Market Outlook Back in Black

Back in Black: 5 Election Season Charts    

The Presidential elections are only weeks away with a global pandemic raging on. There is significant economic uncertainty hanging over the markets and the economy. It’s natural for some investors to wonder whether they should sit on the sidelines until the dust settles.

While it may not always seem this way, uncertainty is positive for investors in the long run. This is because times of uncertainty create opportunities. Having the fortitude and discipline to invest when others are too nervous to do so has historically been rewarded. Additionally, there is always another potential investor concern around the corner. Having absolute certainty means it is often too late.

There is perhaps no better example than the past six months. Those investors who considered sitting on the sidelines after the bear market crash that began in February would have missed the recovery if they blinked. During the third quarter of 2020, the S&P 500 fully recovered its losses, with a round-trip requiring only six months.

Back in Black

In the long run, investors who can stay properly diversified and invested have greater odds of financial success. This year is further proof that holding an appropriate mix of asset classes can help investors to weather any storm, as a balanced 60/40 portfolio could be back in the black like AC/DC heading into Q4. (see below)

Why has the broad stock market done well despite the pandemic? This is largely driven by the economic recovery that has been underway since cities and businesses began to reopen in the summer. Nearly all economic data show a bounce-back in many areas including hiring, consumer spending, manufacturing activity, and more.

In many instances today, tech is leading the way. Many that are considered to be technology companies are actually in sectors such as Consumer Discretionary and Communication Services. As a whole, tech-led sectors and growth stocks have still significantly outperformed this year. The Russell 1000 Growth Index has risen 23% while the Russell 1000 Value Index has fallen over 13%.

Of course, not all areas are recovering. Restaurant dining is still down 40% across the country and there are 70% fewer air travelers. Many small businesses are closing and business bankruptcy filings are rising. This is arguably one area where targeted government support has helped to keep businesses and individuals on life support.

Politics, Policies & Portfolios

The presidential election is right around the corner and the country is as polarized as ever. Not only are the candidates very different, they are different in ways that will likely affect every day Americans through their tax, economic and foreign policies. However, history has shown that while elections are incredibly important for all Americans as taxpayers, voters and citizens, it’s important to keep a level head when investing.

This is because the stock market has performed well over the past century under a variety of different presidents and parties. A reasonable analysis shows that there is no combination of political parties for the White House, Senate and the House that has averaged less than 10% in annual total returns. In other words, from a stock market perspective, there is no compelling reason to believe that one party or another will directly cause a recession or stock market crash.

This does not mean that there won’t be stock market corrections in the short run, or that either candidate will implement sound economic policies. What the data show us, however, is that the stock market depends on many other factors besides who controls Washington.

This pill may be difficult to swallow for many investors. After all, politics affect many parts of our lives, making it hard to separate these feelings from our investment portfolios. This is why having the discipline to do so is a critical ingredient to long-term success.

Additionally, investors and the broad market are often wrong about the impact of presidents and their policies. It was generally accepted leading up to the 2016 election that a Trump presidency would result in an immediate economic crisis and a stock market crash. Not only did this not happen, but the stock market proceeded to make new highs. The same is true during the 2008 and 2012 Obama reelection campaigns when it was argued that having a Democrat in the White House, and later the Affordable Care Act, would tank the stock market. This didn’t happen either.

As with all things, it’s difficult to separate skill from luck. It is certainly the case that specific policies can affect individual industries and companies, especially when it comes to taxes and international trade. However, when it comes to the stock market and economy as a whole, the overall trends of the business cycle simply matter much more than any individual in office.

Ultimately, investors should recognize that uncertainty is a key ingredient to achieving long run stock market returns. Without uncertainty, everyone would invest which would drive up prices and drive away returns.

 Although Q4 may be fraught with uncertainty, it’s also clear that many parts of the economy are recovering from the economic shutdown. The balance of these factors will be what matter for long-term investors in the years to come.

Below are five charts that highlight these important topics for the remaining months of the year.

 1 The stock market hit new record highs in the third quarter

The stock market recovered its year-to-date losses and then made new highs within six months of the bear market crash in March. Although stocks did stumble in September due to tech stocks, they have still done remarkably well for the year. While investors should continue to expect periods of volatility, this period is evidence that staying invested is often the best course of action.

2 Many parts of the economy are recovering

The rising stock market has been driven by a recovering economy. Despite the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing nationwide shutdown, many businesses and workers have been able to return to work. While there are still millions unemployed and receiving jobless benefits, this can also slowly improve as we learn to better manage the ongoing crisis.

3 It’s important to separate political feelings from investing

The presidential election is front-and-center in the minds of investors. Although we all have firmly established notions about each party and their economic policies, the reality is that stock markets have done well under both Democrats and Republicans. This is true even after adjusting for Congressional control.

4 The Fed will keep interest rates low

The Fed has made it plain that they will continue to support the economy through the economic crisis. Their updated Summary of Economic Projections show that they intend to keep interest rates at or near zero percent through at least 2023. This is in addition to other Fed policies which have greatly expanded their balance sheet this year.

5 Diversified portfolios have done well this year

In the long run, investors who can stay properly diversified and invested have greater odds of financial success as indicated by the chart above. While a realtors mantra may be “location, location, location” – a disciplined investors mantra should be “diversification, diversification, diversification.”

The bottom line? Although elections and the pandemic may bring significant uncertainty, this may present opportunities for long-term investors. Yet following the maxim to buy low and sell high while staying diversified through a storm (or pandemic) is sometimes easier said than done.

For more information on our firm or to get in touch with Jon Ulin, CFP®, please call us at (561) 210-7887 or email jon.ulin@ulinwealth.comGet Started Today.

You cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Diversification does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss. 

The information given herein is taken from sources that IFP Advisors, LLC, dba Independent Financial Partners (IFP), IFP Securities LLC, dba Independent Financial Partners (IFP), and its advisors believe to be reliable, but it is not guaranteed by us as to accuracy or completeness. This is for informational purposes only and in no event should be construed as an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or products. Please consult your tax and/or legal advisor before implementing any tax and/or legal related strategies mentioned in this publication as IFP does not provide tax and/or legal advice. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and do not take into account the particular investment objectives, financial situation, or needs of individual investors. This report may not be reproduced, distributed, or published by any person for any purpose without Ulin & Co. Wealth Management’s or IFP’s express prior written consent.

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