April 27, 2022
Understanding the Recent Downturn
Recent Blog Posts
December 2023 Market Watch
Coming off three consecutive monthly declines, stocks soared higher in November on the back of growing rate pause expectations.
November 2023 Market Watch
October was filled with more tricks than treats as markets continued to slump.
October 2023 Market Watch
Inflation increased for a second straight month, with CPI rising from 3.2% to 3.7%, above expectations of 3.6%.
With an ugly day for the markets yesterday, stocks fell back toward their 2022 lows as major indices have been trending lower over the past couple of weeks.
The tech-heavy Nasdaq has been leading the way lower as growth-oriented companies have taken the brunt of the downward pressure. This is largely due to higher inflation and interest rates. Accelerating inflation is causing the Fed to hike rates more aggressively, potentially slowing the future growth of companies and the economy.
Furthermore, there are growing concerns that new lockdowns in China could impact supply chains yet again, raising global growth concerns and adding additional pressure in recent weeks.
The recent downturn has resulted in a myriad of negative headlines and the feeling of unrelenting despair in markets. However, it’s important to remember stock market corrections are not uncommon. Volatility is the price we pay for higher returns over the long-run.
On average, there is a market correction (defined as a drop of 10% or more from an all-time-high) every 1-2 years for the S&P 500.
However, adding to the frustrations for investors, bonds have been experiencing their largest drawdown in modern history (Bloomberg). Remember, bond prices move inversely to interest rates, meaning when rates move higher bond prices temporarily move lower. As interest rates have been mostly trending lower since the 1980s, bonds haven’t been acting as the stable piece of the portfolio many of us have become accustomed to so far this year.
While this is painful right now, there is a silver lining. Once interest rates eventually stabilize, it should lead to a reprieve in bond prices. With a higher starting interest rate, bond returns will become more attractive in the future. For example, a 3% bond yield is better than a 1% bond yield over the long-run, though to get to that 3% yield we need to experience some temporary discomfort today.
It’s ok (and normal) to feel confused and uneasy with what’s going on in the markets right now. It’s also important to keep everything in perspective. Stocks are experiencing some downward pressure, but overall are right inline with historic average drawdowns. Bonds are in their worst drawdown in modern history, but going forward higher yields will be better for returns in the long-run.
It can be hard to imagine things improving when seemingly everything has been pointing lower. There could be more near-term volatility as we work through inflation, rising rates, and other unknowns, but the end result should be a healthier economy and market as we move forward. While it’s never enjoyable to watch markets fall, having a plan in place and sticking to your plan can help ensure you meet your longer-term goals while tuning out the short-term noise.
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