No one really knows for sure!
Just like we weren’t certain what caused a hissy fit the last quarter of 2018, no one really knows for sure why everyone became so happy this quarter. Needless to say, we think this is a more normal reaction and possibly a reversion to the mean from the hissy fit.
As mentioned in our Q2 2019 Newsletter, capital markets could have been protesting higher interest rates – or as mentioned in one of our most read posts at Street-cents.com, it could have just been that it was amateur hour and movement during a “Gentleman’s agreement no movement” time was exaggerated. No matter the reason, capital markets have a happier face.
Inverted yield curve
Just as we pushed the Q2 Newsletter off to the presses, the yield curve did officially invert – as a reminder, yield curve inversion is when short term interest rates are higher than long term rates, which occurred in the last five days of the quarter. The reason we, as well as many other in the industry crow about this unique situation, is it has been a precursor to recessions with great accuracy. Before taking shelter and hiding under the covers, this precursor has no accuracy on the depth, and very little accuracy on the timing of a recession. In some instances a recession occurred two years after the inversion.
Recession Definition
As mentioned again in our Q2 Newsletter, the definition of a recession is two consecutive negative gross domestic production – GDP prints – yes that could be – .01% and -.01% making for a mini-mi recession, but still a recession. No matter, just as you can’t be partially sick or partially have an accident the inverted yield curve did occur. As such we will be monitoring the situation very carefully and remembering that now, is not the time to be taking extra risk.
Interest Rates
Given the yield curve inverted, no steep inflation signals are occurring, and the economy is growing, but not red hot, it is likely we have seen the highest short term rates for a while. Fed officials seem very comfortable at the current level. As more data is recorded, things can change.
We will talk to you again in the summer, have a great day!
John A. Kvale CFA, CFP
Fourth Quarter 2018 Cover Letter
Thank you for your wonderful digestion of the recent market volatility.
We have seen so many reports, articles, studies that show this is more of the normal and what we had lived through for the past multiple years was less normal. However, what we have experienced most recently is what we become accustomed to. We’re not going to quote you some article or historical fact that says this is the norm-even we have been uncomfortable with the sudden movements.
Just like we all became more accustomed to low volatility and capital markets that seem to increase day by month by quarter almost without ever dropping, we will again get used to this type of movement.
We don’t like it, and would rather not have it, and yes history says it’s more the norm but we’d rather have the abnormal – this is where we are now. We thank you for all of your confidence and once again given the recent volatility we are happy we are a more conservative firm.
It is a true statement that Markets have predicted 10 of the last 4 recessions. Meaning they often fret over things that do not occur, but that extra fretting tends to be correct is some cases. We acknowledge that the global economies are not growing “Red Hot” fast like they were last year, however we refute a global meltdown or imminent recession at this time.
After promising (Federal Open Market Committee – FOMC) multiple rate increases as recent as October (four to be exact) at this time that is not going to happen. With rates being somewhat a reflection of inflation, and inflation being wrung out of the system via technology and outsourcing, rates are likely near their “New Normal” range.
Earnings are the ultimate driver of capital market returns and interestingly they continue to be churning out very nice, taking into account the market recent volatility, valuations have become much less stressed and even cheap in many cases.
In Closing
Your Fourth Quarter summary is enclosed on the front page of this report we have included our most recent investment allocation from your Investment Policy Statement. This is also the time we attach our Private Policy Statement for the year along with our opportunity to offer our latest ADV filings; Requests for review will be accepted via phone, mail or email, and mailed immediately upon request.
Sincerely,
John A. Kvale CFA, CFP
J.K. Financial, Inc.
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