Our Risk Odometer moved up one point from 0 to 1 forcing us to move our Current Outlook to “Cautiously Positive”. This has been the first time in over a year that our Risk Odometer has registered a positive reading.
We state our net positive Risk Odometer reading forced us to improve our Outlook to “Cautiously Positive” because we are doubtful the stock market rally experienced this year will not meet future challenges. Economic data continues to weaken and stock market valuations are not at levels that incite new bull markets. Our level of caution stems from the fickle technical indicators that are providing our positive signals. These signals, technical in nature, can quickly change direction. This is opposed to the fundamentally based signals which are more stable and flashing warning signals. Nevertheless, we are aware our biases and opinions can skew good investment decisions, and warning signals can turn positive, so we maintain our discipline and improve our official outlook. Additional months of continued positive readings in the Risk Odometer will give us further confidence in the improved outlook. Time will ultimately tell.
Our biggest worry continues to be Leading Economic Indicators that are deeply negative, and an extremely inverted yield curve. Both of these signals have preceded every recession since the 70’s. We continue to expect the US to enter a recession within the next 6-12 months. Stock markets often bottom during a recession, not before it. If history were repeated (stocks make their low during a recession), this would mean volatility could lie ahead.
Although we are expecting a recession in the next 6-12 months, this is not a disastrous outcome for investors. Recessions leave behind attractive opportunities and bonds are now offering very attractive yields for the first time in over a dozen years. The largest stock market gains often come as a result of a previous recession. The key is staying invested through turbulent times. We use our Risk Odometer to help us mitigative downside losses during turbulent times so we can remain invested and experience the large gains that often follow.
We want to be clear that although our Risk Odometer is defensive, we still believe the stock market is one of the best ways to grow your wealth. The boom-bust characteristics of our economy can cause the stock markets to be very volatile over short periods of time. Long-term investors should view periods of volatility as opportunities to buy attractive assets at attractive prices and improve long-term returns. Volatility can cause investors to panic and make poor investment decisions and damage long-term returns. The Risk Odometer is our objective way of mitigating that volatility, so it does not lead us to make poor short-term investment decisions.
As always, we continue to believe our Risk Odometer provides guidance in making better investment decisions because it keeps us objective and disciplined. We use this methodology and advise our clients to do the same. Emotions are our enemies in investing.
It is important to understand that our Risk Odometer is not designed to anticipate small to medium corrections, typically those in the 5-15% range. Instead, it monitors for conditions which have typically preceded larger corrections. We believe trying to anticipate small to medium corrections sounds attractive but more often results in lost opportunity than savings.
The Equity Market Risk Odometer is our guide for judging risk in the equity market. It is used as a guide for investment decisions in our proprietary investment strategies. It is composed of various indicators based on leading economic indicators, earnings, technical price action, breadth, and volatility. Its score can range from +5 to -5. Readings greater than one are positive and readings less than or equal to zero are negative.
Disclosures
This information does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the needs of any specific person who may view this information. Statements, opinions, and forecasts made represent a particular observation and assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. Statements regarding future prospects may not be realized and may differ materially from actual events or results. Past performance is not indicative of future performance.
FC Wealth Solutions and its representatives do not provide legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a legal or tax advisor regarding any legal or tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.
Michael Fickell is an investment advisor representative of FC Wealth Solutions
Securities and investment advisory services offered through FC Wealth Solutions, a registered investment advisor.
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