Job Summary: The Implementation Manager is responsible for consulting with clients and overseeing the conversion of retirement plans to the organization’s recordkeeping system. This position responds to day-to-day client service requests and serves as the single point...
Uncategorized
Market Commentary
As discussed in our 2022 year ahead outlook “Get Your Lies Straight”, we anticipate elevated market volatility throughout this year as policy makers navigate the trade-off between inflation and growth. Thus far, our expectations are playing out and the velocity of the recent downturn in global equity markets has certainly grabbed the attention of investors.
Market Commentary
Today’s volatile markets are not a surprise to us. As we stated in last week’s commentary: “We continue to expect ongoing volatility in financial markets.” We also highlighted that the Omicron variant “will be a continuing concern. Its ultimate effects on economic activity and financial markets remain unknowable. We view the latest downturn in interest rates as problematic.”
Never Said it Would be “Smooth Sailin’”
The rather abrupt changes in interest rates and the shape of the yield curve show that quick sentiment changes often lead to quick changes in financial markets. The great dispersion of investors’ views on economic growth rates, supply chain disruptions and inflation make the financial markets more susceptible to sudden shifts in sentiment.
Help Wanted: Outstanding Global Weather Forecaster
We believe that the upcoming winter temperatures will be determinative in regard to economic growth rates, as well as the levels and persistence of inflation for at least the intermediate term. We expect interest rates to continue their ascent as inflation proves to be more persistent and higher than generally assumed.
Will Energy be the New Delta?
Global government policies that encourage the development of “renewable” sources of energy will continue to be very uncertain as to when tangible results that would help solve many of our energy issues will be forthcoming. We expect that China’s increasing regulations and scrutiny over its economy could become more unpredictable in terms of their content and timing.
Momma Said There Would be Days Like This
Today’s “risk off” day – lower yields and lower equity prices – was prompted by reports that China’s second largest developer, Evergrande, will be unable to meet its upcoming interest payments.
Downturn is Transitory
So far, consumer inflation expectations seem to be rising in a very consistent pattern for many months. Consumers seem able to look past the more variable monthly statistics on inflation, employment and economic growth rates.
Positioning
When investor “positioning” has become extreme, market sentiment can shift very quickly. Given the extreme dispersion of investor opinions about inflation, economic growth rates, employment, etc., sometimes a lack of positioning ahead of a significant data point can also lead to surprising market reactions.
Beyond Peak Growth
Weekly Summary: August 23 – 27, 2021 Key Observations: Post peak economic growth can still be very favorable for Value and Cyclical stocks, as well as for equities overall. Given the great dispersion of economic growth and inflation expectations, shifts in...
