OVERVIEW:
Major U.S. equity indexes ended the week higher, supported by comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell indicating that rates could remain higher for longer, although the Fed could slow the pace of the hikes by the end of this year. The tech-heavy NASDAQ was the best domestic index performer for the week, finishing 2.12% higher. Economic data reports showed nonfarm payrolls had risen 263k in November, the unemployment rate remaining unchanged at 3.7%, and October job openings declined by around 353k to 10.3 million versus estimates of 10.4 million. Further, the ISM Manufacturing Index fell into contractionary territory for the first time since May 2020, and the PCE Price Index came in lower than expected at 6.0% year-over-year. Lastly, sovereign yields ended lower for the week, with the 10-Year and 2-Year U.S. Treasury yields finishing at 3.51% and 4.28%, respectively.
SPOTLIGHT:
The Multi PLUS models are the most diversified set of models within our Strategy PLUS offering. Each model within this series is uniquely constructed to provide the most comprehensive exposure to our Strategy PLUS offering. Holdings within these models include Tactical strategies, which range from those that will implement high cash/fixed income positions during periods of market volatility, to strategies that maintain full market exposure but tactically adjust various asset classes, sectors, or regions. Strategic strategies are also included and are built on long-term market expectations to offer investors full market exposure at all times. In addition, underlying holdings within the models provide both Active management via individual stock or bond selection, as well as Passive, lower-cost exposure to a specific index or benchmark. We believe the combination of these Strategic, Tactical, Active, and Passive elements can deliver the desired portfolio outcome with greater diversification, improved risk management, and enhanced returns.
Stocks and bonds remained under pressure in Q3. Many of the same factors (i.e. inflation, rising rates, stronger US Dollar, and more restrictive central banks) are negatively impacting returns for both asset classes. Broad indexes of domestic stocks, bonds, and commodities all lost around -5% in Q3 as the S&P 500 fell by -4.88%, the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index declined by -4.8%, and the Bloomberg Commodity Index lost -4.7%. Through Q3, the YTD return on the S&P 500 was -23.87% while the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index fell by -14.6%. Through Q3, a traditional 60/40 portfolio was down by -20.6% YTD. Since 1976, only 2008 finished the year worse at -21%. In addition, there had never been three consecutive quarters in which stocks (as measured by the S&P 500) and bonds (as measured by the Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Index) had declined until now.
DISCLOSURE:
The information provided herein is the opinion of The Pacific Financial Group, Inc. (“TPFG”) a registered investment adviser, and may change without notice at the discretion of TPFG. Spotlight contains models managed by TPFG and represent TPFG’s opinion and evaluation of its models. All information is believed to be accurate but has not been independently verified and TPFG makes no warranties as to the accuracy of the information or any representations made or implied. The information should not be construed or interpreted as an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell a financial instrument or service. The information is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on or deemed the provision of tax, legal, accounting or investment advice. Past performance is not a guarantee future results. All investments contain risks to include the total loss of invested principal. Diversification does not protect against the risk of loss. Investors should review all offering documents and disclosures and should consult their tax, legal or financial professional before investing.
The indices are presented as broad-based measures of the equity, fixed income, and consumer markets. The indices are provided for comparative and illustrative purpose to provide a comparison of the model against the broader-based equity, fixed income, and consumer market. The indices are not intended to reflect the investment objectives of the model as the securities held within the model will differ in market volatility, concentration, investment objectives, and diversification among others from those of the indices. The indices are not managed, and returns do not reflect the deduction of fees, expenses, transaction costs or taxes that actual client accounts are subject to. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. Returns are not annualized for periods less than1 year.
Trailing Major Index Returns and YTD S&P Sector Returns are sourced from Morningstar Direct.
* Sourced from JPMorgan Asset Management, publicly available at https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/adv/insights/market-insights/market-updates/weekly-market-recap/
All other economic and market data sources may include, and is not limited to:
Edward Jones, publicly available at https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/market-news-insights/stock-market-news/stock-marketweekly-update
Goldman Sachs, publicly available at https://www.gsam.com/content/gsam/us/en/advisors/market-insights.html
Rowe Price, publicly available at https://www.troweprice.com/personal-investing/resources/insights/global-markets-weeklyupdate.html