AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL, INC.
Last week, the S&P 500® Index fell 2.8%, while the NASDAQ Composite shed 3.8%. Both indexes posted their third straight weekly decline as the recent trend of Growth underperforming Value accelerated during the week. In addition, the Dow Jones Industrials Average dropped 1.9% on the week, its fourth straight week of declines. The Dow has now finished lower in nine of the last eleven weeks.
In our view, the trading activity last week can be split into two distinct chapters. Before Thursday, stock prices were trending higher. The S&P 500 Index was on track for a solid week of gains and climbing back above its 200-day moving average. Additionally, corporate earnings reports were coming in better than expected during the week (sans Netflix on weak subscriber growth). With 20% of Q1'22 S&P 500 profit reports complete, the blended earnings per share (EPS) rate is higher by +6.6% y/y on sales growth of +11.1%, higher than the +4.7% and +10.7% expected at the end of March, respectively. Airlines pointed to a strong demand outlook, and reopening stocks were outperforming.
At least through the early part of the week, stocks looked like they were beginning to show early signs of stabilizing after a tough April outing so far and before this week's heavy Q1 earnings release calendar. But Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell spoke at an IMF event on Thursday, and all those good vibes quickly reverted to what's plagued stocks all year. Concerns over elevated inflation/rising interest rates and their dampening effects on growth, corporate profits, and ultimately stock prices.
When Powell Speaks, Investors Listen
Given the headwinds that tighter rate policies usually create for stock prices, when Mr. Powell talks, investors listen carefully. But unfortunately, the market didn't care much for what the Fed Chair had to say last Thursday, even though many weren't surprised by his statements.
Mr. Powell confirmed that a 50 basis point hike at the May Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting was on the table, and it's appropriate in his view to be moving policy toward normal a little more quickly at the front of the year. While this has been a building consensus view across the market over recent weeks, hearing the Fed Chair echo those comments essentially sets that course as the "base case" for rate policy moving forward, in our view.
Market odds for 50 basis point moves at the May, June, and July FOMC meetings increased materially after Powell's comments. Stocks sank lower through the rest of the week, and the U.S. dollar rose to its highest level since June 2020. Note: A strengthening dollar can weaken the earnings of multinationals when profits earned overseas are translated back into U.S. dollars for accounting purposes. As a result, stock declines accelerated on Friday, with the Dow shedding over 900 points to end the week (its worst day since October 2020), while the S&P 500 posted its worst day since March.
Although stock prices attempt to anticipate the future, it's important to note that Fed policy has barely budged off its ultra-accommodative stance in terms of actions. For example, the Federal Reserve just recently stopped buying government and agency bonds in March. The central bank hasn't even begun reducing its balance sheet yet. And the Fed funds target rate has been lifted by a measly 25 basis points (starting from practically zero).
The NASDAQ and Russell 2000 Currently Sit in Bear Markets
Yet, the NASDAQ Composite and Russell 2000 Index currently sit in bear markets (down 20% or more from their all-time highs), the S&P 500 Index is back in a correction (down more than 10% from its all-time high), and 20+ Year U.S. Treasuries have lost nearly 19% year-to-date. In our view, hawkish Fed commentary (i.e., central bank jawboning), more restrictive policy statement language, and investor fears about unanchored inflation this year have gone a long way to temper market expectations and asset prices. Of course, it remains to be seen when this reset period in the market will be complete. Still, considering how far asset prices have already tumbled from their highs, we suspect we are approaching the later innings of stock prices adjusting to higher rates.
In other items of note, during the week, the ten-year U.S. Treasury yield finished at 2.89%, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) closed at $102.07 per barrel, and Gold ended at $1,931 per ounce. March's existing-home sales hit their slowest pace since June 2020, while housing starts touched their highest level since 2006. Russia intensified its attack on Ukraine in the east and south, the U.S. offered additional aid to Ukraine, and the European Union continued to contemplate oil sanctions on Moscow. In the background, investors grew more concerned over China's "zero-COVID" policies and the lingering effects they could exert on supply chain disruptions.
Emmanuel Macron Secured a Second Term as French President; Earnings Ramp Up This Week
On Sunday, Emmanuel Macron secured a second term as French President after far-right leader Marine Le Pen conceded defeat in their run-off election. For investors, the result likely means the continuity of current economic and foreign policies. However, French President Macron will need his centrist party to perform well in the June parliamentary vote to fulfill his policy agenda.
Looking ahead, the heart of the earnings season calendar kicks off this week, with a host of mega-cap Tech companies slated to release results over the coming days. Profit reports from Meta Platforms (formally Facebook), Apple, Amazon, Alphabet (formerly Google), and Microsoft this week could go a long way in informing investors if the stock declines seen across Growth/Tech this year have started to run their course, or if prices have further room to fall. Additionally, a host of consumer-facing companies will report their first quarter results during the week and provide business outlooks (175 S&P 500 companies in all). These timely updates should provide a good deal of information on the current state of the consumer. Thus far, companies continue to point to inflation pressures as a primary concern while giving mixed signals on where they see consumer/business trends heading.
This week's economic docket includes a first look at Q1 U.S. GDP on Thursday, March PCE inflation on Friday, and a batch of home data. While the Q1 GDP data is backward-looking and should hold little sway on stock prices, most estimates suggest a material growth slowdown versus the fourth quarter. Inventory reductions and higher inflation likely hamstrung growth during the year's first three months. With that said, the report should reveal solid growth across business and residential investment.
Important Disclosures:
The views expressed are as of the date given, may change as market or other conditions change, and may differ from views expressed by other Ameriprise Financial associates or affiliates. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, will not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information is not intended to provide investment advice and does not account for individual investor circumstances.
Some of the opinions, conclusions and forward-looking statements are based on an analysis of information compiled from third-party sources. This information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Ameriprise Financial. It is given for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell the securities mentioned. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for investment decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the specific needs of an individual investor.
Stock investments involve risk, including loss of principal. High-quality stocks may be appropriate for some investment strategies. Ensure that your investment objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance are aligned with investing in stocks, as they can lose value.
A 10-year Treasury note is a debt obligation issued by the United States government that matures in 10 years. The 10-year yield is typically used as a proxy for mortgage rates, and other measures.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is a grade of crude oil commonly used as a benchmark for oil prices. WTI is a light grade with low density and sulfur content.
The fund's investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses.
A rise in interest rates may result in a price decline of fixed-income instruments held by the fund, negatively impacting its performance and NAV. Falling rates may result in the fund investing in lower yielding debt instruments, lowering the fund's income and yield. These risks may be heightened for longer maturity and duration securities.
The precious metals market is subject to substantial fluctuations including significant and rapid increases and decreases in value from time to time. Investors must be able to assume the risk of such price fluctuations.
The products of technology companies may be subject to severe competition and rapid obsolescence, and their stocks may be subject to greater price fluctuations.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
An index is a statistical composite that is not managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500® Index), an unmanaged index of common stocks, is frequently used as a general measure of market performance. The index reflects reinvestment of all distributions and changes in market prices but excludes brokerage commissions or other fees. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
The NASDAQ composite index measures all NASDAQ domestic and international based common type stocks listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is an index containing stocks of 30 Large-Cap corporations in the United States. The index is owned and maintained by Dow Jones & Company.
Definitions of individual indices and sectors mentioned in this article are available on our website at ameriprise.com/legal/disclosures in the Additional Ameriprise research disclosures section.
Third party companies mentioned are not affiliated with Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.
Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.
In our view, the trading activity last week can be split into two distinct chapters. Before Thursday, stock prices were trending higher. The S&P 500 Index was on track for a solid week of gains and climbing back above its 200-day moving average. Additionally, corporate earnings reports were coming in better than expected during the week (sans Netflix on weak subscriber growth). With 20% of Q1'22 S&P 500 profit reports complete, the blended earnings per share (EPS) rate is higher by +6.6% y/y on sales growth of +11.1%, higher than the +4.7% and +10.7% expected at the end of March, respectively. Airlines pointed to a strong demand outlook, and reopening stocks were outperforming.
At least through the early part of the week, stocks looked like they were beginning to show early signs of stabilizing after a tough April outing so far and before this week's heavy Q1 earnings release calendar. But Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell spoke at an IMF event on Thursday, and all those good vibes quickly reverted to what's plagued stocks all year. Concerns over elevated inflation/rising interest rates and their dampening effects on growth, corporate profits, and ultimately stock prices.
When Powell Speaks, Investors Listen
Given the headwinds that tighter rate policies usually create for stock prices, when Mr. Powell talks, investors listen carefully. But unfortunately, the market didn't care much for what the Fed Chair had to say last Thursday, even though many weren't surprised by his statements.
Mr. Powell confirmed that a 50 basis point hike at the May Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting was on the table, and it's appropriate in his view to be moving policy toward normal a little more quickly at the front of the year. While this has been a building consensus view across the market over recent weeks, hearing the Fed Chair echo those comments essentially sets that course as the "base case" for rate policy moving forward, in our view.
Market odds for 50 basis point moves at the May, June, and July FOMC meetings increased materially after Powell's comments. Stocks sank lower through the rest of the week, and the U.S. dollar rose to its highest level since June 2020. Note: A strengthening dollar can weaken the earnings of multinationals when profits earned overseas are translated back into U.S. dollars for accounting purposes. As a result, stock declines accelerated on Friday, with the Dow shedding over 900 points to end the week (its worst day since October 2020), while the S&P 500 posted its worst day since March.
Although stock prices attempt to anticipate the future, it's important to note that Fed policy has barely budged off its ultra-accommodative stance in terms of actions. For example, the Federal Reserve just recently stopped buying government and agency bonds in March. The central bank hasn't even begun reducing its balance sheet yet. And the Fed funds target rate has been lifted by a measly 25 basis points (starting from practically zero).
The NASDAQ and Russell 2000 Currently Sit in Bear Markets
Yet, the NASDAQ Composite and Russell 2000 Index currently sit in bear markets (down 20% or more from their all-time highs), the S&P 500 Index is back in a correction (down more than 10% from its all-time high), and 20+ Year U.S. Treasuries have lost nearly 19% year-to-date. In our view, hawkish Fed commentary (i.e., central bank jawboning), more restrictive policy statement language, and investor fears about unanchored inflation this year have gone a long way to temper market expectations and asset prices. Of course, it remains to be seen when this reset period in the market will be complete. Still, considering how far asset prices have already tumbled from their highs, we suspect we are approaching the later innings of stock prices adjusting to higher rates.
In other items of note, during the week, the ten-year U.S. Treasury yield finished at 2.89%, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) closed at $102.07 per barrel, and Gold ended at $1,931 per ounce. March's existing-home sales hit their slowest pace since June 2020, while housing starts touched their highest level since 2006. Russia intensified its attack on Ukraine in the east and south, the U.S. offered additional aid to Ukraine, and the European Union continued to contemplate oil sanctions on Moscow. In the background, investors grew more concerned over China's "zero-COVID" policies and the lingering effects they could exert on supply chain disruptions.
Emmanuel Macron Secured a Second Term as French President; Earnings Ramp Up This Week
On Sunday, Emmanuel Macron secured a second term as French President after far-right leader Marine Le Pen conceded defeat in their run-off election. For investors, the result likely means the continuity of current economic and foreign policies. However, French President Macron will need his centrist party to perform well in the June parliamentary vote to fulfill his policy agenda.
Looking ahead, the heart of the earnings season calendar kicks off this week, with a host of mega-cap Tech companies slated to release results over the coming days. Profit reports from Meta Platforms (formally Facebook), Apple, Amazon, Alphabet (formerly Google), and Microsoft this week could go a long way in informing investors if the stock declines seen across Growth/Tech this year have started to run their course, or if prices have further room to fall. Additionally, a host of consumer-facing companies will report their first quarter results during the week and provide business outlooks (175 S&P 500 companies in all). These timely updates should provide a good deal of information on the current state of the consumer. Thus far, companies continue to point to inflation pressures as a primary concern while giving mixed signals on where they see consumer/business trends heading.
This week's economic docket includes a first look at Q1 U.S. GDP on Thursday, March PCE inflation on Friday, and a batch of home data. While the Q1 GDP data is backward-looking and should hold little sway on stock prices, most estimates suggest a material growth slowdown versus the fourth quarter. Inventory reductions and higher inflation likely hamstrung growth during the year's first three months. With that said, the report should reveal solid growth across business and residential investment.
Important Disclosures:
The views expressed are as of the date given, may change as market or other conditions change, and may differ from views expressed by other Ameriprise Financial associates or affiliates. Actual investments or investment decisions made by Ameriprise Financial and its affiliates, whether for its own account or on behalf of clients, will not necessarily reflect the views expressed. This information is not intended to provide investment advice and does not account for individual investor circumstances.
Some of the opinions, conclusions and forward-looking statements are based on an analysis of information compiled from third-party sources. This information has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed by Ameriprise Financial. It is given for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation to buy or sell the securities mentioned. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for investment decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the specific needs of an individual investor.
Stock investments involve risk, including loss of principal. High-quality stocks may be appropriate for some investment strategies. Ensure that your investment objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance are aligned with investing in stocks, as they can lose value.
A 10-year Treasury note is a debt obligation issued by the United States government that matures in 10 years. The 10-year yield is typically used as a proxy for mortgage rates, and other measures.
West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is a grade of crude oil commonly used as a benchmark for oil prices. WTI is a light grade with low density and sulfur content.
The fund's investments may not keep pace with inflation, which may result in losses.
A rise in interest rates may result in a price decline of fixed-income instruments held by the fund, negatively impacting its performance and NAV. Falling rates may result in the fund investing in lower yielding debt instruments, lowering the fund's income and yield. These risks may be heightened for longer maturity and duration securities.
The precious metals market is subject to substantial fluctuations including significant and rapid increases and decreases in value from time to time. Investors must be able to assume the risk of such price fluctuations.
The products of technology companies may be subject to severe competition and rapid obsolescence, and their stocks may be subject to greater price fluctuations.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
An index is a statistical composite that is not managed. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
The Standard & Poor's 500 Index (S&P 500® Index), an unmanaged index of common stocks, is frequently used as a general measure of market performance. The index reflects reinvestment of all distributions and changes in market prices but excludes brokerage commissions or other fees. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.
The NASDAQ composite index measures all NASDAQ domestic and international based common type stocks listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is an index containing stocks of 30 Large-Cap corporations in the United States. The index is owned and maintained by Dow Jones & Company.
Definitions of individual indices and sectors mentioned in this article are available on our website at ameriprise.com/legal/disclosures in the Additional Ameriprise research disclosures section.
Third party companies mentioned are not affiliated with Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value.
Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.
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Ameriprise Financial Inc. published this content on 25 April 2022 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 25 April 2022 22:09:09 UTC.
