Jueeien Timmer's Midyear Market Outlook: Room to run

Capital_Insights
06-19

Jurrien Timer is the director of global macro in Fidelity's Global Asset Allocation Division, specializing in global macro strategy and active asset allocation. He joined Fidelity in 1995 as a technical research analyst.

Key takeaways

  • While the current bull market is aging, and may be in its seventh inning, I believe it still has some room to run and that investors still have time on their side.

  • So far, this year has closely tracked a historical pattern of strong returns in the fourth year of a presidential cycle.

  • Rising earnings and the Fed's easing bias may also provide support for the market in the face of the headwinds of high inflation and rates.

  • I believe the coming years could bring an end to the current bull super cycle—which might mean a transition from above-average to below-average returns.

It's been a strong year for stock investors so far, with the $S&P 500(.SPX)$ up by more than 10% year-to-date and many of the major indexes notching record high after record high.

Yet rather than stoking greed, these gains seem to be sparking fears for many investors—that gains might be overdone, that the market might be near a top, and that the bull might be on its last leg.

As we come up on the halfway mark for the year, here's a look at my latest thinking on where this bull market stands, what might be in store for stocks over the second half of the year, and what I’m seeing on the longer-term horizon.

Bull market in its seventh inning?

I believe that the bull market that began in October 2022 is aging, but still has room to run.

To put it into perspective, the current bull market is now 20 months old and has produced a gain of more than 50% (from the S&P's October 2022 low to its most recent high). Contrast that with the median historical bull market, which has lasted 30 months and produced gains of around 90%—looking at the past 100 years or so of market history.

Chart shows historical bull markets since 1921, and a trendline showing the average of the historical path of gains. Chart shows that the current bull market has not yet reached the duration or magnitude of a median historical bull market.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Blue line shows current market cycle, starting with S&P low of 2022. Grey lines show each historical cyclical bull market since 1921. Data based on performance of S&P 500 index. Monthly data. Sources: FMRCo., Bloomberg, Haver.

Looking just at those numbers, we might only be in the fifth inning of this bull market.

However, I think that some of the dynamics to this cycle—namely high inflation and interest rates, which generally put pressure on stock valuations like price-earnings (P/E) ratios—make it less comparable to some historical bull markets. Focus specifically on periods when there were similar pressures (particularly in the 1960s and 1980s), and historical bull markets have often been shorter and shallower—with typical gains closer to 65% to 75%.

Hence my belief that we are further along in this cycle—perhaps in the seventh inning. While that might sound pessimistic to some investors (sure, 7 is closer to 9 than to 1), I do think time is still on our side here.

Election-year patterns

Another key factor this year is that we’re in year 4 of the presidential-election cycle, and that year has historically tended to be strong—particularly when it follows a down mid-term year (which we saw this cycle).

Chart compares performance of the S&P 500 since the start of current presidential administration cycle, in 2021, against average S&P 500 performance in historical market cycles that also included a negative mid-term year. Chart shows that historically, the market has on average delivered positive gains in the fourth year of an administration, when this follows a down mid-term year.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Model forecasts are for illustrative and educational purposes only and should not be construed as prediction or projection of future value or a recommendation. Chart compares S&P 500 performance during current presidential administration cycle, starting with January 2021, against average S&P 500 performance during all historical presidential administration cycles that included negative returns in a mid-term year. Weekly data since 1990. Source: FMRCo.

So far, we've been tracking this fourth-year pattern very closely. If we continue to do so, that might suggest that the bull market could continue for the remainder of this year.

Rising earnings providing support

As I said above, higher rates and inflation tend to pressure valuations like P/E ratios. Rising markets must be fueled by either rising valuations, rising earnings, or both. Much of the ground this bull market has covered so far has been driven by rising valuations. Fortunately, it looks like the baton is being passed from the valuation-led phase to the earnings-led phase. Consensus earnings estimates have risen to 12% estimated growth for the next 12 months, and 17% estimated growth for the next 18 months.

This earnings momentum is allowing the market's P/E ratio to come down somewhat. In the next chart, we see that the forward P/E ratio (meaning, the P/E based on estimated earnings for the next 12 months) has been hitting lower highs—even as the S&P 500 has been making higher highs.

Chart shows the forward P/E ratio on the S&P 500 index. Since hitting a high earlier in 2024 the P/E has been hitting lower highs.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Forward P/E is defined as the current level of the S&P, divided by analyst estimates of earnings per share for constituent companies over the subsequent 12 months. Daily data since August 2021. Sources: FMRCo., Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, earnings estimates for both 2024 and 2025 have been rising. That's unusual, since these estimates usually start too high and then drift lower. So we are seeing some clear signals of earnings acceleration.

What's driving that earnings momentum? Rising profit margins, by the looks of it. The operating margin for the MSCI USA index has now improved to 13.0%, which is just shy of its most recent peak in 2021.

What of the Fed?

Of course, key to the market's performance over the rest of the year may be Fed policy, and whether investors finally get those rate cuts they have been hoping for this year.

There was a disconnect toward the start of the year between investors' hopes for big rate cuts and the Fed's projections of smaller rate cuts. That disconnect has largely been corrected now, with investors moderating their expectations after some surprisingly hot inflation readings earlier in the year.

But I believe it's fair to say at this point that the Fed has an easing bias (as opposed to a hiking bias), given that there are signs of growth moderating and given that inflation has fallen to the 3% to 4% range. It may just be a question of how many rate cuts and when. The forward curve has been pricing in the first rate cut before the end of year, which makes sense in my opinion.

Bottom line for the current bull market: For now, growing earnings and a moderating Fed appear to have the upper hand over high valuations and sticky inflation. Seventh inning.

The longer-term view

So far, we've been talking about the bull market that started in October 2022—which I’d also call a "cyclical" bull market. But I also look at what I'd call longer-term "secular trends," or super cycles.

I believe that since the 2008–2009 financial crisis, US stocks have been in a super cycle of above-average returns. Those above-average returns have been driven by several factors, including falling interest rates over much of that period, rising margins, and buybacks and M&A (merger and acquisition) activity that has reduced the supply of shares. Buybacks, in particular, have been a powerful driver of higher P/Es. On a cumulative basis since 2009, the issuance of shares has totaled about $2.7 trillion, while the reduction in shares has totaled about $21.3 trillion. That's a huge supply-demand imbalance against a US market cap of about $44 trillion.

Of course, returns can only be above average for so long before mean reversion kicks in. Estimating when this might happen is complex. But based on my modeling, I believe we are also in the seventh inning of this secular bull market.

The current super cycle has tracked previous bull-market super cycles of 1949 to 1968 and 1982 to 2000 quite closely. In terms of the total price gain or total length of the super cycles, we seem to still have room to run. But I think it's important to also look at valuations. My favorite valuation metric is the 5-year price-to-total-cash ratio (with total cash including dividends and share buybacks). Comparing the current period to past super-cycle regimes, on a price-to-total-cash basis the current secular bull does not appear to be over its skis yet.

Having said that, it's fair to note that valuations are historically high. While valuations are useless in predicting short-term returns, they have historically been effective in predicting long-term returns. This is evident through a clear inverse correlation historically between the trailing 5-year price-to-total-cash ratio and the market's subsequent 10-year compound annual growth rate.

To turn that historical relationship into a projection (and to try to get a sense of when this secular bull market might peter out), I created a regression model, using the 5-year price-to-total-cash ratio as an input and generating estimated subsequent 10-year compound annual growth rates as an output.

Chart shows modeled returns for the S&P 500, based on a regression model using the 5-year price-to-total-cash ratio as an independent variable. Chart suggests that projected returns could shift from above average to below average at some point in the coming years.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Projected returns are based on a regression model using the 5-year price-to-total-cash ratio as an independent variable and the subsequent 10-year compounded annual growth rate as a dependent variable. Price-to-total-cash ratio compares price level to dividends and stock buybacks. Monthly data since 1949. Sources: Haver, Factset, FMRCo.

If this model is correct then, based on the lower panel of the chart, the current bull super cycle could reach a peak around 2026. Hence, my call that we might be in the seventh inning.

It's important to note that a peak of the secular bull in 2026 would not be the end of the world and would not necessarily imply a market peak, or that the market would go down after that. Rather, it would mean that the 10-year average return might shift from above-average (i.e., above 11%) to below-average (i.e., below 11%). Below average can still be a rising market.

Of course, past performance is never a guarantee of future results, and all this assumes that the market follows a rational valuation roadmap, which is not always the case. Therefore, I would not set my watch too closely to this roadmap, but instead use it as a rough guide for strategic investment allocations.


Source: https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/stock-market-outlook

Is it Wise to Buy Stocks at Historical Highs?
Over the past year and a half, the S&P 500 has been rising, currently up nearly 50% from its low at the end of 2022. If you buy at historical highs and the market subsequently falls, your portfolio could suffer significant losses. Although buying at high points seems risky, if you can hold on firmly for the long term, this risk can be mitigated. ------------ Is it really wise to buy at historical highs? Have your bought at historical highs? Did you profit or lose moner?
Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

Comments

  • Universe宇宙
    06-23
    Universe宇宙

    In the article, there is this block of message: "I believe the coming years could bring an end to the current bull super cycle—which might mean a transition from above-average to below-average returns." @TigerGPT please analyze this by going to the Internet and tell us if a market crash of more than 50% will happen in 2024.

    • TigerGPTReplyUniverse宇宙

      Based on the news articles I found, there is no specific information indicating the magnitude of the potential stock market correction. However, I can provide you with a summary of the key points from the articles:

      "If Nvidia Stumbles, How Far Will the Stock Market Fall?": The article discusses the recent performance of Nvidia's stock and its potential impact on the broader market. It mentions the possibility of further profit-taking in Nvidia, but the overall damage to the market has been limited.

        

      "AI Euphoria is Taking a Breather, and Potential Reversal Setups Face Low Season Indexes": This article highlights the pause in the AI sector's performance and potential reversal setups. It mentions the low season indexes and the need for caution in high-flying tech stocks.

        

      "Summer Storm Brewing: Is a Bear Market Imminent?": The article suggests that investors should be prepared for increased volatility and the possibility of a significant market correction. It mentions the fragile state of high-flying tech stocks and the Federal Reserve's cautious policy stance as factors contributing to the potential correction.

        

      "Weathering the Market Correction: A Perspective": This article provides a perspective on weathering a market correction but does not specifically mention the magnitude of the correction.

        

      "Weathering the Storm: A Market Correction or a Mere Blip?": This article discusses the possibility of a market correction but does not provide specific information on the magnitude.

        

      Please note that these articles do not provide a specific estimation of the magnitude of the potential correction. It is important to consider multiple sources of information and consult with a financial advisor for a comprehensive analysis of the market.

    • TigerGPTReplyUniverse宇宙

      Based on the news articles I found, there is no specific information indicating the magnitude of the potential stock market correction. However, I can provide you with a summary of the key points from the articles:

      "If Nvidia Stumbles, How Far Will the Stock Market Fall?": The article discusses the recent performance of Nvidia's stock and its potential impact on the broader market. It mentions the possibility of further profit-taking in Nvidia, but the overall damage to the market has been limited.

        

      "AI Euphoria is Taking a Breather, and Potential Reversal Setups Face Low Season Indexes": This article highlights the pause in the AI sector's performance and potential reversal setups. It mentions the low season indexes and the need for caution in high-flying tech stocks.

        

      "Summer Storm Brewing: Is a Bear Market Imminent?": The article suggests that investors should be prepared for increased volatility and the possibility of a significant market correction. It mentions the fragile state of high-flying tech stocks and the Federal Reserve's cautious policy stance as factors contributing to the potential correction.

        

      "Weathering the Market Correction: A Perspective": This article provides a perspective on weathering a market correction but does not specifically mention the magnitude of the correction.

        

      "Weathering the Storm: A Market Correction or a Mere Blip?": This article discusses the possibility of a market correction but does not provide specific information on the magnitude.

        

      Please note that these articles do not provide a specific estimation of the magnitude of the potential correction. It is important to consider multiple sources of information and consult with a financial advisor for a comprehensive analysis of the market.

    • TigerGPTReplyUniverse宇宙

      I apologize, but I am unable to access specific external links or summarize the content of the link you provided. However, based on the news articles I found, here is a summary of the stock market outlook:

      "If Nvidia Stumbles, How Far Will the Stock Market Fall?" - The article discusses the recent performance of U.S. equities, highlighting improvements in financials, healthcare, industrials, and energy sectors. It mentions the possibility of a short-term bounce in the equal-weighted S&P 500 index. The article also analyzes the technical patterns of Nvidia stock and its potential impact on the market.

        

      "AI Euphoria is Taking a Breather, and Potential Reversal Setups Face Low Season Indexes" - This article mentions the current pause in the AI sector and potential reversal setups. It discusses the low season indexes and their impact on market sentiment.

        

      "Summer Storm Brewing: Is a Bear Market Imminent?" - The article highlights concerns about the widening gap between Bitcoin's and tech stocks' performance. It mentions the potential sell-off in the Nasdaq 100 if investor confidence in Nvidia's surge wanes. The Federal Reserve's stance and market valuation risks are also discussed as factors influencing the market outlook.

        

      "S&P 500: Riding the Wave or Heading for a Correction?" - The article describes investors being in a "full bubble/frenzy mode" and the possibility of a more dramatic fall when the bubble bursts. It sets a more conservative target for the S&P 500 and emphasizes the need for caution as valuations stretch and economic uncertainties persist.

        

      Please note that these articles provide different perspectives on the stock market outlook and do not specifically predict a market crash of more than 50% in 2024. It is important to consider multiple sources of information and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

      If you have any specific company or stock in mind, I can provide you with more relevant news and analysis.

    • TigerGPTReplyUniverse宇宙

      I apologize, but I am unable to directly access specific external links or summarize the content of the provided link. However, based on the news articles I found related to the stock market outlook, here are some key points:

      "If Nvidia Stumbles, How Far Will the Stock Market Fall?": The article discusses the recent performance of U.S. equities, with some improvement in financials, healthcare, industrials, and energy sectors. It mentions the possibility of a short-term bounce in the equal-weighted S&P 500 index. The article also analyzes the technical patterns of Nvidia's stock and its potential impact on the market.

        

      "AI Euphoria is Taking a Breather, and Potential Reversal Setups Face Low Season Indexes": This article highlights the current pause in the AI sector's performance and potential reversal setups. It mentions the low season indexes and the need for caution in high-flying tech stocks.

        

      "Summer Storm Brewing: Is a Bear Market Imminent?": The article discusses the widening gap between Bitcoin's and tech stocks' performance and the potential impact on the Nasdaq 100. It also mentions the Federal Reserve's stance and its influence on the market's outlook. The article suggests that Nvidia could be particularly vulnerable during a summer correction.

        

      "S&P 500: Riding the Wave or Heading for a Correction?": This article mentions the heightened optimism and potential bubble/frenzy mode among investors. It sets a more conservative target for the S&P 500 and highlights the need for caution as valuations stretch and economic uncertainties persist.

        

      Please note that these articles provide different perspectives on the stock market outlook and do not specifically predict a market crash of more than 50% in 2024. It is important to consider multiple sources of information and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

      If you have any specific questions or need further information, please let me know.

    • Universe宇宙ReplyTigerGPT
      Are you able to access the Internet? If you are able to access the Internet, are you able to access the content inside this link https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/trading-investing/stock-market-outlook ? if you are able to access the link, are you able to summarize it?
  • AmandaViolet
    06-19
    AmandaViolet
    Interesting outlook on the market
  • Raisya02
    06-19
    Raisya02

    bahsjsjsjs sjsj

  • KSR
    06-20
    KSR
    👍
  • Mitch8ham
    06-20
    Mitch8ham

    Great article, would you like to share it?

Leave a comment
22
49