Q1 2024 Rose Capital AdvisorsMarket Commentary & OutlookAshley KuljuApril 17, 2024
What We Got Right and Wrong in Q1
What we Got Right:
“Valuations Remain Attractive for US Equities”
Valuations remained attractive for small caps and stocks outside the “Magnificent 7” heading into 2024. While certain Big Tech stocks stumbled in Q1, (i.e. Tesla, Apple), the S&P 500 index rallied 10.6%. Small Caps were also positive (+5.2%) on the hopes for a “soft landing.”
“Upside Risk to Yields”
After a dramatic fall in yields late last year, we expected yields to rebound as inflation remained sticker and the Fed pushed out rate cuts. The 10-year treasury yield rebounded from 3.9% to 4.2%.
“Presidential Election Years Bullish for Equities”
Non-election years are historically the strongest for equities, but Presidential elections years have averaged roughly 10% returns for the S&P 500 (dating back to 1948).
“Large Caps Outperform During a Fed Pause”
A Fed pause has historically led to outperformance of Large Caps. This trend continued in Q1.
What we Got Wrong
“Expect Volatility to Return Early in 2024”
Equity volatility remained very low in 2023, with only two trading days that saw +/- 2% moves for the S&P 500. This trend surprisingly continued in the first quarter of 2024, with only one +/- 2% trading day (the S&P 500 was up +2.1% on February 22nd). The S&P 500 has not had a one-day decline of 2% or worse since February 2023.
“Core Bonds Outperform During a Fed Pause”
We still expect core bonds to rally as the Fed gets closer to cutting rates, but stickier inflation and rising yields led to underperformance versus High Yield and shorter-duration bonds in Q1. The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond index finished down -0.8% in Q1.
Three themes continue to dominate markets in 2024:
Artificial Intelligence
Federal Reserve
Inflation
The S&P 500 had its best start to the year since the first quarter of 2019 (+13.6%).
The S&P 500 is on a 5-month winning streak and has rallied 26.1% since November 1st, 2023
Big Tech Dominating Respective Industries
Big Tech’s dominance in industries with high growth and/or margins has helped fuel its recent outperformance. For example, Nvidia has over a 90% market share in GPU chips that help power applications for Artificial Intelligence. The strength of these top companies have also raised concerns of regulators (both home and abroad). For example, Apple was recently hit with a US antitrust lawsuit from the US Department of Justice.
Still Early Innings of the AI Revolution?
It has been over 330 trading days since the release of ChatGPT, which officially started the boom in Artificial Intelligence. Since its release, the Nasdaq has rallied over 40%.
Many have compared the current AI revolution to the 1990s and the beginning of the Internet. Below we highlight ChatGPT against two major product releases in the 1990s: 1) “Netscape” Web Browser in 1994 and 2) America Online (AOL) in 1991.
As shown to the right, performance of the Nasdaq after the release of all three products has been remarkably similar (so far).
Key Indicators Signal a “Soft Landing”
The market continues to price in a “soft landing” for the economy, in part due to:
Strong Labor Market
Narrow Credit Spreads
Resilient Consumer & Housing Market
The biggest Recession risk continues to be a re-acceleration in inflation which could result in no rate cuts in 2024 or even additional rate hikes. This remains a lower probability event but our main tail risk for the markets. Financial or geopolitical shocks (i.e. War in Middle East) also could tip the US into a Recession.
History Points to the Bull Market Continuing
US Stocks remain in a bull market that started on October 12th, 2022. As shown on the right, Bull Markets can last many years and typically are much longer than Bear Markets. Excluding the current Bull Market, the US has seen 11 different Bull Markets dating back to the early 1960s – with a median return of 96%. The current Bull market has returned roughly 50%.
If the current Bull Market were to end, it would be one of the shortest bull markets. Since the early 1960s there have only been two shorter bull markets (2001-2002 and 2008-2009).
The Fed Still Expects Rate Cuts in 2024
Despite stickier inflation and a resilient economy, the Fed reinforced they still expect rate cuts in 2024. At the March FOMC meeting, the Fed provided its updated “Dot Plot” – which summarizes where FOMC members expect the Fed Funds Rate to finish in 2024.
As shown to the right, a majority (9) of FOMC members expect 75 basis points of cuts in 2024 (matching current market expectations). The Fed also provided a rosier forecast for the economy in 2024. GDP forecasts were raised to 2.1% from 1.4%, while forecasts for the Unemployment Rate were slightly lowered to 4.0% from 4.1%.
This was a bullish Fed meeting for risk assets as it reinforced the notion of a “soft landing” for the economy.
Key Indicators Signal a “Soft Landing”
The market continues to price in a “soft landing” for the economy, in part due to:
Strong Labor Market
Narrow Credit Spreads
Resilient Consumer & Housing Market
The biggest Recession risk continues to be a re-acceleration in inflation which could result in no rate cuts in 2024 or even additional rate hikes. This remains a lower probability event but our main tail risk for the markets. Financial or geopolitical shocks (i.e. War in Middle East) also could tip the US into a Recession.
Historically How Long Until the Fed Cuts?
The market remains focused on when the Fed will begin cutting interest rates. In looking back over the past 30 years, the Fed has averaged roughly 10 months between the last hike and first cut. It’s important to note the Fed has historically cut as early as 5 months after the last hike, and as late as 18 months (dating back to 1995). Given stickier inflation and a resilient labor market, it’s more likely the Fed waits until the second half of 2024 to begin cutting rates.
Investment Implications
1. Recent Divergence in “Magnificent 7” will Continue:
The release of ChatGPT in late-2022 led to outperformance of all “Magnificent 7” stocks in 2023. Entering 2024 we believe investor focus will turn from “hype” to “results.” Specifically which company will be able to best monetize AI (or least show a clear path to monetization)? Early winners in 2024 include Nvidia and Meta, while the early losers include Apple and Tesla. We expect divergence in Big Tech performance to continue. As a result, investors should have some level of active management when gaining exposure to these names.
2. Still Upside Risk to Yields :
We continue to believe longer-term yields could rise higher after rebounding from 3.9% to 4.3% in the first quarter. Higher yields could be caused by stickier inflation, stronger economic data, and rate cuts being pushed out later in 2024. The US also continues to contend with large budget risks and higher treasury issuance. Higher Treasury yields could negativel impact small cap equities and longer duration bonds.
3. Strong Q1 Returns Historically Bullish for Rest of Year:
This is just the 10th time since 1970 the S&P 500 had 10+% returns in the first quarter to start a year. In the previous nine occurrences, the S&P 500 had a median return in the second quarter of 3.3%. While returns were mild in the second quarter, there were only two occurrences where the S&P 500 had negative returns in the second quarter (1991 & 2012). In looking at rest of year performance (April – December), the S&P 500 had median performance of 11.6%. Only one year (1987) saw negative returns for the rest of year, and this coincided with “Black Monday” in October 1987.
4. Core Bonds Outperform During a Fed Pause
A Fed “pause” is historically a positive environment for fixed income, with Core Bonds (as measured by the Bloomberg US Agg Bond) outperforming High Yield and Cash. In fact, core bonds were positive during every “Fed Pause,” including the Dot-Com Bubble (dating back to 1995). Given the surge of assets in Money Market Funds, it’s important to note Cash underperformed Core Bonds in every previous “Fed pause” dating back to 1995.
5. US Large Caps Outperform During a Fed Pause:
A Fed Pause is also historically a positive environment for equities, with Large Caps outperforming Small Caps and International equities. Growth outperformed Value in every previous “Fed Pause” except the Dot-Com Bubble (dating back to 1995).
Historical Performance During a Fed “Pause”
Asset Class Performance Between the Last Fed Hike & First Cut (1995-2024)
Important Disclaimers and Disclosures
Rose Capital Advisors, LLC is registered as an investment adviser with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Rose Capital Advisors, LLC only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. This report is a publication of Dynasty Financial Partners. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change.
Information contained herein does not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but is limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional adviser should be consulted
before implementing any of the strategies or options presented. *Information is not an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein. Past performance
may not be indicative of future results. Therefore, no current or prospective client should assume that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy (including the
investments and/or investment strategies recommended by the adviser), or product made reference to directly or indirectly, will be profitable or equal to past performance levels.
Rose Capital Advisors clients – please contact us at 305.534.7673 if there have been any changes in your financial situation or investment objectives, or if you want to implement reasonable restrictions and/or modify existing restrictions. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment will either be suitable or profitable for a client’s investment portfolio. Historical performance results for investment indexes and/or categories, generally do not reflect the deduction of transaction and/or custodial charges or the deduction of an investment-management fee, the incurrence of which would have the effect of decreasing historical performance results. Economic factors, market conditions, and investment strategies will affect the performance of any portfolio and there are no assurances that it will match or outperform any particular benchmark.
Dynasty Financial Partners is a U.S. registered trademark of Dynasty Financial Partners, LLC (“Dynasty”). Dynasty is a brand name, and functions through Dynasty’s wholly owned subsidiary, Dynasty Wealth Management, LLC, (“DWM”) a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission, when providing investment services. Any reference to the terms “registered investment adviser” or “registered” does not imply that Dynasty or any person associated with Dynasty has achieved a certain level of skill or training. A copy of DWM’s current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available for your review upon request.
This message is intended for the exclusive use of members or prospective members considering joining the Dynasty Network of registered investment advisers. It should not be construed as an attempt to sell or solicit any products or services of Dynasty, DWM or any investment strategy, nor should it be construed as legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice.
This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, modified or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Dynasty. Dynasty reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to amend, or cease publication of the information contained herein. Certain of the information contained herein has been obtained from third-party sources and has not been independently verified. It is made available on an “as is” basis without warranty. Any strategies or investment programs described in this presentation are provided for educational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of securities offered for sale or private placement offerings available to any investor.
The views expressed in the referenced materials are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward‐looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance; actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.
Historical performance results for investment indices and/or product benchmarks have been provided for general comparison purposes only, and do not include the charges that might be incurred in an actual portfolio, such as transaction and/or custodial charges, investment management fees, or the impact of taxes, the incurrence of which would have the effect of decreasing historical performance results.
What We Got Right and Wrong in Q1
What we Got Right:
“Valuations Remain Attractive for US Equities”
Valuations remained attractive for small caps and stocks outside the “Magnificent 7” heading into 2024. While certain Big Tech stocks stumbled in Q1, (i.e. Tesla, Apple), the S&P 500 index rallied 10.6%. Small Caps were also positive (+5.2%) on the hopes for a “soft landing.”
“Upside Risk to Yields”
After a dramatic fall in yields late last year, we expected yields to rebound as inflation remained sticker and the Fed pushed out rate cuts. The 10-year treasury yield rebounded from 3.9% to 4.2%.
“Presidential Election Years Bullish for Equities”
Non-election years are historically the strongest for equities, but Presidential elections years have averaged roughly 10% returns for the S&P 500 (dating back to 1948).
“Large Caps Outperform During a Fed Pause”
A Fed pause has historically led to outperformance of Large Caps. This trend continued in Q1.
What we Got Wrong
“Expect Volatility to Return Early in 2024”
Equity volatility remained very low in 2023, with only two trading days that saw +/- 2% moves for the S&P 500. This trend surprisingly continued in the first quarter of 2024, with only one +/- 2% trading day (the S&P 500 was up +2.1% on February 22nd). The S&P 500 has not had a one-day decline of 2% or worse since February 2023.
“Core Bonds Outperform During a Fed Pause”
We still expect core bonds to rally as the Fed gets closer to cutting rates, but stickier inflation and rising yields led to underperformance versus High Yield and shorter-duration bonds in Q1. The Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond index finished down -0.8% in Q1.
Big Tech Dominating Respective Industries
Big Tech’s dominance in industries with high growth and/or margins has helped fuel its recent outperformance. For example, Nvidia has over a 90% market share in GPU chips that help power applications for Artificial Intelligence. The strength of these top companies have also raised concerns of regulators (both home and abroad). For example, Apple was recently hit with a US antitrust lawsuit from the US Department of Justice.
Still Early Innings of the AI Revolution?
It has been over 330 trading days since the release of ChatGPT, which officially started the boom in Artificial Intelligence. Since its release, the Nasdaq has rallied over 40%.
Many have compared the current AI revolution to the 1990s and the beginning of the Internet. Below we highlight ChatGPT against two major product releases in the 1990s: 1) “Netscape” Web Browser in 1994 and 2) America Online (AOL) in 1991.
As shown to the right, performance of the Nasdaq after the release of all three products has been remarkably similar (so far).
Key Indicators Signal a “Soft Landing”
The market continues to price in a “soft landing” for the economy, in part due to:
The biggest Recession risk continues to be a re-acceleration in inflation which could result in no rate cuts in 2024 or even additional rate hikes. This remains a lower probability event but our main tail risk for the markets. Financial or geopolitical shocks (i.e. War in Middle East) also could tip the US into a Recession.
History Points to the Bull Market Continuing
US Stocks remain in a bull market that started on October 12th, 2022. As shown on the right, Bull Markets can last many years and typically are much longer than Bear Markets. Excluding the current Bull Market, the US has seen 11 different Bull Markets dating back to the early 1960s – with a median return of 96%. The current Bull market has returned roughly 50%.
If the current Bull Market were to end, it would be one of the shortest bull markets. Since the early 1960s there have only been two shorter bull markets (2001-2002 and 2008-2009).
The Fed Still Expects Rate Cuts in 2024
Despite stickier inflation and a resilient economy, the Fed reinforced they still expect rate cuts in 2024. At the March FOMC meeting, the Fed provided its updated “Dot Plot” – which summarizes where FOMC members expect the Fed Funds Rate to finish in 2024.
As shown to the right, a majority (9) of FOMC members expect 75 basis points of cuts in 2024 (matching current market expectations). The Fed also provided a rosier forecast for the economy in 2024. GDP forecasts were raised to 2.1% from 1.4%, while forecasts for the Unemployment Rate were slightly lowered to 4.0% from 4.1%.
This was a bullish Fed meeting for risk assets as it reinforced the notion of a “soft landing” for the economy.
Key Indicators Signal a “Soft Landing”
The market continues to price in a “soft landing” for the economy, in part due to:
The biggest Recession risk continues to be a re-acceleration in inflation which could result in no rate cuts in 2024 or even additional rate hikes. This remains a lower probability event but our main tail risk for the markets. Financial or geopolitical shocks (i.e. War in Middle East) also could tip the US into a Recession.
Historically How Long Until the Fed Cuts?
The market remains focused on when the Fed will begin cutting interest rates. In looking back over the past 30 years, the Fed has averaged roughly 10 months between the last hike and first cut. It’s important to note the Fed has historically cut as early as 5 months after the last hike, and as late as 18 months (dating back to 1995). Given stickier inflation and a resilient labor market, it’s more likely the Fed waits until the second half of 2024 to begin cutting rates.
Investment Implications
1. Recent Divergence in “Magnificent 7” will Continue:
The release of ChatGPT in late-2022 led to outperformance of all “Magnificent 7” stocks in 2023. Entering 2024 we believe investor focus will turn from “hype” to “results.” Specifically which company will be able to best monetize AI (or least show a clear path to monetization)? Early winners in 2024 include Nvidia and Meta, while the early losers include Apple and Tesla. We expect divergence in Big Tech performance to continue. As a result, investors should have some level of active management when gaining exposure to these names.
2. Still Upside Risk to Yields :
We continue to believe longer-term yields could rise higher after rebounding from 3.9% to 4.3% in the first quarter. Higher yields could be caused by stickier inflation, stronger economic data, and rate cuts being pushed out later in 2024. The US also continues to contend with large budget risks and higher treasury issuance. Higher Treasury yields could negativel impact small cap equities and longer duration bonds.
3. Strong Q1 Returns Historically Bullish for Rest of Year:
This is just the 10th time since 1970 the S&P 500 had 10+% returns in the first quarter to start a year. In the previous nine occurrences, the S&P 500 had a median return in the second quarter of 3.3%. While returns were mild in the second quarter, there were only two occurrences where the S&P 500 had negative returns in the second quarter (1991 & 2012). In looking at rest of year performance (April – December), the S&P 500 had median performance of 11.6%. Only one year (1987) saw negative returns for the rest of year, and this coincided with “Black Monday” in October 1987.
4. Core Bonds Outperform During a Fed Pause
A Fed “pause” is historically a positive environment for fixed income, with Core Bonds (as measured by the Bloomberg US Agg Bond) outperforming High Yield and Cash. In fact, core bonds were positive during every “Fed Pause,” including the Dot-Com Bubble (dating back to 1995). Given the surge of assets in Money Market Funds, it’s important to note Cash underperformed Core Bonds in every previous “Fed pause” dating back to 1995.
5. US Large Caps Outperform During a Fed Pause:
A Fed Pause is also historically a positive environment for equities, with Large Caps outperforming Small Caps and International equities. Growth outperformed Value in every previous “Fed Pause” except the Dot-Com Bubble (dating back to 1995).
Historical Performance During a Fed “Pause”
Asset Class Performance Between the Last Fed Hike & First Cut (1995-2024)
Important Disclaimers and Disclosures
Rose Capital Advisors, LLC is registered as an investment adviser with Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Rose Capital Advisors, LLC only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. This report is a publication of Dynasty Financial Partners. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date, but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change.
Information contained herein does not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice, but is limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional adviser should be consulted
before implementing any of the strategies or options presented. *Information is not an offer to buy or sell, or a solicitation of any offer to buy or sell the securities mentioned herein. Past performance
may not be indicative of future results. Therefore, no current or prospective client should assume that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy (including the
investments and/or investment strategies recommended by the adviser), or product made reference to directly or indirectly, will be profitable or equal to past performance levels.
Rose Capital Advisors clients – please contact us at 305.534.7673 if there have been any changes in your financial situation or investment objectives, or if you want to implement reasonable restrictions and/or modify existing restrictions. All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment will either be suitable or profitable for a client’s investment portfolio. Historical performance results for investment indexes and/or categories, generally do not reflect the deduction of transaction and/or custodial charges or the deduction of an investment-management fee, the incurrence of which would have the effect of decreasing historical performance results. Economic factors, market conditions, and investment strategies will affect the performance of any portfolio and there are no assurances that it will match or outperform any particular benchmark.
Dynasty Financial Partners is a U.S. registered trademark of Dynasty Financial Partners, LLC (“Dynasty”). Dynasty is a brand name, and functions through Dynasty’s wholly owned subsidiary, Dynasty Wealth Management, LLC, (“DWM”) a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission, when providing investment services. Any reference to the terms “registered investment adviser” or “registered” does not imply that Dynasty or any person associated with Dynasty has achieved a certain level of skill or training. A copy of DWM’s current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available for your review upon request.
This message is intended for the exclusive use of members or prospective members considering joining the Dynasty Network of registered investment advisers. It should not be construed as an attempt to sell or solicit any products or services of Dynasty, DWM or any investment strategy, nor should it be construed as legal, accounting, tax or other professional advice.
This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, modified or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Dynasty. Dynasty reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to amend, or cease publication of the information contained herein. Certain of the information contained herein has been obtained from third-party sources and has not been independently verified. It is made available on an “as is” basis without warranty. Any strategies or investment programs described in this presentation are provided for educational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of securities offered for sale or private placement offerings available to any investor.
The views expressed in the referenced materials are subject to change based on market and other conditions. This document contains certain statements that may be deemed forward‐looking statements. Please note that any such statements are not guarantees of any future performance; actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. Any projections, market outlooks, or estimates are based upon certain assumptions and should not be construed as indicative of actual events that will occur.
Historical performance results for investment indices and/or product benchmarks have been provided for general comparison purposes only, and do not include the charges that might be incurred in an actual portfolio, such as transaction and/or custodial charges, investment management fees, or the impact of taxes, the incurrence of which would have the effect of decreasing historical performance results.
During the weeks following this year’s summer solstice (occurring in 2022 on June 21st, at 5:14...
During the weeks following this year’s summer solstice (occurring in 2022 on June 21st, at 5:14...
During the weeks following this year’s summer solstice (occurring in 2022 on June 21st, at 5:14...
Michael has been providing strategic investment advice and wealth management services for over 24 years.
View Full BioAs a Financial Advisor, Ashley works closely with high net worth individuals and families with a niche focus on female executives and entrepreneurs.
View Full Bio