Market Risk Signals
Conclusion: A shift to early economic cycle conditions along with a very accommodative Fed and fiscal spending support provide an attractive backdrop for stocks. That said, the brevity of this downturn and the speed with which stocks have recovered meant that we were not able to fully refuel the gas tank and bring overall valuations down to levels that are cheap. There are still areas within the market that look attractive, but overall current market levels suggest a more muted return outlook for the market for the remainder of this cycle.
Market Cycles
While a one-month market decline doesn’t fit the definition of a bear market (sustained decline of at least three months), we believe that history will treat this decline as a bear market regardless.
Source: Bloomberg, (based on daily closing prices)
Economic Cycle
In the blink of an eye we have gone from late cycle to early cycle, something that typically takes at least 12 months. Customarily, the economy takes the elevator down and the stairs back up. This time may be different given the significant monetary and fiscal response to the crisis. Another stimulus package would certainly be well received by the markets and likely hasten the recovery, though it may not be completely necessary should vaccine deployment occur in a timely fashion.
*Model based on Capacity Utilization, Unemployment Rate, Treasury yield spreads, and Consumer Confidence Indexes
Source: Bloomberg
Fundamentals
We see earnings growth as the key to the market cycle, with profit margin expansion and contraction being the key source of earnings growth. The just completed bull market saw very strong earnings growth with profit margin expansion being the dominant driver. This cycle will be very different as we start it with much higher profit margins (and higher valuations as well). It is important to note that high concentration in the top weights in the S&P 500® Index is having a distorting effect on weighted index measures. On an equal weighted basis, profit margins have dropped to 2002 levels, indicating there is opportunity when looking down market cap.
Data may not total due to rounding.
*Based on analysts’ annual estimates for revenue and EPS.
Source: Bloomberg, S&P Dow Jones Indexes
Valuation
All valuation measures have their flaws, this is why we use numerous and different measures. Today it is even more difficult as it is unclear where the denominator of most measures will fall, and how quickly it will rebound. What we do know is that the numerator (price) has already rebounded strongly. Even by the most generous valuation measures the market looks to be fairly valued, which is not the best place in which to start a new bull market.
Valuation Measures
Based on the S&P 500® Index
as of November 2020
| Rank 1-5* | |
|---|---|
| Shiller CAPE** | 5 |
| Trailing EV/EBITDA | 5 |
| Trailing Price/Book | 5 |
| Trailing Price/Sales | 5 |
| 10-Year Treasury Yield | 1 |
| Profit Margin | 4 |
| Summary Signal (Average) | 4.2 |
Sources: Bloomberg, Robert Shiller – Yale University
Touchstone Equity Risk Model
The Touchstone Equity Risk Model brings together the economic cycle, market fundamentals, and valuation considerations. It is a way to measure potential upside based on fundamentals. Though we recognize that sentiment can carry the market beyond what the fundamentals suggest. While our economy has moved to an early cycle phase, the market has already discounted much of the economic rebound. The speed with which this happened raises the question of whether we truly ended the last cycle or just interrupted it. Either way, the expected return for the market is likely to be lower than average from the current levels looking out over the next three to five years.
*Risk Model based on S&P 500® valuation metrics (EV/EBITDA, P/S) and profit margin, Unemployment Rate and Term Spread.
Sources: Bloomberg, Touchstone Investments
Glossary of Investment Terms and Index Definitions
This commentary is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security. There is no guarantee that the information is complete or timely. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing in an index is not possible. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal and fluctuation of value. Please visit touchstoneinvestments.com for performance information current to the most recent month-end.
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