Investment Commentary – September 28, 2022
Year to Date Market Indices as of September 28, 2022

• Dow 29,187 (-19.82%)
• S&P 3,649 (-23.48%)
• NASDAQ 10,805 (-30.78%)
• OIL $79.54 (5.31%)
• Barclay Bond Aggregate (–15.92%)

 

JP Morgan Economic Update

Growth
2Q22 Real GDP showed the economy contracted at a 0.6% annual rate in 2Q22, following a decline of 1.6% in 1Q22. Weakness was widespread with declines in both residential and non-residential construction, capital spending on equipment, inventory rebuilding and government spending at both the federal and state and local levels. This was only partly offset by modest gains in consumer spending and an improvement in trade. With massive fiscal drag, a higher dollar and higher mortgage rates, GDP growth is likely to continue to be very soft for the rest of the year. So far in 3Q22, August manufacturing and services PMIs have confirmed broad-based weakening in the economy, with both indicators decreasing relative to July.

Profits
The 2Q22 earnings season is coming to a close with 476 companies having reported (95.3% of market cap). Our current estimate for 2Q22 is $47.22. 70% of companies have beaten on earnings expectations and 63% have beaten on revenue expectations. Revenue beats are tracking above their long-run average, while earnings beats are tracking below. In a similar vein, revenue surprises have been larger than average, while earnings surprises have been below average. Record inflation, continued supply constraints and a stronger dollar were among the key headwinds for profitability in 2Q22.

Risks
The Fed could push the economy into recession if it overtightens policy in response to supply-driven inflation.
Heightened geopolitical tensions with Russia could result in continued energy shortages, low consumer confidence and dampened growth.
Markets may remain depressed and volatile until investors receive clarity on inflation and the Fed.

Inflation
Hot inflation is beginning to cool down with the headline PCE price index falling -0.1% m/m, though still up +6.3% y/y, in July. The core PCE deflator modestly rose +0.1% m/m and +4.6% y/y. The August CPI report was hotter than expected. Headline CPI rose a modest 0.1% m/m while core CPI jumped 0.6% m/m, double expectations. With this report, headline CPI inflation fell from 8.5% y/y in July to 8.3% in August. While declines in energy prices drove the moderation in headline inflation, other areas of inflation, such as food prices, core goods and services inflation and owners’ equivalent rent, still remain hot.

Rates
Persistent inflationary pressures have pushed the Fed to accelerate its rate hiking trajectory. At its September meeting, the FOMC announced another 0.75% increase in the federal funds rate to a range of 3.00%-3.25%. In its updated dot plot, the committee expects to lift rates to 4-5% next year and doesn’t expect to begin lowering rates until 2025. The tone of the committee remains hawkish with a focus on taming inflation that runs well above its 2% target. Strong job growth and persistent excess demand for labor suggest a soft landing is still possible. However, aggressive Fed tightening keeps the probability of recession sometime next year elevated.

The views presented are not intended to be relied on as a forecast, research or investment advice and are the opinions of the sources cited and are subject to change based on subsequent developments. They are not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investments.

https://www.marketwatch.com/ (Market Indices)
https://www.jhinvestments.com/weekly-market-recap (Around the Web & Upcoming Events)
https://finviz.com/groups.ashx (YTD Performance Chart)
https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/14/producer-price-index-august-2022.html
https://www.americancentury.com/insights/reinvest-required-minimum-distribution/
https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/protected/adv/insights/market-insights/market-updates/economic-update/