Current Market Observations

by William Henderson, Vice President / Head of Investments
The equity market continued its slide downward last week with poor returns across all three major indexes: albeit modest negative returns. Inflation continues to be the word of the year with a release last week of December 2021 CPI (Consumer Price Index) topping 7% for the month compared with 2020, which arguably was exactly what was predicted by economists. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by –0.9%, the S&P 500 Index lost –0.3%, and the NASDAQ also fell by -0.3%. Last week’s returns give us two weeks of negative returns meaning obviously poor year-to-date figures. Year-to-date, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is down -1.1%, the S&P 500 Index down -2.1% and the NASDAQ down by -4.8%. Bond yields moved higher last week, reacting to the inflation news and an overall sentiment that the Fed will raise interest sooner and faster than originally predicted. The 10-year U.S Treasury bond rose five basis points to close the week at 1.81%.  

While the inflation reports seem high and are impacting all markets, we must remember that the Fed wanted inflation, which is part of its dual mandate of “price stability and maximum sustainable employment.” The Federal Reserve’s FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) sets interest rates (monetary policy) at appropriate levels to achieve the dual mandate. We clearly have inflation and CPI releases surprised to the upside for most of 2021, but the November and December CPI figures were right in line with expectations. Further, employment numbers continue to be strong, and the current unemployment rate is 3.9%, almost near pre-pandemic levels. (See the chart below from YCharts and Valley National Financial Advisors – shaded sections = recessions). 

With inflation running well above the Fed’s 2.5% target and employment nearing sustaining levels, higher rates are clearly coming, and everyone knows this already. Fed Chairman Jay Powell has been very transparent with his plan for the economy and rates: tapering bond purchases, removing quantitative easing and raising interest rates. Fed Fund Futures markets are currently pricing in 4 25 basis point rate hikes in 2022, for a final target of 1.00-1.25% on the Funds Rate. Thus far in 2022, markets are reacting negatively to this, especially growth stocks which rely on low interest rates for borrowing and expansion. Last week, we showed a chart where markets rallied even during periods of rising interest rates. Further, modestly higher interest rates, both short-term and long-term, will still allow for continued economic expansion and will in no way be restrictive to growth. The shift in Fed policy certainly points to their concern about inflation but also underlies the strength of the labor market and the economic expansion. Lastly, higher interest rates, especially savings rates, will be a net positive for Americans with bank accounts and money market funds which are currently paying nothing to 0.01%. Since the onset of the pandemic, due to significant decreased spending, stimulus funds and increased savings, M2, the total supply of retail savings deposits and money market funds, has skyrocketed and as of December 2021 stood at $21.6 trillion. (See chart below from Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis).   

Reasonably higher savings rates on these deposits will be beneficial to savers and also give consumers more money to save, invest or spend – all of which are good for an expanding economy.   This week will bring the start of earnings season and Wall Street analysts are predicting increases in net income and EPS but also predicting that EPS will be impacted by higher labor costs and actual labor shortages and increases in raw material costs. There’s been a lot of talk about a rotation from growth stocks to value stocks and certainly earnings season will exacerbate that trade one way or the other. Recall, January 2021, when Wall Street strategists predicting the same rotation trade only to see growth pick up steam after the first quarter.  The Fed’s “hawkish” pivot to higher rates, strong inflation and slowing earnings growth are more than offset by a near-historic low unemployment levels, massive savings accounts piled up by the consumer and healthy pent-up demand for goods and services. A well-balanced portfolio and a long-term outlook better portend a successful investor and that is our mantra at Valley National Financial Advisors.

Tax Corner

Fourth quarter estimated tax payments are due TODAY – January 18, 2022. 

1099 Tax Reminders
Once again, it is the time of year to think about your filing requirements as a small business owner, self-employed individual, or owner of rental property. If you operate for gain or profit, the IRS considers you to be engaged in a trade or business and therefore required to file certain information returns. Information related specifically to the Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, and the Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, can be found at https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i1099mec.

Form 1099-NEC is due on or before January 31, 2022, using either paper or electronic filing procedures.

File Form 1099-MISC by February 28, 2022, if you file on paper, or March 31, 2022, if you file electronically.

The IRS operates a centralized call site to answer questions about reporting on Form 1099 and other information returns. If you have questions related to reporting on information returns, the IRS centralized call site can be reached at 866-455-7438. In addition, please feel free to contact our VNFA Tax Department at tax@valleynationalgroup.com or 610-868-9000.

Letter 6475
Individuals who did not qualify for a third Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit. However, they will need to know the total amount of their third Economic Impact Payments received to calculate their correct 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit amount when they file their 2021 tax return. The IRS announced that it would send Letter 6475 with the total amount of the third Economic Impact Payment received beginning in late January.

The Numbers & “Heat Map”

THE NUMBERS
Sources: Index Returns: Morningstar Workstation. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Indices are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Three, five and ten year returns are annualized. Interest Rates: Federal Reserve, Mortgage Bankers Association.

MARKET HEAT MAP
The health of the economy is a key driver of long-term returns in the stock market. Below, we assess the key economic conditions that we believe are of particular importance to investors.

US ECONOMY

CONSUMER HEALTH

POSITIVE

U.S. GDP growth decelerated to a 2% annualized pace in Q3. The slowdown was driven primarily by supply chain constraints. Economists expect a modest acceleration in Q4. Early high-frequency data (shopping, travel, movie ticket sales) is showing some slowing. Holiday retails sales numbers will be important to gauge consumer behavior.

CORPORATE EARNINGS

POSITIVE

Fourth quarter wrapped up and earnings are likely to be impacted by labor, supply shortages, price increases and wage inflation. As EPS estimates are ironed out each of these items will play a role, some greater than others. Watch for increases but at a muted pace.

EMPLOYMENT

POSITIVE

Although December increase in payrolls did not meet expectations (199,000 jobs added versus 422,000 expected), the unemployment rate fell to 3.9% versus an expected 4.1%. Wages increased more than expected at 4.7% year-over-year. Strong recovery in leisure and hospitality which had the biggest gain by industry and accounted for more than 25% of all jobs added in December (55,000).

INFLATION

NEGATIVE

CPI rose 6.8% year-over-year in November, the highest increase since 1982, driven by the global supply chain backlog and continued consumer pent up demand. Will inflation be transitory or permanent? Goldman Sachs capital market assumption forecast CPI at an average of 3.1% for 2022 suggesting a significant decrease in inflation from the current 6.8%. Updated inflation numbers for December to be released on January 12th.

FISCAL POLICY

NEUTRAL

The Build Back Better Bill has been pushed into 2022 in a scaled back $1.8T version as Senator Manchin continues to hold back support. The economy seems to be digesting a new world where fiscal policy is no longer considered an economic stimulus.

MONETARY POLICY

NEUTRAL

Fed discussed a triple threat of tightening: raise interest rates, halt purchases, and reduce its balance sheet (reducing holdings of Treasurys and mortgage-backed securities). Gradual and steady reduction of liquidity will be key in preserving market performance (fast and sudden changes would most likely result in panic-driven sell offs). Expect three rate hikes in 2022 beginning in March.

GLOBAL CONSIDERATIONS

GEOPOLITICAL RISKS

NEUTRAL

The new omicron COVID-19 variant has shown up in many parts of the world. This strain seems less virulent and more reactive to boosters so its impact it still yet to be calculated. A rebound in travel and leisure now seems unsure. Important to watch the Russia/Ukraine situation.

ECONOMIC RISKS

NEUTRAL

Supply chain disruptions are hampering the economy; however, demand remains very strong. While global logistics are operating far below normal efficacy, it appears the supply chain is slowly improving and may reach normalcy by mid-to-late-2022.

The “Heat Map” is a subjective analysis based upon metrics that VNFA’s investment committee believes are important to financial markets and the economy. The “Heat Map” is designed for informational purposes only and is not intended for use as a basis for investment decisions.

“Your Financial Choices”

Tune in Wednesday, 6 PM for “Your Financial Choices” with Laurie Siebert on WDIY 88.1FM. Laurie welcomes VNFA’s Ryan Mulhearn, CIMA® to discuss: Behavioral Finance.

Laurie can address questions on the air that are submitted either in advance or during the live show via yourfinancialchoices.com. Recordings of past shows are available to listen or download at both yourfinancialchoices.com and wdiy.org.