The S&P 500 stock index is at an all-time high and is being supported by reduced geopolitical tensions and good earnings news.
Trade tensions with China are reduced with indications that a phase-one deal might soon be signed. The U.K. also has a Brexit deal in place which reduces uncertainty for Europe’s economy. We are also halfway through earnings season with earnings coming in better than expected.
Index | WTD | YTD | 1-YR |
---|---|---|---|
Dow Jones | 0.7 | 17.8 | 10.5 |
S&P 500 | 1.2 | 22.5 | 14.0 |
MSCI EAFE | 1.3 | 16.8 | 13.0 |
MSCI Emerging Markets | 1.2 | 10.0 | 12.4 |
Yields | Current | 2018 | 2017 |
10-year U.S. Treasury | 1.79 | 2.72 | 2.41 |
30-year U.S. Treasury | 2.29 | 3.02 | 2.74 |
Source: Janney ISG, Bloomberg. Data as of 10/25/19.
While global industrial production has been weak for the past year, the preliminary October business surveys suggest that the slowdown may be ending. Global central banks have been aggressively easing monetary policy which should ultimately help improve
economic activity (housing is already benefitting from lower interest rates). Cyclical sectors (including energy, technology, industrials, and financials) outperformed last week which is also a positive signal for stocks.
U.S. Economic Data Remains Consistent with Slower but Positive Growth
The major U.S. economic news last week came from the preliminary October business surveys, state indicators, and consumer confidence. All of which remain consistent with slow, but positive, economic growth.
While September’s headline
durable goods report was disappointing, much of the weakness was in the volatile transportation sector (likely transitory influences, with Boeing orders continuing to move down following a July surge and motor vehicle orders likely held back by the
GM strike that began in mid-September). The more forward-looking IHS Markit Flash Composite PMI Output Index (a timely business survey) signaled the sharpest increase in business activity since July. The latest reading pointed to another gradual recovery
in output growth from the three-and-a-half year low seen in August. Encouragingly, manufacturing companies recorded the sharpest increase in new business volumes since April.
The Philly Fed State Coincident Indexes rose in 39 states in
September, fell in eight, and were stable in three. This is historically consistent with slower, but still positive, economic growth. Meanwhile, weekly jobless claims continue to signal a healthy labor market with initial claims falling to 212,000.
This timely economic indicator continues to hover near historically low levels.
The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index remained at a healthy level, led by a solid assessment of current conditions, as consumers haven’t lost confidence
in the current expansion. However, the index peaked in early 2018, and it’s year-over-year momentum has shifted down, which is consistent with slower economic growth into year-end.
Global Economic Conditions Remain Weak
The ‘flash’ IHS Markit Eurozone Composite PMI (a timely business survey) rose marginally in October to signal the second-smallest expansion of output across manufacturing and services since the current upturn began in July 2013. European optimism
continues to be impacted by global trade tensions and Brexit-related worries.
While Japan’s economy hit a widely expected bump because of the consumption tax increase, which took effect during October, manufacturing new orders continue
to decline as trade tensions and global economic weakness restrict exports.
Earnings Season Remains Positive
With about 47% of the S&P 500 stock index having reported third-quarter results, earnings are beating by 4.8%, with 73% of companies exceeding their bottom-line estimates. This compares to 5.4% and 71% over the past 3 years—suggesting a solid
earnings season. Third-quarter expectations are for revenues, earnings, and earnings-per-share (EPS) growth of 1.6%, -2.9%, and -0.8%, respectively. EPS is on pace for +1.1%, assuming a typical beat rate for the remainder of the season.
This report is provided for informational purposes only and shall in no event be construed as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. The information described herein is taken from sources which we believe to be reliable, but the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed by us. The opinions expressed herein may be given only such weight as opinions warrant. This Firm, its officers, directors, employees, or members of their families may have positions in the securities mentioned and may make purchases or sales of such securities from time to time in the open market or otherwise and may sell to or buy from customers such securities on a principal basis. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance.
About the author
