their equity counterparts, longer-dated bonds have become too reliant on the path of monetary policy, with return expectations tied to the timing of the Fed’s first cut. As the Fed provides clarity on their path forward, yield volatility should ultimately subside, leading to more stable outcomes. Until then, we expect continued bond volatility.

Market Recap

Equities – Unlike the ‘everything rally’ that closed out 2023, where small caps and technology stocks – both sensitive to elevated interest rates – were the largest benefactors, 2024 has witnessed further decoupling amongst asset classes. Any projected rate cut speculation has tended to support higher returns by the Magnificent Seven and technology stocks, though small caps have lagged behind. Small caps, measured by the Russell 2000, produced only about half the return of their large cap counterparts in the first quarter. The second quarter witnessed smaller companies contract -3.62%, bringing the year-to-date gains to a paltry 1.02%. Meanwhile, the S&P 500’s price advances for the second quarter was 3.92%, bringing the index’s return for the year to 14.48%.

Bonds – As yields reversed course, bonds kicked off the quarter in the red, adding to their multi-year downward trend. With stronger-than-expected economic data and Fed uncertainty, the market repriced Fed expectations, and the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury rose sharply.  As inflation readings and consumer spending data continued trending lower, the market again reassessed their rate cut projections, sending the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield back to 4.2% and bringing the bond index back into positive territory for 2024. The Fed’s messaging that it needs to witness several months of sustained data before feeling comfortable lowering rates prompted another yield reversal upward with the 10-Year U.S. Treasury closing the quarter at 4.36%. While the market has appeared to reprice monetary policy changes, robust U.S. debt issuance and the demand for U.S. Treasury securities remains relatively weak, failing to absorb supply and applying additional upward pressure on yields. The Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index rose by a modest 0.7% in the quarter, while it declined -0.71% for the year.

market index returns july 2024

Source: YCharts. The Bloomberg US Aggregate Index was used as a proxy for Bonds; the Bloomberg US High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index was used as a proxy for High Yield Bonds; the Russell 2000 Index was used as a proxy for Small Cap Equities; and the MSCI ACWI Ex USA Index was used as a proxy for Foreign Equities.  All returns are based on price returns as of 06/30/2024.

Though economic data remains mixed, base case expectations still call for the Fed to successfully achieve a ‘soft landing’ and avoid recession. However, many growth metrics continue to moderate, leading many to question the Fed’s decision to keep rates elevated for longer.

Economy: The Consumer continues to slow

After growing approximately 2.5% in 2023, the U.S. economy continues growing at a moderate pace. Driven primarily by softening consumer spending, the first quarter of 2024 GDP grew 1.4%. Reflecting an uptick over the first quarter, as of July 2, 2024, the Atlanta ‘Fed’s GDPNow model for Q2 has been revised from 2.2% to 1.7%. This revision is primarily due to lower projections for consumer spending and net exports, which have contracted from the initial growth forecast.

Subcomponent contributions

Source: Atlanta Fed GDPNow

The combination of unwavering spending in the face of rising prices and a robust labor market has underpinned the strong economic growth of recent years. However, with the $2 trillion of pandemic savings now exhausted as of March, household debt has reached record levels, and delinquencies are beginning to mount, threatening the sustainability of the nation’s growth. Despite elevated borrowing costs, the consumer continues to spend, albeit at a slower pace, thanks in large part to a strong labor market, producing wage increases that have outpaced inflation for more than a year. While the market is hoping for the labor market to soften and result in an earlier Fed rate cut, too much labor market deterioration could result in further spending reductions, ultimately leaving little room for the Fed to thread the needle and both produce a ‘soft landing’ and avoid a recession.

Unemployment    

June’s Labor Market Report registered the 42nd consecutive month of job gains. Estimates called for 200,000 jobs in May, and the market once again surprised to the upside with the addition of 206,000 jobs. On the other hand, the unemployment rate edged up slightly to 4.1%, the highest level since October 2021.

The labor market continues to post robust results. While trending lower since peaking in 2022, job openings (JOLTs) surprisingly broke its three-month trend of fewer job openings in May. They reversed back above eight million (8.14 million), bringing the ratio of job openings to those unemployed to down to 1.22:1. While the ratio of 1.22:1 is still elevated above levels historically witnessed, the ratio has fallen significantly from nearly two job openings for every job posting in 2022, indicating slack is working itself out of the system and the labor market is showing signs of tightening. The number of open jobs has fallen, while the number of unemployed job seekers has trended higher, as evidenced by the additional 687,000 unemployed persons from January to May.

Robust Labor Market sends mixed signals

For now, the strength and resiliency of the labor market have given the Fed the confidence to keep rates higher for longer. However, the data point that is giving the Fed continued anxiety is wage growth. Despite falling below the key level of 4% in April for the first time since 2021, wage growth has exhibited stickiness and has been hovering around the 4% threshold, rising 4.1% and 3.9% year-over-year in May and June, respectively. While wage growth outpacing inflation bodes well for continued consumer spending, prolonged, elevated wage growth raises concerns about a potential resurgence in inflation. Several readings below the 4% threshold would certainly be welcomed by the Fed.

Inflation


On the surface, all major inflation readings have fallen below 4%, with both PCE readings coming in at 2.6% in May. Core services increased by 0.2% in May, lifted by higher housing, utilities, and healthcare, and financial services, while insurance costs declined by 0.3% after five consecutive months of growth. Housing, financial services, and insurance costs were among the major drivers supporting elevated services costs, so witnessing a reversal in two of the three variables presents a positive affirmation that inflation is indeed heading lower.

Just as elevated wage growth is troublesome to the Fed, the stickiness of core services, particularly housing, fortifies the decision to exercise patience before cutting rates. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated “we want to be more confident that inflation is moving down towards 2%” before lowering rates.

More Evidence Needed

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) elected to keep rates unchanged in June for the seventh consecutive meeting. While the Fed’s decision was largely expected, the big news was centered around the Fed’s changes to their Summary of Economic Projections, particularly their median projection for rate cuts, where policymakers adjusted their expectations from three rate cuts in 2024 to only one 0.25% rate cut. The Committee also raised its projection for 2025 as well, indicating a slower pace of change as the Fed adopts a more patient data-dependent position. The number of Fed officials who projected no cuts in 2024 doubled from two to four, and not one official anticipated cutting rates more than twice. We also saw the Fed lift economic projections for 2024 increasing their 2024 inflation expectations and revising their 2025 rate normalization path.

Powell acknowledged that inflation has begun trending lower, yet expressed concerns that cutting rates too early may jeopardize the progress made towards reducing inflation. Interestingly, the Core PCE print in May was 2.6%, which is higher than the Fed’s year-end projection for Core Inflation. This indicates that the Fed anticipates a slight increase in prices from this point, which would likely be accompanied by ensuing market volatility.

March 2024 projection change in real GDP

Source:  US Federal Reserve Summary of Economic Projections, June 2024

Barring any resurgence of inflation, we believe the Fed has finished its rate-hiking regime and is nearing its first rate cut. Our base case assumptions have not changed given the Fed’s steadfast commitment to bringing inflation down. We continue to believe the earliest the Fed will cut rates is September, which now aligns with current market expectations. However, any prolonged stickiness or resurgence of inflation would likely push our expectations for rate cuts into the fourth quarter this year.

Centura’s Outlook

The Fed’s goal to lower inflation to its 2% mandate and avoid recession is now the base outcome expected by the Fed and most market participants. However, given the slowdown in consumer spending, the Fed will need to monitor the state of the labor market deterioration closely if they are to fully avoid an economic contraction. Successfully delivering lower inflation and monetary policy normalization should bode well for equities and bonds. However, there are several potential risks looming and investors should proceed carefully.

In the chart below, Pitchbook outlines four likely paths forward: scenarios of stagflation, higher for longer, recession, or a soft landing. While any of the four scenarios could occur and the risk of recession has fallen, this risk remains above average due to the restrictive level of interest rates. Ultimately, our expectations fall into the lower right-hand corner: the soft-landing camp. We believe inflationary pressures will continue to ease while labor demand and wage growth will soften, resulting in the Fed slowly beginning to bring short-term rates down.

Characteristics of possible economic scenarios

In the face of higher borrowing costs, corporate profits have remained surprisingly resilient, illustrated by the S&P 500 posting positive earnings growth for the third consecutive quarter in the first quarter of 2024, rising 5.9%. As of June 21, FactSet estimates second-quarter earnings to accelerate and grow at 8.8% year-over-year. Last year, the Magnificent Seven were responsible for most of the market’s earnings growth, increasing 31%, versus the -4% contraction of the remaining 493 companies’ earnings in the S&P 500. While this trend is expected to hold in 2024, with gains of 30% and 7%, respectively, we are encouraged that JPMorgan is expecting the remaining companies outside the Magnificent Seven to catch up and accelerate earnings over the remainder of the year. Both groups are expected to experience year-over-year earnings growth of 17% in the fourth quarter. A broadening of earnings growth should bode well for increased market breadth and carve a path for higher broad-based returns on equities.

Performance of Magnificent Seven

Source: JPMorgan Guide to the Markets

The market remains too dependent on the Fed, which has become dependent on poor economic data. Following worsening conditions, the Fed is more likely to pivot and cut rates sooner. We believe economic activity will continue to surprise moderately, putting the Fed on pace to start lowering rates in either September or November, yet any resurgence of inflation will likely spur bouts of volatility in both stocks and bonds.

Persistent, elevated rates will continue to cause issues for some companies, like small caps, though earnings are expected to grow broadly in 2024 and 2025. While equities generally produce positive returns during election years, we expect volatility is likely to increase as we approach the election in the third and fourth quarters. The recent political turmoil in France and India, the first U.S. Presidential Debate, and the ensuing market volatility remind us how sensitive the markets are to political uncertainty. While we anticipate increased volatility as November nears, we do not believe this volatility source is sustainable. Outside of a resurgence of inflation or Fed policy misstep, we believe geopolitical risks pose a major threat and are more fearful of those potential exogenous events that are harder to predict.

While the path may be bumpy, we believe yields should continue to grind lower over the course of the year, presenting attractive opportunities to produce asymmetric returns in bonds.  Extending duration within portfolios should allow investors to clip an attractive yield, while also providing them with the opportunity to experience capital appreciation for a total return exceeding what they might clip sitting in money market funds or short-term Treasury bills, particularly in municipal bonds on an after-tax basis.

Elevated interest rates continue to punish private real estate returns, with further slight downward valuation adjustments expected from their previous marks. Real estate serves as an interest rate-sensitive asset class; as rates move lower, we anticipate a pick-up in activity and a subsequent reversal of valuations over the next several years. While we believe we are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel for several real estate sectors like multifamily and industrial, unfortunately, we believe more pain will be experienced, particularly with the underlying debt that real estate operators hold. We anticipate a pickup in defaults across several real estate sectors, likely resulting in further pain across both public and private markets. For the foreseeable future, we remain extremely cautious and selective, focusing on select submarkets and attractive risk-adjusted returns.

Private equity, particularly lower middle market buyouts, appears to have stabilized, potentially presenting attractive investment opportunities relative to public market alternatives. Current yield levels present challenges for private equity valuations, though according to Pitchbook, elevated and expanding public equity market valuations position new buyout investments favorably when compared to their public market counterparts. Generally, when public market valuations are well above historical norms, buyout strategies launched during these periods tend to outperform, particularly smaller and emerging managers, which aligns with our natural preference.  With limited private equity exit opportunities today, we also align with Pitchbook’s stance that secondary investments should also create attractive opportunities for investors in this environment.

Given that private credit is predominantly floating and tied to a base rate such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), closely linked to the Fed Funds overnight rate, we believe the asset class remains attractive. Yields on private credit should remain similar to current levels until the Fed begins to cut rates. Even as the Fed cuts rates, the floating rate on private loans does not adjust immediately. Rather, there is a delay before the loan terms reset lower.  Barring a catastrophic event, the Fed is likely to lower rates slowly, supporting higher yields for longer in private credit. According to commentary shared with us from Cliffwater, companies appear to be navigating the higher financing costs well, as interest coverage in their pipeline has increased from 1.75x to 1.93x.

Like markets and the Fed, we are digesting data points as they print, but we remain laser-focused on long-term objectives and minimizing volatility in the short-term amidst this data dependent backdrop.
     
Thank you for your continued confidence and support. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your Centura Wealth advisor.

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor. 

The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on the market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.  

All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed.  There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability, or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such. 

Centura Wealth Advisory is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Centura Wealth Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. 12255 El Camino Real, St. 125, San Diego, CA 92130. 

07/08/24
https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Market-wrap-2024-q2-scaled.jpg 987 2560 Andre Lawrence https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Centura-Logo-White.png Andre Lawrence2024-07-08 07:22:002025-07-06 21:33:22Q2 2024 Market Wrap: Dependency Issues
Charts of financial instruments with various type of indicators including volume analysis for professional technical analysis on the monitor of a computer.
INVESTING, MONTHLY MARKET REPORTS, NEWS

Q1 2024 Market Wrap: Equities Keep the Good Times Rolling

After experiencing zero in 2023, the S&P 500 took more than two years before making a new all-time high. Fast forward to the end of the first quarter, witnessing the S&P 500 march its way to 22 new all-time high levels, on pace for the most ever. While much uncertainty surrounding monetary policy still exists, the equity markets brushed off the noise, experiencing minimal volatility. The quarter’s maximum S&P 500 drawdown of -1.7% would mark the smallest drawdown in history if the year ended as of March 31. Even gold and Japan’s stock market joined the all-time highs party, with the latter doing so for the first time since 1989.

Unlike recent quarters, chinks in the armor of the Magnificent 7 appeared to form, as three of the seven constituents (Apple, Alphabet, and Tesla) failed to outpace the broad index return of 10.8%. Ten of the eleven S&P sectors turned in a positive return. On the other hand, Nvidia continued its AI-fueled meteoric ride on way to a Q1 return of more than 82%, and we witnessed a reawakening of the meme stock mania as traders poured into the Reddit Inc., Trump Media, and Technology IPOs.

A year removed from the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, we were reminded of the stress that higher rates have applied to the balance sheets of small and regional banks. New York Community Bank reported surprise losses on their multifamily commercial real estate loan portfolio, reminding investors that there could still be another shoe to drop. Regional banks tend to have a very large percentage of commercial real estate loans on their books, with many experiencing a high number of defaults, though the market quickly shrugged off the news and risks. 

Highlighted last quarter, we felt the bond market got ahead of itself and overpriced the timing and magnitude of Fed rate cuts. Entering 2024, the market anticipated the U.S. central bank would cut six times, resulting in a projected 1.50% (150 basis points) in rate reductions, starting as early as March. As the market reassessed the Fed’s rhetoric and repriced their expectations, market yields for longer dated bonds rose sharply by 0.46% before the 10-Year U.S. Treasury rate settled and ultimately ended the quarter at 4.20%.  

Market Recap

Equities – 2023 witnessed a positive correlation between yields on longer dated bonds and equity prices, which resulted in higher equity levels as yields fell and downward pressure as yields rose. This was particularly highlighted over the final two months of 2023, when the yield on the 10-Year U.S. Treasury fell from nearly 5% to 3.88% and ignited the ‘everything rally.’ The largest benefactors were asset classes like small caps and technology, which tend to be the most sensitive to higher interest rates. In contrast to last year, 2024 has seen a significant decoupling of the relationship between equities and bond yields. Fueled by AI-driven enthusiasm, expectations of Fed cuts, and unexpectedly robust earnings, the S&P 500 surged 10.8% for the quarter. This performance marks the best first quarter for the U.S. large-cap index since 2019, delivering consecutive quarters of double-digit returns.

Conversely, higher yields continue to plague smaller companies with today’s higher cost of debt marring their outlook. As the market reassessed monetary policy and rates rose in the first quarter, the small-cap Russell 2000 index experienced turbulence to start the year, but ultimately eked out a 5.18% YTD return. 

With a ‘soft landing’ to ‘no landing’ all but expected, the market appears to have accepted the Fed’s latest projections and are closely observing economic data for signals the Fed has the green light to lower rates. As important indicators surrounding inflation, jobs, and overall economic health flood the market, we expect the market to continue reacting counterintuitively to good news, treating it as bad news, while reacting to bad news as though it is good news. Should core inflation remain sticky and economic data remain strong, we would not be surprised to see volatility return as investors start to extend expectations surrounding a June Fed pivot. 

Bonds – As yields reversed course, bonds kicked off 2024 adding to their multi-year downward trend. With stronger-than-expected economic data and Fed uncertainty, the market repriced Fed expectations and the yield on the 10-Year U.S. Treasury shot from 3.88% to as high as 4.34% in mid-March. While the market has appeared to reprice monetary policy changes, robust U.S. debt issuance and the demand for U.S. Treasury securities continues to wane, failing to absorb supply and applying upward pressure on yields, exemplified by the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index falling 0.78% over the quarter.

q1 2024 Market index Returns

Source: YCharts. The Bloomberg US Aggregate Index was used as a proxy for Bonds; the Bloomberg US High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index was used as a proxy for High Yield Bonds; the Russell 2000 Index was used as a proxy for Small Cap Equities; and the MSCI ACWI Ex USA Index was used as a proxy for Foreign Equities. 

With stronger economic data, base case expectations call for the Fed successfully achieving a ‘soft landing’ and avoiding recession. However, as data has continued to surprise to the upside, many growth metrics continue moderating. 

Economy: The Consumer starts slowing 

After avoiding the widely anticipated recession of 2023, and growing approximately 2.5%, the U.S. economy continues to grind higher at a moderate pace. As of March 29, 2024, the Atlanta ‘Fed’s GDPNow model for the first quarter is projecting growth of 2.3%, with the largest contribution expected to come from consumer spending, once again, and net exports expected to detract from growth. 

Evolution of Atlanta Fed GDP now

Despite higher borrowing costs, the U.S. continues to outperform its global peers, largely due to a stable labor market that has consistently produced wage increases outpacing inflation for 10 consecutive months, through February. March’s labor report is due Friday, April 5 and wages are expected to continue to outpace pricing pressures for an 11th straight month, further supporting consumers’ ability to spend. 

Unemployment 

February’s Labor Market Report registered the 38th consecutive month of job gains. Estimates called for 198,000 jobs in February, and the market surprised to the upside with the addition of 275,000 jobs, though unemployment jumped 0.2% to 3.9%. 

Labor Market Remains Relatively Tight

February’s unemployment rate also marked the 27th consecutive month unemployment has held below 4%, which is the longest streak since the 1960s. The labor market continues to post robust results. While trending lower since peaking in 2022, job openings (JOLTs) have been a mixed bag from month-to-month, and still remain elevated at 8.86 million. This brings the ratio of job openings to those unemployed to 1.371. While the ratio of 1.37:1 is still considered elevated above levels historically witnessed, the ratio has fallen significantly from nearly two job openings for every job posting in 2022. This indicates slack is working itself out of the system and the labor market is showing signs of tightening. The number of open jobs has fallen, while the number of unemployed job seekers has trended higher, as evidenced by the additional 334,000 unemployed persons from January to February.  

For now, the strength and resiliency of the labor market has given the Fed the confidence to keep rates higher for longer. However, sticky wage growth continues to give the Fed anxiety, as this metric has been effectively stuck around 4.3% since October 2023. While persistent and elevated wage growth brings fears of an inflation resurgence, any break below the 4% threshold would temper those fears and be well received by the Fed.

Inflation 

The Fed appears to be winning their battle against inflation, as pricing pressures look to be tamed and headed towards the Fed’s 2% target – though it is still too early for the Fed to declare their victory lap. On the surface, all major inflation readings reside below 4%, with both PCE readings printing below 3% over the last year, through February. 

Shelter and gasoline represented approximately 60% of the monthly gain in Headline CPI in February, with additional pricing pressure from used cars, apparel, motor vehicle insurance, and airfares at the highest levels since May 2022. Boeing woes are forcing airlines to cut their flight capacity and we expect further pricing pressure on air travel over the next several months. Additionally, we anticipate continued upward pressure on energy prices, leading to volatility on the headline CPI numbers as we progress through the summer months.

Just as elevated wage growth remains troublesome to the Fed, the stickiness of core services, particularly shelter costs, supports their decision to exercise patience before cutting rates. The rolling three-month core CPI is running at an annualized rate of 4.2%, which is the highest since June 2023. 

Too Soon to Pivot

Defying market expectations of a March rate cut, the Fed met twice in the first quarter and left rates unchanged, illustrating their unflagging commitment to bring inflation back to its long-term target of 2%. Since initiating rate increases in March 2022, the Fed raised rates eleven times, bringing the target range for the Fed Funds rate to the current range of 5.25% to 5.50%. During this period, Fed Chair Jerome Powell has also been reducing the Fed’s balance sheet by $95 billion per month, resulting in a decrease in assets of nearly 16.5%, or approximately $1.48 trillion, since its peak in April 2022.  

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) elected to keep rates unchanged in March for the fifth consecutive meeting. While the Fed’s decision was largely expected, the big news was the Fed’s changes, or lack thereof, to their Summary of Economic Projections. Of particular interest was their median projection for rate cuts, which policymakers held unchanged at three cuts in 2024. Only two Fed officials projected no cuts in 2024, while two anticipated only two cuts. Only one member voted in favor of more than three rate cuts in 2024, signifying a stark contrast to the Fed’s December 2023 projections where five members anticipated more than three cuts in 2024. We also saw the Fed lift economic projections, like GDP, for 2024, while also increasing their 2024 inflation expectations and revising their 2025 path of rate normalization.

Powell recognized that inflation has been stickier than anticipated the last couple of months, though the latest data “haven’t really changed the overall story, which is that of inflation moving down gradually on a sometimes-bumpy road towards 2%.” He further reiterated “we’re not going to overact…to these two months of data, nor are we going to ignore them.”

Real GDP December PRojections

Source: US Federal Reserve Summary of Economic Projections, March 20, 2024

Barring any resurgence of inflation, we believe the Fed has finished its rate-hiking campaign and are nearing their first rate cut. Given the Fed’s steadfast commitment to bringing inflation down, our base case assumptions from the last several quarters have not changed. We continue to believe the earliest the Fed will cut rates is June, which now aligns with current market expectations. However, any prolonged stickiness or resurgence of inflation would likely push our expectations for rate cuts into the third quarter of this year.

Centura’s Outlook

The Fed’s goal to lower inflation back to its 2% mandate and avoid recession is now the base outcome expected by the Fed and most market participants. The successful delivery of lower inflation and Fed policy normalization should bode well for both equities and bonds. However, we continue to believe the market appears priced to perfection, and investors should proceed with caution as any resurgence or sustained stickiness of inflation could result in monetary policy uncertainty and lead to bouts of market angst or volatility. 

In the face of higher borrowing costs, corporate profits have remained surprisingly resilient as the S&P 500 posted positive earnings growth for the second consecutive quarter in the fourth quarter of 2023, rising 4.2%. Interestingly, those companies with more than 50% of their revenue generated outside of the U.S., generated better profits than companies generating most of their profits domestically. As margins continue to face pressure, FactSet has witnessed revisions for first quarter earnings, dropping from 5.8% on December 31 to 3.6% as of March 28. 

S&P Earnings Q4 2023

Source: FactSet Earnings Insight

Forward 12-month P/E ratios are approximately 20.9x, above both their five-year and ten-year averages of 19.1x and 17.7x, respectively. This indicates that equities are slightly overvalued and thus priced to perfection. For further confirmation, the earnings yield relative to the yield on the 10-Year U.S. Treasury also indicates that equities are relatively valued today, as the S&P 500 earnings yield (Earnings/Price) is 4.30%, compared to the yield of on the 10-Year U.S. Treasury of 4.33% as of April 1. 

Earnings yield falls below 10 year Treasury Bonds

The market remains too dependent on the Fed, which has become dependent on poor economic data; with worsening conditions, the more likely the Fed is to pivot and cut rates sooner. However, we believe economic activity will continue to surprise to the upside, realistically extending the timing of the widely anticipated rate cut. Should expectations shift from June to later in the year, we would expect markets to react negatively, and volatility would ensue.

We entered the year with our allocations aligned with our long-term targets. While higher rates will continue to cause issues for some companies, earnings are expected to grow from 2023 levels in 2024. While equities generally produce a positive return during election years, we expect volatility will likely increase as we approach the election in the third and fourth quarters. However, the improving market breadth, as evidenced by the roughly 70% of S&P 500 companies trading above their 200-day moving averages, gives us optimism that markets should continue to grind higher. Outside of Fed policy-related market volatility, we are more fearful of potential exogenous events that are harder to predict.

As expected, yields rose to start the year as the market repriced its expectations surrounding Fed rate cuts. When yields reversed higher, we took the opportunity to further extend the duration of our fixed income allocations. While the path may be bumpy, ultimately, we believe yields should continue to grind lower over the course of the year, presenting attractive opportunities to produce asymmetric returns in bonds. Extending duration should allow investors to clip an attractive yield, while also providing them with the opportunity to experience capital appreciation for a total return exceeding what they will clip sitting in money market funds or short-term Treasury bills.

Elevated interest rates continue to punish private real estate returns, with further slight downward valuation adjustments expected from their previous marks. Real estate is an interest rate-sensitive asset class, meaning as rates move lower, we anticipate a pick-up in activity, and a subsequent reversal of valuations over the next several years. While we believe we are nearing the light at the end of the tunnel for several real estate sectors like multifamily and industrial, unfortunately, we believe more pain will be experienced, particularly with the underlying debt that real estate operators hold. There is a reason S&P Global just downgraded five regional banks based on their commercial real estate loan exposure. Like S&P Global, we anticipate a pickup in defaults across several real estate sectors, which will likely result in further pain across both public and private markets. 

Private credit presents an opportunity to earn attractive returns, given private credit is predominantly floating and tied to a base rate such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), closely linked to the Fed Funds overnight rate. Yields on private credit should remain at their current levels until the Fed begins to cut rates. Even as the Fed cuts rates, the floating rate on private loans does not adjust immediately. Rather, there is a delay before the loan terms reset lower, typically every three months. Barring a catastrophic event, the Fed is likely to lower rates more methodically than they hiked them, supporting higher yields in private credit. Fortunately, private companies have weathered the elevated rate storm better than anticipated. As Cliffwater recently shared with us, borrowers demonstrated strong performance, as evidenced by the 15% year-over-year revenue growth and 13% EBITDA growth. Lower rates should support improved health of borrowers and support attractive returns, relative to traditional fixed income going forward. Combining traditional bonds with private credit should produce a balanced and diversified approach toward income production and total return in 2024. 

Thank you for your continued confidence and support. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your Centura Wealth advisor.   

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor. 
The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on the market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.  
All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability, or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information, and it should not be relied on as such. 
Centura Wealth Advisory is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Centura Wealth Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. 12255 El Camino Real, St. 125, San Diego, CA 92130.  
04/04/24
https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Market-wrap-2024-q2-scaled.jpg 987 2560 Andre Lawrence https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Centura-Logo-White.png Andre Lawrence2024-04-04 07:58:002025-04-08 16:27:35Q1 2024 Market Wrap: Equities Keep the Good Times Rolling
Stock lines representing the Centura Wealth Market Recap 2023
INVESTING, MONTHLY MARKET REPORTS, NEWS

Market Wrap: Anyone For a Game of Tug-of-War?

For the past several quarters, the market has seemingly ignored communications from the Fed, particularly the point that interest rates will continue to rise and remain elevated for as long as it takes to restore inflation to their 2% target. This trend persisted up until August in the aftermath of Chairman Powell’s Jackson Hole speech and the subsequent September Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting. After over a year of repetition from Chair Powell, the market finally appears ready to listen to sentiment coming from the Fed. 

Successful childhood tug-of-war matches typically rewards the side with the best anchor. In a quest to predict the future, both the economy and the Fed have entered into a game of tug-a-war, with the market as the rope. Good news is no longer good news, rather, good news is bad news, and bad news is good news. The market hates uncertainty and must predict whether the Fed will raise rates again and, perhaps more importantly, when they will begin lowering. Good news signals that the Fed can continue increasing rates and likely prolongs the duration that rates must remain elevated. Conversely, bad news signals conditions are softening, and the Fed is likely done raising rates, with a pivot to rate cuts shortly to follow. The struggle is finding a better anchor than the side wielding the most power – the Fed. Hence why they said, ”Don’t fight the Fed.” With this constant push-and-pull between monetary policy deployed by the Fed and economic reality, it is hard to predict what will happen next. 

Market Recap

Equities – The combination of stronger economic data and revised projections from the Fed has finally gotten through to market participants. The Fed does not intend to repeat the mistakes made during the Volcker regime. The Fed will keep rates elevated longer to stifle inflation and ensure prices do not reverse course and reaccelerate. The market acceptance of the Fed’s thesis, coupled with higher Treasury yields, has finally chinked the armor of the interest rate ‘sensitive,’ tech-heavy NASDAQ-100.  

While the index was flat for the quarter, the NASDAQ-100 was down 6.61% since the yield on the 10-Year U.S. Treasury first began to surge on July 31st. This effectively erased the gains the index enjoyed during the quarter’s first month, bringing the index’s 2023 return to 34.51%.      

On the other hand, recent performance of the S&P 500 has been characterized by the ten largest stocks, which currently comprise more than 30% of the overall index. In fact, 90% of the benchmark’s return has been driven by those large constituents, which are mostly Big Tech. This is the highest level of concentration the index has seen with data going back to 1990. 

Source: FactSet, Standard & Poor’s, J.P. Morgan Asset Management. The top 10 S&P 500 companies are based on the 10 largest index constituents at the beginning of each month. As of 9/30/2023, the top 10 companies in the index were AAPL (7.0%), MSFT (6.5%), AMZN (3.2%), NVDA (3.0%), GOOGL (2.2%), TSLA (1.9%), META (1.9%), GOOG (1.9%), BRK.B (1.8%), XOM (1.3%), and UNH (1.3%).  Guide to the Markets – U.S.

Through three quarters, the S&P 500 is up 11.68%, while the average stock, represented by the S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP), is up a mere 0.17% through September.  Elevated rates, tighter financial conditions, and more stringent lending standards continue to dampen the outlook for smaller companies, as the small-cap Russell 2000 index sold off 10.89% amid the late July 10-Year U.S. Treasury yield surge, bringing the small company gains to 1.35% for the year. 

Talk of the most anticipated recession has quickly evaporated, and a ‘soft landing’ is all but expected. The market appears to have accepted the ‘higher for longer’ mantra the Fed has been telegraphing all year. Participants are digesting the data and reacting counterintuitively to the good news is bad news and bad news is good news drum.  As we enter what is traditionally a strong quarter for equity markets, investors in the fourth quarter will look for clarity from the Fed as they start to shift focus and position portfolios for 2024.

Bonds – As yields spiked, bonds continued their downward trend, adding to losses accumulated since August 2020.  On the heels of a U.S. credit downgrade from Fitch and stronger-than-expected economic data, the demand for U.S. Treasury securities continues to wane, failing to absorb supply and forcing yields much higher. The U.S. Department of Treasury’s spending spree of nearly $1.7 trillion in U.S. debt since early June is also adding to the supply glut and forcing yields higher. The yield on the 10-Year U.S. Treasury surged 0.78% in the third quarter, seeing its highest yield since 2007. Bonds, as measured by the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, fell 3.23% in the third quarter, dragging the performance for the year to -1.21%. 

Source: YCharts. The Bloomberg US Aggregate Index was used as a proxy for Bonds; the Bloomberg US High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index was used as a proxy for High Yield Bonds; the Russell 2000 Index was used as a proxy for Small Cap Equities; and the MSCI ACWI Ex USA Index was used as a proxy for Foreign Equities.  

With stronger economic data, expectations have quickly gone from a certain recession to a high expectation that the Fed will successfully pursue a ‘soft landing’, avoiding a recession altogether. While the data has continued to surprise to the upside, many growth metrics continue to moderate.  

Economy: Still Waiting on that Recession? 

Defying expectations, the last week of September delivered the final, unchanged revision to second-quarter GDP growth of 2.1%.  The September GDP reading saw strong fixed business investment of 7.4%, and upward revisions to inventories and net exports to help offset an unexpected slowdown in consumer spending. Early projections for second-quarter growth saw personal consumption cut in half as consumer spending was revised from 1.7% to 0.8% — the weakest advance in our nation’s primary economic driver in over a year. While consumer behavior is important to monitor, the slowdown does not appear troublesome to the Fed.  After reaching 5.8% in mid-August, the Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow model for the third quarter was pushed lower to a robust 4.9%, signaling continued economic strength.

While real GDP may be growing moderately, several factors have the potential to push growth lower. Battling 40-year high inflation has applied pressure to consumers. According to Bloomberg, outside of the wealthiest 20% of Americans, the consumer has run out of extra savings. Consumers have less cash on hand than they did when the pandemic began. Adding to budgetary constraints, 40 million people collectively owe more than $1.6 trillion in student loans, and these individuals are starting to make payments on student debt for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. Given the lack of savings, the payments of $300 on average are causing concerns that discretionary spending will continue to trend lower. Not to mention, credit card debt has risen to record highs, exceeding $1 trillion and underscoring the severity of this consumer strain. With approximately 70% of our growth tied to the consumer, their financial health should be seen as a harbinger of what could unfold. 

Inflation & Interest Rates

Inflation remains elevated, though the downward trends are welcome. August’s headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in at 3.67%, while core CPI (excluding energy and food) remained above the 4% threshold, registering 4.39% year-over-year. The once persistent pricing pressure on core services, particularly, shelter, appears to have finally broken lower. Shelter represents about 1/3 of CPI, making the variable impactful on the overall basket of goods. Given the Fed’s focus on core inflation, the downward trend is seen as positive. However, dampening excitement is the sharp reversal of energy. Gasoline and energy rose 5.6% and 10.6%, respectively, in August, from the prior month, forcing headline inflation to reverse course and go higher.

While the downward trend in CPI is a reason for optimism, we are more concerned with the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE). After remaining mostly flat at 4.62% for the first half of the year, the gauge finally broke below the 4% level, to 3.88%. Breaking through the 4% milestone has many economists and market participants anticipating the possibility that the Fed is done raising rates for the year. 

Just like the debt ceiling negotiations consumed headlines through June, the government shutdown dominated chatter leading up to the close of the government’s fiscal year on September 30th. Like the debt ceiling, the proverbial can was kicked down the road, avoiding a shutdown at the eleventh hour. While negotiations were essentially a non-event, one of the most meaningful outcomes has been the U.S. government’s subsequent issuance of new debt, which has been ongoing since June 5th.   

Following the debt ceiling extension, markets anticipated the issuance of $1 trillion in new Treasury securities by the end of the third quarter, however, their estimates were off the mark. Surpassing expectations, the U.S. Treasury has issued approximately $1.7 trillion of new debt just since June 5th, pushing the nation’s deficit beyond $33.125 trillion. Issuance of new securities floods the market with new supply and, with few buyers, this massive issuance serves as additional quantitative tightening to support higher yields. 

‘Higher for Longer’  

The Fed is undoubtedly committed to doing whatever is necessary to bring inflation back to its long-term target of 2%. After embarking on their most aggressive tightening cycle in March 2022, the Fed has raised rates eleven times over eighteen months, bringing the target range for the Fed Funds rate to 5.25% to 5.50%. During this period, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell additionally led a $95 billion monthly balance sheet reduction. This reduction shed nearly 11%, equivalent to $960 billion, off the federal balance sheet, illustrating that the Fed is willing to deploy any and all tools in their war on inflation. 

After pausing rate hikes in July, the September Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting marked the second time since March last year that the FOMC voted not to hike rates further. The decision to pause was all but expected, but revisions to the Fed Dot Plot and forward-looking expectations for the Fed Funds rate sent markets reeling. Their September projections adjusted what was previously 1.0% of rate cuts expected in 2024 to only 0.50% and subsequently raised their projections for rate cuts in 2025 by 0.50%. These upward revisions indicate to the market that the Fed intends to keep rates elevated and will plan to slowly lower them over time to ensure their fight to pull inflation back to their long-term target of 2% is successful.   

September’s FOMC release and updated economic projections show a target peak Fed Funds rate unchanged at 5.6%, indicating another 0.25% of increases in 2023, though the market is anticipating the Fed is finished raising rates for now. Following the Fed’s September decision and updated Dot Plot, the market is finally accepting our base case and listening to what the Fed has been saying: rates will remain elevated for the foreseeable future, and barring a catastrophic event, cuts won’t likely come until mid-2024.   

Source: Federal Reserve  

Unemployment    

One of the Fed’s primary concerns continues to be wage growth. Although wage inflation has been trending lower, it remains elevated at 4.3%, which at the time of this writing is now higher than both PCE inflation readings, causing some anxiety for the Fed. Strong wage inflation increases the risk of a wage-price spiral, increasing the likelihood of a reacceleration of inflation or at the very least, persistent, elevated inflation.  

August’s Labor Market Report registered the 32nd consecutive month of job gains, showing signs of optimism for the Fed. Estimates called for 170,000 jobs added in August. Instead, markets were hit with the addition of 187,000 jobs. Unemployment jumped 0.3% to 3.8%, matching the large monthly bounce in May. Perhaps the most comforting data point in August’s job report was the significant increase in the participation rate, which notched a 62.8% reading. When coupled with job openings (JOLTs) falling sharply below nine million, this data point brought the ratio of job openings to those unemployed to 1.5:1, a welcome reading from previous months. The Labor Force Participation is driven by two primary factors, the labor force, which is defined as those employed or actively seeking employment, and the working age population. More people entering the labor force coupled with fewer job postings means wage growth may not turn out to be a source of inflation. As supply continues to increase and demand for labor wanes, wage growth should start to subside; a welcome development by the Fed.

Centura’s Outlook  

As the Fed remains committed to battling elevated inflation, interest rates have spiked to levels not seen since before the Great Financial Crisis and will likely continue to trend higher, or at least stay elevated for the foreseeable future. The Fed’s goal to tighten financial conditions and slow the economy just enough to lower inflation back to their 2% mandate and avoid recession is now the base outcome expected by the Fed and most market participants. However, if rates continue to march higher, we believe it could turn into a matter of not if, but when something in the economy will break. 

Earnings for the second quarter were once again stronger than expected, leading many to believe higher rates and inflation aren’t wreaking as much havoc as initially feared. However, with consumer spending trending lower and margins being pressured by both inflation and higher rates, revenues were effectively flat and the -4.6% year-over-year contraction marks the third consecutive quarter of negative year-over-year earnings.   

According to FactSet, the estimated earnings growth for the S&P 500 in the third quarter has been revised higher from the expected -0.4% in June to -0.1%. The negative forecast highlights companies’ challenges over the last year to produce profits. Given that higher rates are expected to persist, a company’s ability to service debt will remain negatively impacted, adding sustained pressure over the coming quarters.     

Forward 12-month P/E ratios are approximately 17.9x, slightly above their ten-year average of 17.5x, indicating that equities are slightly overvalued.  The inverse of the P/E ratio is known as the earnings yield, which can be compared to the 10-Year U.S. Treasury yield to gauge the relative valuation of equities. A higher earnings yield would indicate equities are undervalued, while a lower earnings ratio indicates that equities may be overvalued, as equities should demand a risk premium above prevailing Treasury rates. With the earnings yield currently at 4.26%, versus the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield of 4.59%, equities appear slightly overvalued at this juncture, and additional drawdowns may be in store before equities become attractive from a valuation standpoint.    

With recent Federal Reserve rhetoric and inflation still elevated, we remain cautious. The market is pinned to the Fed’s monetary policy tightening and has become dependent on poor economic data: the worse the economic conditions become, the greater the likelihood the Fed will pivot from their current posturing. Many variables in the third quarter surprised to the upside, and looking backwards, conditions appear somewhat stable. However, as all investors should know, past performance is not an indicator of future returns. As we look forward, the potential deterioration of consumer’s financial health gives us pause, as does the impact of prolonged elevated rates on corporate balance sheets. We believe the two largest risks to 2023’s economic and market rallies are a misstep or abrupt change to the expected Fed outcomes and a potential resurgence of inflation, both of which are closely intertwined. As communicated in , until inflation breaks lower, we remain cautious and anticipate that equities will continue to experience turbulence, particularly if inflation resurges.   

We remain steadfast in our belief that markets are discounting the impact of the Fed’s aggressive monetary tightening actions. Defaults and bankruptcies continue to rise, and as rates go higher, we expect further stress on companies and consumers. However, the artificial intelligence craze led to robust gains in technology-based and growth-oriented companies, causing many investors to jump in the market for Fear-of-Missing-Out (FOMO) and creating a large disconnect between economic fundamentals and market technicals. Given these disconnects and overall uncertainty, we returned our portfolio allocations to their long-term neutral targets. In addition to removing our underweight to equities, we have been actively replacing underlying investments to enhance the focus on quality. To navigate the forward-looking environment, we have added actively-managed investments in asset classes where active management has a proven track record of delivering superior risk-adjusted returns relative to respective benchmarks. 

Asset classes we believe warrant active management in this phase of the market cycle include international equities, large cap value, and fixed income.        

Surging interest rates have hurt private real estate, with further downward valuation adjustments expected. We prefer to focus on real estate industries possessing favorable supply/demand imbalances, like multifamily and various types of industrial real estate. These imbalances should help mitigate losses relative to other real estate sectors not possessing similar disparities, though further paper losses are expected. Ultimately, we believe a focus on quality and conservative underwriting, coupled with diversification across real estate asset types, geography, and sponsors will only benefit client portfolios.

While higher rates negatively impact several financial markets, we continue to find great opportunities in private credit. Given private credit is predominantly floating rate with short durations, and generally lower price sensitivity to spiking interest, private credit should continue to deliver strong returns and high levels of income production over similar public credit instruments. Defaults are climbing but remain below historical averages. Our focus in private credit aligns with our focus across all major asset classes, which is a focus on quality and relative value, anchored in our core investing principles.

We recognize the uncertain backdrop may provide cause for concern. We remain vigilant in our process, with an emphasis on protecting clients’ wealth, while delivering value over multiple market cycles.

Thank you for your continued confidence and support. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your Centura Wealth advisor.     

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor.
The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on the market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.   
All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed.  There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability, or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such.  
Centura Wealth Advisory is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Centura Wealth Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. 12255 El Camino Real, St. 125, San Diego, CA 92130. 
10/06/23
https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Market-Report-2023.jpg 1414 2119 Andre Lawrence https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Centura-Logo-White.png Andre Lawrence2023-10-06 06:37:002025-07-06 21:28:39Market Wrap: Anyone For a Game of Tug-of-War?
graph and grid chart
INVESTING, MONTHLY MARKET REPORTS, NEWS

Market Wrap: The Magnificent Seven Push Markets Higher

Move over, FAANG! The Magnificent Seven have taken over the markets. Representing the seven largest companies in the S&P 500, Alphabet, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, Tesla, and Nvidia have been anointed by investors as leading the market and tech rally. 

The first half of 2023 was powered by mega-tech stocks, with the rest of the companies in the S&P 500 contributing an incremental amount to the indices’ return. The NASDAQ Composite registered its strongest first-half performance in 40 years, with Apple stock paving the way for an all-time high closing price on June 30, 2023 of $193.97, becoming the world’s first $3 trillion company. 

Like the dot-com euphoria, artificial intelligence (AI) has offered tailwinds for the tech industry. AI has sparked big investments by companies and investors wanting to capitalize on the Generative AI race. Meanwhile, the June 1st debt ceiling ‘deadline’ was practically a non-event. The final agreement passed by the House and Senate suspended the debt limit until after the next presidential election and restricted government spending through 2025. However, that hasn’t stopped them from increasing the deficit. As the markets look past signs of economic cooling, indices push higher in the year’s second quarter.

Market Recap  

Equities – The Fed has remained steadfast in its fight against inflation, and the prospects of higher interest rates for longer have been unable to derail the tech-heavy NASDAQ 100 momentum, on its way to a second quarter return of 15.16%, bringing the index’s 2023 return to 38.75%.  

Driven primarily by the returns of the index’s largest constituents, the S&P 500 has rebounded more than 20% since bottoming in late 2022, joining the bull market rally with the NASDAQ 100. Higher rates coupled with tighter financial conditions and more stringent lending standards have dampened the outlook for smaller companies. The small-cap Russell 2000 index has only gained 7.24% for the year, more than half of that occurring in the last week of the quarter. 

While market participants expect the Fed to continue lifting rates and no longer anticipate a pivot this year, recent economic data and stronger earnings have given bulls optimism that a recession might be avoided. For now, with an eye on the future, it appears the market is discounting the lagged impact of monetary policy; gravitating to AI-centric companies; pushing interest-rate-sensitive equities higher; and creating a larger gap between market technicals and economic fundamentals.

Bonds – Bonds, on the other hand, have been sending conflicting signals. Driven by fears of a US government default and potential Fed-induced recession, bond volatility continued in the year’s second quarter, posting a -0.84% return; bringing the overall return on bonds to 2.09% in 2023.  The current climate reminds us that while investing in ‘safe-haven’ Treasury securities removes credit risk, investors are still very much exposed to interest rate risk and ensuing volatility from changes in yields. Experiencing swings ranging from as high as 4.10% to as low as 3.37%, the yield on the 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note sits at 3.81%, or a mere 0.07% below where it started the year.  

 Source: YCharts. The Bloomberg US Aggregate Index was used as a proxy for Bonds; the Bloomberg US High Yield 2% Issuer Capped Index was used as a proxy for High Yield Bonds; the Russell 2000 Index was used as a proxy for Small Cap Equities; and the MSCI ACWI Ex USA Index was used as a proxy for Foreign Equities.

Despite declines in economic growth and activity, the economy has remained resilient as economists contend whether we are currently in or headed towards a recession.

Economy: What recession?

The economy continues to defy expectations and march higher in an environment with one of the most anticipated recessions in history. The last week of June delivered the final revisions to first-quarter GDP growth from 1.3% to 2%. Major gains came from robust consumer spending and surging exports, likely supported by the nearly 9% cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security participants. The 4.2% rise in consumer spending, as measured by personal consumption expenditures, was the fastest pace since the second quarter of 2021, and exports rebounded sharply, up 7.8%.  

While Real GDP may be growing at a decent pace, several indicators point towards further contraction or possible recession.   

May marks the 14th consecutive month that the Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index (LEI) contracted, an early indication that a recession is all but certain. Senior Manager of Business Cycle Indicators at The Conference Board Justyna Zabinska-La Monica said: 

“The US Leading Index has declined in each of the last fourteen months and continues to point to weaker economic activity ahead. Rising interest rates paired with persistent inflation will continue to further dampen economic activity. While we revised our Q2 GDP forecast from negative to slight growth, we project that the US economy will contract over the Q3 2023 to Q1 2024 period. The recession likely will be due to continued tightness in monetary policy and lower government spending.”    

While Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, President Joe Biden, and the Fed all believe a recession will be avoided, the question is not whether we will enter a recession but, rather, when and how deep the recession will be.

Inflation & Interest Rates  

April and May’s headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in at 4.93% and 4.05%, respectively, while core CPI (excluding energy and food) registered 5.54% and 5.33% year-over-year readings over those same periods. The persistence of pricing pressure on core services, particularly shelter, has proven problematic. Shelter represents about 1/3 of CPI and has remained elevated, increasing 8% over the last year. Although the Fed’s restrictive monetary policy appears effective in bringing year-over-year inflation off its June 2022 peak of 9.06%, price pressures have proven painstakingly resilient and remain elevated more than the Fed prefers.  

On a positive note, rents are coming down and home prices are off their June 2022 peak, indicating lower inflation readings ahead. While the downward trend in CPI is reason for optimism, we are more concerned with the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), which has remained relatively flat at 4.62%, the same level reported in December 2022.  

As highlighted in the previous quarterly market overview, uncertainty regarding the Fed’s inability to dampen inflation while avoiding an economic contraction has led to an almost certain harbinger of a recession: an inverted yield curve. Inverted yield curves occur when yields on longer-dated bonds are lower than yields on short-term notes and have proven to be solid predictors of recessions. 

Debt ceiling negotiations, or lack thereof, consumed headlines through June. While the negotiations were essentially a non-event, one of the most meaningful outcomes has been the US government’s subsequent issuance of new debt since June 5th, which received little recognition in the media.   

It was anticipated that a whopping $1 trillion of new Treasury securities would be issued by the end of the third quarter. Surprisingly, those estimates were off. The U.S. Treasury has already issued approximately $800 billion of new debt in less than a month, pushing the nation’s deficit beyond $32 trillion. Issuance of new securities serves as additional quantitative tightening to support higher yields and may lead to an equity pullback and widening of credit spreads according to both Citigroup and JPMorgan.

Don’t Expect a Pivot

True to their word, the Fed is committed to doing whatever is necessary to bring inflation back to its long-term target of 2%. In March 2022, the Fed embarked on its current Quantitative Tightening (QT) cycle, resulting in ten consecutive rate hikes over fifteen months and a federal funds rate of effectively 0% to 5%. During this period, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell additionally led the $95 billion per month balance sheet reduction, shedding approximately $625 billion since assets peaked in April 2022.

June’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting marked the first time since March last year that the FOMC voted not to hike rates further. The decision was telegraphed and highly anticipated. The Fed also conveyed that they are likely not finished raising rates, further tightening is likely required to lower inflation, and their June decision should be considered nothing more than a pause.  

June’s FOMC release and updated economic projections showed a target peak Fed Funds rate of 5.6%, indicating another 0.50% of increases in 2023. Following the Fed’s June decision and updated Dot Plot, the market finally accepted our base case and what the Fed has been saying all along: rates will remain elevated to ensure inflation is under control. Barring a catastrophic event, no Fed pivot is expected in 2023. The first rate cut is now expected in early 2024.  

Source: Federal Reserve

Unemployment  

One of the Fed’s primary concerns is wage growth. Although wage inflation has been trending lower, it remains elevated at 4.3%, which worries the Fed. Strong wage inflation increases the risk of a wage-price spiral that could prolong elevated inflation. While May’s CPI print showed headline CPI back below wage growth, core inflation measures remain higher, indicating that earnings are not keeping pace with cost-of-living increases.  

The labor market remains robust, despite some conflicting signals. May’s Labor Market Report registered the 29th consecutive month of job gains, though it showed signs of tightening. Estimates called for 195,000 jobs added in May and the market surprised to the upside with 339,000 jobs. Unemployment jumped 0.3% to 3.7%, marking the largest monthly bounce since April 2020. More than 440,000 people entered the unemployment market in May, also matching the largest monthly loss since the onset of the pandemic.  

Surprisingly, as measured by the JOLTS, job openings unexpectedly reversed course and surged back over 10 million. Due to the higher number of unemployed, the ratio of job openings to those unemployed remained relatively flat at 1.65:1.  

Centura’s Outlook

The Fed remains resolute in combatting 40-year high inflation, despite ‘pausing’ for a break, not letting concerns of a potential recession derail its tightening efforts. Interest rates remain at levels not seen since the Great Financial Crisis and will likely move higher over the next couple of months. The Fed’s goal to tighten financial conditions and slow the economy just enough to lower inflation back to their 2% mandate is a move that will likely force a recession.  

Earnings for the first quarter were stronger than expected, leading many to believe higher rates and inflation aren’t wreaking as much havoc as initially feared. However, higher rates for longer periods spells lingering bank liquidity concerns and potential economic recession have prompted analysts to revise earnings forecasts lower.  

According to FactSet, the estimated earnings growth for the S&P 500 in the second quarter has been revised lower from the expected -4.7% in March to -6.8%. If accurate, this would represent the largest decline the index delivered since the second quarter of 2020 of -31.60%.   These negative revisions highlight companies’ challenges in 2023 to produce profits. Given that higher rates are likely to persist, additional pressure may be applied over the coming quarters.    

A company’s ability to service debt is negatively impacted by elevated rates. The road ahead will likely remain a challenge given the increased cost of labor and companies’ struggle to pass increased cost of goods onto consumers.  

Forward 12-month P/E ratios have risen to approximately 18.9, slightly above their five-year average of 18.5. This indicates that equities are slightly overvalued and additional drawdowns may be in store before equities become attractive from a valuation standpoint. When banks kick off earnings season in mid-July, executive managements’ comments on the health of their companies’ and consumers’ balance sheets should prove insightful, particularly as it pertains to banks’ revisions to loan loss reserves. This should provide an indication of the direction and magnitude of companies’ future expected defaults, which we expect to increase.    

Until inflation breaks lower, we remain cautious and anticipate that equities could experience turbulence in the second half of the year, particularly if inflation remains elevated or resurges.  We also believe the market is discounting the impact of the Fed’s aggressive monetary tightening actions. Bankruptcies are quietly rising, and defaults are starting to tick up. As rates go higher, we expect further stress on companies and consumers. 

Conversely, we also recognize that the market is forward-looking, often pricing in future economic recoveries before they occur and that investors are irrationally exuberant. While we do not subscribe to, or make investment decisions based on FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), it exists and can often be the catalyst a market needs to continue to push higher. Through our experience, we have found when a large disconnect between economic fundamentals and market technicals exists, we should consider shifting allocations towards our neutral strategic allocations. 

Like many institutional investors, our cautious outlook has guided our allocations and we remain underweight to respective equity targets in client portfolios. [MT3] [CO4] Our quality bias, which served investors well in the angst of 2022, has served as a headwind in the first half of the year. Given the strength of the equity market recovery since late last year, we began bringing some of our equity positioning back toward our long-term target allocations. We intend to exercise caution while also monitoring opportunities to capitalize on any future market dislocations.    

Our fixed-income allocation has seen a reduction in non-traditional fixed-income investments that served portfolios well, as interest rates rose sharply. With end-of-rate increases in sight, over the last several months, we have been extending duration and increasing the quality of underlying bonds, emphasizing U.S. Treasury and investment grade fixed income securities. At this stage in the cycle, we believe this positioning should provide long-term benefits to portfolios and be benefactors of a ‘flight to quality’ that may ensue with any equity market volatility.   

We continue to succeed in improving returns and reducing risk by incorporating many private and liquid alternative investments into our allocations. Spiking interest rates have impacted private real estate, and we expect additional downward valuation adjustments across many sectors and markets. Our focus on real estate industries possessing a largely favorable supply/demand imbalance, like multifamily real estate, should help mitigate losses relative to other real estate sectors not possessing similar disparities. Despite the expected challenges in the real estate market, we maintain our dedication to exercising patience and selectivity in our decision-making process. For example, we are finding great opportunities in private credit. Most private credit is floating rate, possessing short durations and experiencing lower price sensitivity to spiking interest rates than similar public credit while also delivering a high-level of income production. We are beginning to observe defaults increase in the market, though they remain well below historical averages. With higher rates expected, additional pressure on borrowers’ ability to service debt will be applied. As such, our focus is on partnering with high-quality managers who have a proven track record of reducing loss. While we face significant uncertainties, we remain anchored by our core principles. Thank you for your continued confidence and support. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your Centura Wealth advisor.   

The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor.
The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on the market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur. 
All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed.  There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability, or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such.
Centura Wealth Advisory is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Centura Wealth Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. 12255 El Camino Real, St. 125, San Diego, CA 92130.
07/05/23
https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Centura-Market-Wrap-scaled.jpg 1440 2560 Andre Lawrence https://centurawealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Centura-Logo-White.png Andre Lawrence2023-07-05 18:46:002025-07-06 21:29:07Market Wrap: The Magnificent Seven Push Markets Higher
INVESTING, NEWS

Diversification: A Key Strategy for Mitigating Risk in Your Portfolio

Investing in the stock market can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be unpredictable and risky. One way to mitigate risk is to have a diversified portfolio, which means investing in a variety of different assets to spread out risk. 

In today’s volatile market conditions, diversification is more important than ever to protect your investments.

Diversification: A Key Strategy for Mitigating Risk in Your Portfolio

Diversification is a crucial strategy for mitigating risk in an investment portfolio. By spreading investments across different asset classes, investors can reduce the overall risk and increase the potential for long-term returns. This section explores the significance of diversification and its benefits.

Understanding Asset Classes

To effectively diversify a portfolio, it is essential to understand different asset classes. Asset classes represent different types of investments, each with its own risk and return characteristics. This section provides an overview of some common asset classes and their roles in diversification.

Stocks

Stocks represent ownership shares in publicly traded companies. They offer the potential for high returns but also come with a higher level of risk. Stocks are influenced by various factors, such as company performance, industry trends, and overall market conditions.

Bonds

Bonds are debt instruments issued by governments, municipalities, or corporations to raise capital. They are considered relatively safer investments compared to stocks and typically provide regular interest payments. Bonds are influenced by interest rates, credit ratings, and the financial stability of the issuer.

Real Estate

Real estate investments include residential, commercial, and industrial properties. They offer potential income through rental payments and the possibility of appreciation in property value. Real estate investments can diversify a portfolio by providing a different source of returns and a hedge against inflation.

Commodities

Commodities include physical goods such as precious metals, oil, natural gas, agricultural products, and more. Investing in commodities can provide diversification as their prices tend to have low correlation with traditional financial assets. They can serve as a hedge against inflation and provide opportunities for portfolio diversification.

The Benefits of Diversification

Diversification offers several advantages to investors, enabling them to manage risk and potentially enhance portfolio performance. This section explores the benefits that diversification provides.

Risk Reduction

Diversification helps reduce the overall risk of a portfolio by spreading investments across different asset classes. When one asset class experiences a decline, others may perform well or remain stable, helping to offset potential losses. By diversifying, investors can minimize the impact of any single investment’s poor performance on their overall portfolio.

Enhanced Stability

A diversified portfolio is typically more stable than one concentrated in a single asset class. Different assets tend to have varied responses to market conditions. While some investments may be affected negatively, others may be less influenced or even benefit from changing economic circumstances. This stability provides a cushion against extreme market fluctuations.

Capital Preservation

During market downturns or financial crises, a diversified portfolio can help protect investors’ capital. By including assets that tend to have a low correlation to the market, investors can reduce volatility of their portfolio. For example, in the 2008 financial crisis, investors with diversified portfolios were better positioned to weather the storm compared to those heavily concentrated in a single asset class.

Potential for Increased Returns

Diversification offers the potential for increased returns by exposing investors to different sources of growth. While some asset classes may underperform in certain market conditions, others may thrive. By diversifying across various asset classes, investors can tap into opportunities presented by different market cycles and potentially achieve better risk-adjusted returns.

The Importance of Rebalancing Your Portfolio in a Volatile Market

While diversification is an essential strategy for mitigating risk, it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it strategy. Investors need to regularly rebalance their portfolios to maintain their desired asset allocation. This means periodically selling some assets that have performed well and buying assets that have underperformed. Rebalancing helps to ensure that your portfolio remains diversified and aligned with your risk tolerance and investment goals.

In a volatile market, rebalancing can be especially important. For example, if the stock market experiences a significant decline, your portfolio may become more heavily weighted toward bonds, which may not be aligned with your risk tolerance. Rebalancing can help you maintain your desired asset allocation and potentially avoid significant losses.

How Centura’s Customized Investment Plans Help Clients Manage Risk and Achieve Their Financial Goals

Centura is a financial advisory firm that offers customized investment plans to help clients manage risk and achieve their financial goals. Centura’s team of experts works with each client to develop a personalized asset allocation strategy based on their unique financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment objectives.

One of the key benefits of Centura’s customized investment plans is ongoing monitoring and adjustment. As market conditions change, Centura’s team constantly monitors each client’s portfolio and adjusts their asset allocation to ensure it remains aligned with their objectives. This helps clients stay on track to meet their financial goals while also minimizing risk.

Centura’s investment plans have helped many clients achieve their financial objectives. For example, one client came to Centura with a desire to retire early and travel the world. Centura worked with the client to develop a plan that would help them to reach their goal within 10 years. Through a combination of diversified investments and ongoing monitoring and adjustment, the client was able to retire on schedule and embark on their dream adventure.

Strategies for Protecting Your Wealth During Market Downturns

Market downturns are an inevitable part of investing, but there are strategies that investors can use to protect their wealth during these periods. This section discusses some effective strategies for safeguarding investments during market downturns.

Hedging

Hedging is a strategy that involves investing in assets that move in the opposite direction of the market. By holding positions that counteract the losses in the rest of the portfolio, investors can offset some of the downturn’s impact. Common hedging instruments include options, futures contracts, and inverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs). However, it’s important to note that hedging strategies also come with their own risks and costs, and they may not provide complete protection against losses.

Stop-Loss Orders

Stop-loss orders are instructions to sell a security when it reaches a predetermined price. By setting stop-loss orders, investors can limit their potential losses by automatically selling the asset if its price falls below a certain threshold. Stop-loss orders help protect against further declines in the stock price and can be a valuable risk management tool during market downturns. However, it’s essential to set appropriate stop-loss levels, taking into account volatility and individual risk tolerance, to avoid triggering unnecessary sales.

Defensive Investing

Defensive investing involves seeking out companies or sectors that are less vulnerable to economic downturns. These companies typically have stable earnings, strong cash flows, and reliable dividends, even during challenging market conditions. Defensive sectors often include utilities, healthcare, consumer staples, and essential services. By allocating a portion of the portfolio to defensive investments, investors can potentially cushion the impact of market volatility and protect against significant losses.

Effective Implementation and Professional Guidance

Implementing these strategies effectively requires careful consideration and understanding of individual investment goals and risk tolerance. Working with a financial advisor can help ensure that these strategies align with your specific circumstances and objectives. A professional can provide valuable insights, monitor market conditions, and make adjustments to the portfolio’s risk management strategies when needed.

Maintaining a Long-Term Perspective

During market downturns, it’s crucial to stay calm and maintain a long-term perspective. It’s natural to feel uneasy during periods of market volatility, but panic selling can lead to significant losses. History has shown that markets tend to recover over time, and selling during a downturn can lock in losses and prevent investors from benefiting if they don’t reinvest before subsequent market rebounds. By focusing on a long-term investment strategy, maintaining a diversified portfolio, and managing risk effectively, investors can better weather market volatility and position themselves for long-term success.

In conclusion, protecting wealth during market downturns requires thoughtful strategies and a disciplined approach. Hedging, using stop-loss orders, defensive investing, and seeking professional guidance are some effective strategies to mitigate losses and safeguard investments. Additionally, maintaining a long-term perspective and avoiding panic selling are vital for preserving wealth and achieving financial goals.

Final Notes

Diversification is a key strategy for mitigating risk in your portfolio. Creating a diversified portfolio by investing in a variety of different assets, you can spread out risk and potentially benefit from different market cycles. Rebalancing your portfolio is also important to maintain your desired asset allocation and potentially avoid significant losses during market downturns. 

Centura’s customized investment plans can help you manage risk and achieve your financial goals by offering ongoing monitoring and adjustment. While there are other strategies for protecting your wealth during market downturns, it’s important to implement them effectively and stay calm during market volatility. By working with a financial advisor and staying disciplined, you can potentially achieve long-term success in your investments.

Connect With Centura

At Centura Wealth Advisory, we go beyond a traditional multi-family office wealth management firm to offer advanced tax and estate planning solutions which traditional wealth managers often lack in expertise, knowledge, or resources to offer their clients.

We invest heavily into technology and systems to provide our clients with fully transparent reporting and tools to make informed decisions around their wealth plan.

Read on to learn more about our 5-Step Liberated Wealth Process and how Centura can help you liberate your wealth.

Disclosures

Centura Wealth does not make any representations as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, or completeness of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to or incorporated herein.  All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes and all users thereof should be guided accordingly.

We are neither your attorneys nor your accountants and no portion of this material should be interpreted by you as legal, accounting, or tax advice.  We recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified attorney and accountant.For additional information about Centura, please request our disclosure brochure as set forth on Form ADV using the contact information set forth herein, or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).  Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you engage our firm for advisory services.

05/25/23
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The facade of the Federal Reserve Bank.
INVESTING, MONTHLY MARKET REPORTS, NEWS

Market Update: Banking Sector Continues to Navigate Choppy Waters

It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.

-Charles Darwin

Recap

The investment landscape is constantly evolving. 

Over the last 6 weeks, we’ve experienced 3 of the 4 largest US Bank failures in history, with First Republic Bank the being most recent domino to fall. JPMorgan Chase quickly acquired the majority of First Republic’s assets, and assumed the deposits and certain other liabilities of First Republic Bank from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) for $10.6 Billion, with FDIC providing 80% loss coverage of First Republic’s single-family residential mortgages for 7 years. The fair value of the single-family residential loans is ~$22 Billion, with an average LTV of 87%.

In previous communications, we stated we did not anticipate further bank contagion following the demise of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. We have since adjusted our outlook and acknowledge the possibility of more regional banks failing in the near term. While we shift our outlook and advise clients to consider limiting regional bank deposits to FDIC-insured amounts of $250,000 (or your bank’s threshold as several banks possess multiple charters, allowing for more than the standard $250,000 limit), we believe larger national and international banks maintain much more resilient capital structures and controls in place which offer greater safety in deposits. 

Hike rates until it Breaks!

The Fed has an abysmal track record playing their part in several former crises. They generally tighten until something breaks.

The Savings & Loans (S&L) Crisis

In the early 1980s, the Federal Reserve increased interest rates to combat inflation, which made it more expensive for S&Ls to borrow money. Many S&Ls had funded their investments in real estate and other ventures with borrowed funds, so the interest rate hikes increased their borrowing costs and squeezed their profits. At the same time, the S&Ls were offering fixed-rate loans to homebuyers, which meant that they were locked into low interest rates and couldn’t adjust their rates to match the higher borrowing costs. When the real estate market declined in the late 1980s and early 1990s, many S&Ls were left with significant losses and were unable to repay their debts, leading to a wave of bank failures and government bailouts. The historic interest rate hikes contributed to the S&L crisis by increasing borrowing costs for the S&Ls and reducing their profits, which led to risky investments and fraudulent practices[1] to try to recoup losses. The crisis resulted in the closure of over 700 S&Ls and cost taxpayers over $100 billion in bailout funds.

The Dot Com Crash

From the late 90’s to early 00’s, investors engaged in speculative investing in internet-related companies which led to a market crash. At the time, many of these companies relied on debt financing to fund early expansion. Companies were able to sell ideas to investors through the novelty of the dot-com concept, most of which were unprofitable. 

The Fed’s rate hikes to combat growing inflation pressures made it more difficult for companies to obtain financing and led to a decline in investor confidence, which subsequently followed with a stock market sell-off. Although greed served as the main driver of the crash, the Fed’s hiking cycle served as a catalyst.

The Great Financial Crisis

The hiking cycle of interest rates played a significant role in causing the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) of 2008. In the years leading up to the crisis, the Federal Reserve had lowered interest rates to stimulate economic growth following the dot-com crash and the September 11 terrorist attacks. These low interest rates, combined with lax lending standards, led to a housing boom as many people took advantage of the easy credit to buy homes, invest in real estate, and even take second and third mortgages on their homes. However, in 2004, the Federal Reserve began to raise interest rates to combat inflation stemming from cheap money. This made borrowing more expensive and slowed down the housing market. At the same time, many of the homeowners who had taken out adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) found themselves unable to make their payments as the interest rates on their mortgages increased. This led to a wave of foreclosures This, in turn, led to a credit crunch, as banks became reluctant to lend money to each other or to other borrowers, exacerbating the economic downturn. The hiking cycle of interest rates played a key role in causing the GFC by slowing down the housing market, leading to a wave of foreclosures. This, in turn, created a chain reaction of losses and defaults throughout the financial system, ultimately leading to a credit crunch and a global economic downturn.

Current Day

The current hiking cycle of interest rates to combat 40-year high inflation is creating a regional bank crisis. Banking institutions, heeding the Fed’s guidance that inflation was transitory and rate hikes would not occur in the near future, searched for ways to increase yields on excess deposits invested in fixed-income securities. Many banks began increasing duration, reducing convexity[2], and taking greater interest rate risk to capture a positive return on investments. When the Fed began aggressively increasing interest rates, these investments lost value, and institutions holding these investments began to experience stress on their capital stack. Simultaneously, bank deposits continued to yield nearly zero. Regional banks with the most exposure to these investments have experienced significant outflows, and in some cases, failure. 

Fed tightening cycles tend to have a way of exposing weaknesses formerly masked by easy money environments; similar to the economic environment investors have enjoyed since the GFC.  When the Fed starts raising rates, the impact generally takes months before working through the system and affecting markets.  We’re now witnessing the impact of the Fed’s most aggressive tightening cycle in four decades, and stress is being felt throughout the financial system.

What is happening now, and why did we adjust our outlook?

On Wednesday, May 3rd, the Fed continued its war against inflation and raised the target Federal Funds Rate (FFR[3]) by 25 bps to a target range of 5.00% – 5.25%. In 14 months, the Federal Reserve has increased rates 10 times, for a total increase of 500 bps.  While the Fed will likely hit the pause button on rate increases in future meetings, they intend to keep rates elevated, adding additional pressure on banks and the debt service on corporate balances sheets.

Unlike their national and international counterparts, regional banks typically have less diversified business lines, less hedging (hedging is quite expensive and requires expertise), and more operational risk. Cracks within the foundation of Regional Banks subsequently began to appear during the current hiking cycle when depositors, unhappy with their meager deposit yield (most savings accounts were yielding <1%, while checking accounts were paying 0.01%) began withdrawing deposits and allocating funds to higher-yielding instruments like US Treasury Bills and money market funds. For example, from Q1 2022 to Q4 2022 (when the hiking cycle began), Money Market Funds total assets grew from 5.032T to 5.223T[4]. To free up liquid capital to maintain capital adequacy requirements from bank outflows, regional banks were forced to sell financial assets. Most fixed-rate bonds have lost value, forcing these banks to realize losses. Because banks are highly leveraged businesses, it doesn’t take much for a bank to get wiped out if it experiences an exorbitant amount of excess deposits invested in fixed-rate bonds during an extraordinary rising interest rate environment. We saw this with First Republic Bank (FRC).

By providing the concessions to JPMorgan Chase in the FRC deal discussed earlier, the Fed set the blueprint for larger banks to wait for FDIC to seize a failing bank and subsequently purchase the institution for pennies on the dollar. If regional bank failures persist, we anticipate this trend will continue and large banks will be successful in consolidating market share. 

PacWest, a Beverly Hills, California-based bank is working to solicit interest in the sale of its lender finance arm to strengthen its balance sheet. Through May 9th, PacWest subsequently has lost approximately 75% of its value in 2023. Hence why we believe PacWest, among other regional banks are suffering the wrath of the Fed and lack of consumer confidence.  

We continue to monitor the situation closely and assess possible contagion to other sectors of the economy.  We do not believe that regional banks are out of the woods quite yet as they are one of the primary lenders to commercial real estate operators, and we expect that they will remain under pressure as they look to navigate the billions of dollars in maturing commercial real estate loans this year and next.  At the current level of interest rates, we expect to see defaults across commercial real estate increase in the coming quarters, particularly for those operators using primarily floating-rate debt to finance their operations.

Further, we recommend clients review their banks’ FDIC limits and proceed with caution if choosing to hold cash above the insured amounts.  While many banks have started to increase the rate they pay on savings accounts, we would still caution against holding above-insured limits, and encourage clients to explore options such as holding excess funds in investments like Treasury Bills, government-backed money market funds, or even brokerage CDs to name a few.  We are happy to discuss which options would be optimal for you.  We encourage you to reach out to your advisor to make appropriate changes.  

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

[1] One example of Securities fraud was the chairman of Lincoln Savings and Loan, Charles Keating. Keating used his position and influence to engage in fraudulent practices that ultimately led to the collapse of Lincoln Savings and Loan. He convinced depositors to invest their savings in high-risk junk bonds issued by his own company, American Continental Corporation (ACC), which was the parent company of Lincoln Savings and Loan. Keating misrepresented the quality and risks associated with these bonds, assuring investors that they were safe and would provide high returns. In reality, these bonds were high-risk and lacked sufficient collateral. Keating used the funds from these investments for personal gain, supporting an extravagant lifestyle and making political contributions.
[2] Convexity is a measure of the curvature in the relationship between bond prices and interest rates. It reflects the rate at which the duration of a bond changes as interest rates change. Duration is a measure of a bond’s sensitivity to changes in interest rates. It represents the expected percentage change in the price of a bond for a 1% change in interest rates.
[3] Federal Funds Rate. The target interest rate range set by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). This target is the rate at which commercial banks borrow and lend their excess reserves to each other overnight.
[4] Taken from Fred Economic Data
General Disclosures
The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. You should consult your attorney or tax advisor. The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change based on the market and other conditions. These documents may contain certain statements that may be deemed forward-looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.
 All information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy, reliability, or completeness of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information and it should not be relied on as such.
 Centura Wealth Advisory is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Centura Wealth Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. 12255 El Camino Real, St. 125, San Diego, CA 92130.
05/10/23
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CHARITABLE GIVING, INVESTING, NEWS, TAX PLANNING

2023 Updates to Gift Tax and Other Estate Limitations

Our tax system has two critical components that impact the transfer of wealth from one generation to the next: gift tax and estate tax. 

The gift tax applies to the transfer of property from one individual to another during their lifetime, while the estate tax is levied on the transfer of property at death. 

The IRS adjusts the federal estate and gift tax exemption amounts for inflation each year and has announced the exemption amounts for 2023. Let’s take a closer look. 

What Are Gift and Estate Tax Exemptions and Why Are They Important?

Gift and estate tax exemptions are the amounts that individuals can give away during their lifetime or pass on to their heirs at death without incurring any federal taxes. The federal government imposes these taxes on the transfer of property or money.

Understanding these exemptions is crucial for tax planning and managing one’s assets to minimize tax liabilities. Knowing the exemption amounts and how they work can help individuals make informed decisions about their wealth transfer strategies.

The Federal Gift and Estate Tax Exemption

The federal gift and estate tax exemption has increased from $12,060,000 to $12,920,000. This means that married couples can gift up to more than $25 million in assets without incurring federal estate and gift taxes. However, this exemption is set to expire in 2026 and will revert back to the prior exemption amount of $5 million.

For surviving spouses, the unlimited marital deduction for gift and estate taxes remains, except for those who are not U.S. citizens. Non-citizen spouses have a marital deduction of $175,000 for 2023.

Annual Exemption

The annual gift tax exemption, in addition to the lifetime exemption, will increase from $16,000 to $17,000 in 2023 for each person you gift to in 2023.

If you have not yet utilized your 2022 annual or lifetime exemption, now is a good opportunity to do so. Many investment assets have experienced a decline in value of 25%-35% since the beginning of the year, but are expected to recover in the medium to long term. Gifting investments now to your beneficiaries will allow you to do so at a discounted rate.

When the exemption reverts in 2026, it will be crucial to understand how it will be applied. If you gift an amount less than the current exemption amount of $12,920,000 by 2025, you will be limited to the lower exemption amount, which is currently set at $7 million for gifts made after 2025. 

Planning Opportunities

Clients can make lifetime gifts outright to an individual or in a trust to take advantage of the increased exemption amounts. It is crucial to consider making gifts to reduce estate tax before the exemptions decrease at the end of 2025. For those who have already used their gift and estate tax exemption in prior years, the increase from 2022 to 2023 provides an opportunity to avoid or reduce estate tax by making additional lifetime gifts.

Americans increasingly favor a wealth tax on the ultra-wealthy, but despite an uptick in proposals, these policies have struggled to gain traction.

You never know what may happen in the future, so it’s important to consider taking advantage of the current higher exemption amounts while they are still available. There are various planning strategies that can be implemented to make the most of these higher exemption amounts before they potentially revert to lower amounts in the future.

Connect With Centura

At Centura Wealth Advisory, we go beyond a traditional multi-family office wealth management firm to offer advanced tax and estate planning solutions which traditional wealth managers often lack in expertise, knowledge, or resources to offer their clients.

We invest heavily into technology and systems to provide our clients with fully transparent reporting and tools to make informed decisions around their wealth plan.

Read on to learn more about our 5-Step Liberated Wealth Process and how Centura can help you liberate your wealth.

Disclosures

Centura Wealth does not make any representations as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, or completeness of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to or incorporated herein.  All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes and all users thereof should be guided accordingly.

We are neither your attorneys nor your accountants and no portion of this material should be interpreted by you as legal, accounting, or tax advice.  We recommend that you seek the advice of a qualified attorney and accountant.For additional information about Centura, please request our disclosure brochure as set forth on Form ADV using the contact information set forth herein, or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov).  Please read the disclosure statement carefully before you engage our firm for advisory services.

05/04/23
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Our planning fee pricing for income tax planning services is determined using a standardized matrix based on Net Worth, Income, and Meeting Frequency. This base planning fee price may be adjusted to account for increased complexity or the occurrence of a future income event. To project tax savings, we analyze prior year tax returns to determine their past tax liability to project out the following year’s tax liability. Based on facts collected and confirmed by the client, we then identify and evaluate applicable tax strategies and the estimated annual tax savings they would produce if implemented. The estimated annual tax savings are then divided by the annual engagement price proposed to/agreed to by the client to determine the multiple on estimated annual tax savings generated as it relates to the planning fees paid. Please note, these initial projections are preliminary and based on our current understanding of the client’s situation. Outcomes may vary based on client’s decisions or chosen course of action regarding the implementation of recommended strategies, their specific goals, and risk tolerance.

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