Should you have any questions regarding these notes, please do not hesitate to contact Kevin at (678) 401-6102
At-A-Glance
5 min read
Economic growth continues to accelerate, and most reports are coming in above expectations. Many of these are at levels not seen in years, and some are at their best levels ever.
The US economy created 916,000 new jobs in March, well ahead of expectations, and the unemployment rate dropped to 6.0%. While there are still 4.0 million fewer people working today than there were prior to the pandemic, many economists expect monthly job growth of close to 1M over the next 4-6 months.
The March Services PMI report came in at an all-time record level of 63.7%. This is extremely important as services make up more than 85% of the US economy. The business activity, new orders and employment components of the report all strengthened significantly.
There continues to be concern that inflation will rise dramatically over the next 12-24 months. This comes as the economy reopens and consumers are in good shape with near record savings, as well as debt being paid down thanks to government stimulus checks and unemployment benefits. This could continue to put pressure on interest rates in the bond markets.
The committee believes that this backdrop should continue to be supportive to asset prices in the stock, commodity and real estate markets. Any pullbacks should be temporary and viewed as opportunities to buy at cheaper prices.
The Investment Committee met on the afternoon of April 20th. The five members of the committee shared information and outlooks regarding the economy and market outlook from the various economists and market strategists that we follow.
Economic Growth Continues To Accelerate
The committee was happy to report that all our model portfolios have performed in line or above their comparable index-based benchmarks on a risk-adjusted basis over the last one, three, and five years. Recent adjustments to the model portfolios made by the committee seem to be working well and have us positioned for the continued re-opening of the economy.
Economic growth continues to accelerate with many economic reports coming in well above expectations. This was highlighted by the recent unemployment and jobs report, which showed that the U.S. economy created 916,000 new jobs. Not only was this well above expectations for 675,000 jobs to be created, the two previous months were revised upward as well. The unemployment rate dropped to 6.0%. Many economists expect that we will see job growth of more than 1M new jobs monthly over the coming months. This should do a lot of work to bring people back into the work force that lost jobs due to the coronavirus shutdowns, quarantines, and social distancing requirements from the spring of 2020.
Additionally, both the PMI reports on the manufacturing and service side of the economies came in well above expectations. The manufacturing PMI for the month of March registered 64.7%, an increase of 3.9% from the month of February. At the same time, the service sector of the economy, which makes up more than 85% of total economic activity, came in at an all-time record of 63.7%. The business activity new orders and employment components of the report all strengthened significantly.
Concerns Of Rising Inflation?
There also continues to be concerns about rising inflation as the economy is re-accelerating quickly. This is highlighted by the Federal Reserve Bank’s recent GDP projections. Four times a year, the twelve Fed Governors put out their projections for inflation, unemployment, and GDP growth. In December, the consensus of the Fed was that GDP would grow at 4.2% in 2021, strongest rate we had seen in more than two decades. However, this number was revised upwards by nearly 50% in March, to projected GPD growth of 6.5%. This is a massive revision, as we have not seen GDP in the United States north of 6% since 1984.
All of this leads to the potential for inflation to pick up. Everybody seems to agree this will happen. The big question is whether or not this will be temporary or what the Fed refers to as transitory, or whether it will cause long-term higher inflation. If the latter turns out to be true, it will continue to put upward pressure on interest rates in the bond market. This could cause bond prices to decline.
The Investment Committee believes that the above backdrop should continue to be supportive of asset prices in the stock, commodity, and real estate markets. From a technical standpoint, the stock market is short-term overbought, and valuations are stretched. However, as earnings growth kicks up over the next six months, on easy year over year comparisons, this should ease some of the valuation concerns (see chart below). The market has also, on a technical basis, broken to the upside above long-term resistance levels. This now gives us a floor of support going forward. Any pullbacks should be temporary and should be viewed as opportunities to buy at cheaper prices.
Final Takeaway
We view managing a portfolio like driving a car. While the reports show our portfolios have done historically great, they are in essence looking through the rear- view mirror. However, we must drive the car looking through the windshield of what the future is bringing us from an economic and political standpoint. That way, we can continue to manage your hard-earned dollars entrusted to us in a reasonable manner.
The committee continues to appreciate and value you, our trusted friends and clients. Should you have any questions regarding these notes, please do not hesitate to reach out to your advisor. We look forward to continuing to serve you and help you reach your financial and investment goals. Thanks, and have a great day.
Should you have any questions regarding these notes, please do not hesitate to contact Kevin at (678) 401-6102
*Past performance does not guarantee future results.
*Investors cannot invest directly in indexes. The performance of any index is not indicative of the performance of any investment and does not take into account the effects of inflation and the fees and expenses associated with investing.
*Investments in securities do not offer a fix rate of return. Principal, yield and/or share price will fluctuate with changes in market conditions and, when sold or redeemed, you may receive more or less than originally invested. No System or financial planning strategy can guarantee future results.
The views stated in this letter are not necessarily the opinion of Cetera Advisors LLC and should not be construed directly or indirectly as an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. Due to volatility within the markets mentioned, opinions are subject to change without notice. Information is based on sources believed to be reliable; however, their accuracy or completeness cannot be guaranteed. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Members of the Investment Committee
- Jesse Hurst- Impel Wealth Management
- Clint Gautreau- Horizon Financial Group
- Kevin Myers- ATL Global Advisors
- Brian Toma- Freeman Heyne Toma Financial Advisors
- Joy Schlie- Freeman Heyne Toma Financial Advisors