Market Update

March 2023 Market Update

The month of February brought a reality check for investors hoping for a “soft landing” for the economy. Sticky inflationary readings over the past few weeks have resulted in higher interest rates and rising bond yields, which often lead to lower stock prices. I expect choppy trading over the coming months as investors digest economic data, and mood swings may occur due to elevated uncertainty on inflation, Fed policy, the stock market, and economic growth. 

This is as difficult a market to predict as any I can remember.  There are two very different, and very realistic possible outcomes.  First, the economy slows into a recession, corporate earnings continue to slow, and the stock market faces a continued bear market.  The other is that the economy does manage a soft landing, helping corporate earnings and lowering interest rates, which might serve as a tailwind for stock prices. 

Despite all of this uncertainty, I do view the recent pullback as an opportunity to buy stocks with a longer-term perspective. It is likely that the next year will create confusing data and bring with it upside runs and pullbacks for stocks.  The data on inflation is so confusing, with some numbers running very hot and others very cool, and until we get some clarity, a market run to new all-time highs doesn’t seem likely.. There’s no questioning, however, that the market is showing a lot of strength, suggesting that the lows of this bear market may be in.

As a result of the recent “sticky” inflation readings, Fed rate hike expectations have moved substantially higher. This shift in expectations is pushing bond yields higher, which is a headwind to stock prices. For example, the market is now expecting the Fed funds rate (the short-term rate that the Federal reserve controls) to peak at 5.46%, while the expectation was only 4.88% just a month ago. But just as the outlook may have been too rosy last month, this current adjustment in the other direction may be too pessimistic.  We do believe that the Fed will be successful in bringing inflation down, but clear and convincing progress may take time and cause some economic and stock market weakness.

On top of the economic uncertainty, corporate earnings expectations have been dropping.  Generally, this is not good for stock prices, as prices tend to follow earnings.  Stay tuned, but I do expect corporate outlooks to continue to be lowered, for the most part.  A lot of that has been factored in, but I can’t be sure that more isn’t to come. 

One positive development out of all of this is that interest rates have risen dramatically.  For savers, money market rates are almost as high as I can remember.  If you are considering putting money away for longer, either through CDs or high-quality bonds, interest rates appear attractive to me.  I am aware of money market mutual funds yielding over 4%, and CDs that have annual yields near 5%.

I’m sure you won’t forget, but tax day is coming soon.  The deadline this year is April 17.  That’s also the last day to contribute to IRAs, so make sure you’ve taken care of all of that.   

In conclusion, we expect to see volatility in the market over the coming weeks and months. I think we’re closer to the end of the bear market than the beginning.  By staying diversified and focusing on long-term goals, we believe investors can weather the storm. Thank you for your continued support and trust in us. 

As always, these opinions are mine, and may or may not be the same as those of Raymond James.  This is not a solicitation to invest, although we do invite you to review your portfolio with us to see if any changes should be made.  

Past performance may not be indicative of future results. There is no assurance any of the trends mentioned will continue or forecasts will occur.  Investing involves risk including the possible loss of capital. Asset allocation and diversification do not guarantee a profit nor protect against loss.  There is an inverse relationship between interest rate movements and bond prices. Generally, when interest rates rise, bond prices fall and when interest rates fall, bond prices generally rise.

The forgoing is not a recommendation to buy or sell any individual security or any combination of securities. 
The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. Individuals cannot invest directly in any index.   The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), commonly known as “The Dow” is an index representing 30 stocks of companies maintained and reviewed by the editors of the Wall Street Journal.  The NASDAQ composite is an unmanaged index of securities traded on the NASDAQ system.  The Bloomberg Barclays US Aggregate Bond Index is a broad based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, US dollar-denominated, fixed-rate taxable bond market.   U.S. government bonds and Treasury notes are guaranteed by the U.S. government and, if held to maturity, offer a fixed rate of return and guaranteed principal value. U.S. government bonds are issued and guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by the federal government. Treasury notes are certificates reflecting intermediate-term (2 – 10 years) obligations of the U.S. government.  Every investor’s situation is unique, and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before making any investment.
The foregoing information has been obtained from sources considered to be reliable, but we do not guarantee that it is accurate or complete, it is not a statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision, and it does not constitute a recommendation. Any opinions are those of Scott Mitchell and not necessarily those of Raymond James.  Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice.  Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services.  Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.
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About Scott Mitchell

AAMS ®, Chief Investment Officer SWG, Senior Wealth Advisor RJFS, Scott is a cum laude graduate of Wake Forest University School of Business. He received additional training from the College of Financial Planning and earned the accreditation of Accredited Asset Management Specialist℠ as well as earning the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designation.  Scott began his career at Southern National Bank. He then joined his father, Bob Mitchell, at First Union Securities for six years. At Signature, Scott directs investment strategy for the team and oversees the research and management of individual stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Scott lives in Florence with his wife and two children. He is a member and past President of St. Luke Lutheran Church, member and past President of the Florence Rotary Club, and on the board of directors of the Pee Dee Area Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Follow Scott on LinkedIn. Raymond James is not affiliated with any of the above-mentioned organizations.