Market Faces More Turbulence, But Positive Trends Continue

Presented by Barbara Appleby and Kristin Guibord

It’s been a tough time for the markets. Indeed, we recently saw the largest stock market drop of 2019. With the Dow Jones Industrial Average declining more than 800 points (over 3 percent) on August 14, investors are starting to worry. But is this latest round of volatility cause for concern? Let’s take a closer look.

Markets working as they should

Recent market turbulence has been driven by two things. First, the yield curve for U.S. Treasuries inverted. Specifically, the yield on the 10-year note dropped below that of the 2-year note, which is often a leading indicator of recession. Second, there are signs of slowing growth around the world, especially in Germany and China, two major exporting countries. Combined, these factors may suggest the real possibility of a global recession. Or, of course, they may not. At this point, the outcome is uncertain, and the market is struggling to figure out what is going to happen.

We have seen this reaction before, as markets try to price in the news. Although the recent drop is worrying, it is also normal. In fact, it is consistent with the market’s rational efforts to price in the effects of both a slowing economy—not a recession—as well as the ongoing trade confrontation. When news hits, markets typically sell off but then may recover. As long as the response is rational, then markets are working as they should. This perspective gives us a way to look at the effect of the latest news to see whether it will have a longer-term impact.

Yield curve inversion dominates headlines

First, let’s consider the yield curve inversion, which has been all over the headlines. When shorter-term interest rates are higher than longer-term rates, it is typically a sign of pending economic trouble. With the interest rate on 10-year U.S. bonds now below that of 2-year bonds, there is indeed a reason to be concerned—and this no doubt was a factor in the market’s recent drop.

If we look at the data, however, we realize that the yield curve has been inverted on a 10-year/3-month basis for some time now (as shown by the light blue line in the chart above). We should also consider that when an inversion occurs, there is usually a delay of two years or so before a recession starts. Finally, we know that, historically, an inversion has to last for months to be a real signal, and the 10/2 inversion has not even lasted days. Worst case, based on history, we have a recession coming sometime in the next one to two years. This is not really news, and it is likely the market will recognize that.

Political worries behind slowing growth?

Let’s look at the second issue: slowing growth in Germany and China. German growth does indeed seem to be slowing, and this slowdown is worth watching. China’s data, however, seems to have improved somewhat recently and, in any case, remains at solid levels. Both are certainly worth paying attention to, but neither is signaling imminent economic trouble. At a higher level, given the export orientation of both economies, this slowing may also be a reflection of trade conflicts. As such, this situation is more political than economic. Although political worries can knock the market down, they can also reverse quickly.

Investor confidence shaken

Was the most recent market pullback bad? Yes. But like any short-term movement, it was based on a knock to investor confidence, rather than real deterioration of the economic and corporate fundamentals. Confidence can bounce around, and pullbacks based on that can get bad. As long as the fundamentals remain solid, such pullbacks tend to be short, as we have seen several times in this bull market.

Although there are signs of economic weakness, the main trends remain positive. And while a recession will certainly occur at some point, the data suggests it won’t be soon. That alone should cushion any further volatility.

Prepare for more turbulence ahead

It is very likely that we are in for more turbulence. Should we worry? Not yet. Despite the headlines and the concern, the market is still within 6 percent of its all-time high, and only back to levels of a couple of months ago. As pullbacks go, this remains a mild one. Although we should keep an eye on both the market and the economy—and there are indeed signs of risk—the trend remains positive.

Certain sections of this commentary contain forward-looking statements based on our reasonable expectations, estimates, projections, and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks and uncertainties, which are difficult to predict.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted index of 30 actively traded blue-chip stocks.

All indices are unmanaged and investors cannot actually invest directly into an index. Unlike investments, indices do not incur management fees, charges, or expenses. Past performance does not guarantee future results.