Monthly Market Report: May 2022

Markets Holding Steady After Volatile Start to Q2

Brandon Yee, CFA, CAIA, Versant Capital Management, Inc.

DEVELOPED MARKETS

Developed Markets Rebound

In the month of May, international developed stock markets returned 0.83%. Japan and the UK recorded returns of 1.64% and 1.72%, respectively. The U.S. and Pacific ex Japan lagged other markets. International developed markets are down -10.32% YTD while the U.S. market is down -14.15%. Geopolitical risks, high inflation, and central bank tightening continue to be headwinds. Investors are expecting the Federal Reserve to reduce its holdings of Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities, which could cause long-term interest rates to increase. A rising rate environment could negatively impact stocks with long durations, such as growth stocks.

EMERGING MARKETS

Emerging Markets Mixed

Broader emerging markets posted a -0.01% return for the month. Brazil and Mexico recorded positive returns of 8.38% and 5.71%, respectively. India and China lagged other markets in May. Countries that export natural resources, such as Brazil, have benefited from this year’s inflationary environment. Any continuation of the Russian and Ukrainian war will support high energy and food prices. China’s stock market has been negatively affected by the decline within their technology sector. However, the Chinese market may benefit from future monetary easing by their central bank.

GLOBAL SECTOR

Energy and Infrastructure Outperform

Energy and infrastructure recorded positive returns of 13.7% and 3.72%, respectively, in May. Consumer discretionary and consumer staples lagged other sectors. The energy sector is up 46.6% YTD and 61% over the past year. Oil supply and demand dynamics would continue to be favorable in the short and medium term even if Russian oil sales were to resume. The materials sector has benefited from the market turmoil given its exposure to gold producers, fertilizer producers, and other miners.  

DOMESTIC EQUITY FACTORS

Value Outperforms in May

In May, value outperformed growth in the large-cap space and the small-cap space. Momentum recorded a return of -0.56%. Small-cap value stocks are now outperforming small-cap growth stocks over the past ten years. Their ten-year annualized return is now at 10.71%, slightly above small-cap growth’s ten-year return. Even after value’s strong performance, value stocks are still very cheap relative to growth stocks. Value-oriented sectors such as energy, financials, and materials may still have much more room to run.

FOREIGN EQUITY FACTORS

Value Outperforms in the International Markets

In the international developed markets, value outperformed growth in the large-cap and small-cap space for the month. Momentum recorded a return of 0.65% while small-cap emerging market stocks posted a return of -0.39%. Valuations of value stocks are still very low relative to growth stocks in both international developed and emerging markets, which is consistent with the US market. The rotation from growth into value may resume as investors become wary of high valuations in growth stocks. Rising interest rates may also pose more of a risk to growth stocks than value stocks.

LIQUIDITY PROVIDERS

Interest Rates Rise

In May, the three-month Treasury bill index returned 0.04%. Investors expect multiple rate hikes this year due to the recently high inflation numbers and labor scarcity. However, savers will still face low real interest rates for the foreseeable future. The CPI has increased by 8.22% over the past year through the end of April.

DISINFLATION DEFLATIONARY HEDGES

Fixed Income Investments Rebound

The returns of deflationary hedges were mostly positive for the month. Long-term municipal bonds returned 1.10% in May. The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Agg Bond Index returned 0.64% for the month. High-yield bonds are down -7.76% YTD. If interest rates continue to rise, less creditworthy borrowers may face difficulties meeting their financial obligations. Among the deflationary hedges, only the SwissRe Global Catastrophe Bond index has a positive performance YTD. Catastrophe bonds are up 3.62% over the past year, providing a competitive yield without the equity-like volatility of leveraged loans and high-yield bonds. Real yields continue to remain around historical lows.

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INFLATION SENSITIVE INVESTMENTS

Russian/Ukrainian War Impacting Commodity Markets

Inflation-sensitive investment returns were mixed for the month. U.S. natural gas and WTI crude oil were up 10.84% and 11.49%, respectively. The Bloomberg Commodity index posted a return of 1.52% in May. US natural gas and WTI crude oil are up 124% and 60%, respectively, YTD. Gold bullion is up 1.82% YTD, providing a nice hedge against geopolitical risks. The US dollar has materially strengthened this year, moderating gold’s return in US dollar terms. However, gold bullion is up much more relative to other major currencies. For example, relative to the Euro, gold is up 14% YTD. The standing of gold among central banks may grow as other countries observe how Russia uses its gold to withstand the impact of sanctions. Like oil’s future supply prospects, the future supply of gold may be constrained as exploration and capital expenditures have been muted.  

WORLD CURRENCIES

U.S. Dollar Mixed Versus Other Currencies

Over the past three months, the U.S. dollar appreciated against the Yen, Euro and Swiss Franc. The U.S. dollar depreciated against the Canadian dollar and Mexican Peso over the same period. However, the continuation of large U.S. fiscal deficits may weigh on the U.S. dollar in the medium-term to long-term. Gross federal debt to GDP stands at 124% and is forecasted to increase through the decade.

Brandon Yee, CFA, CAIA – Research Analyst

Brandon conducts investment due diligence for Versant Capital Management, and designs and implements tools and processes to support the firm’s research. His background in biology and finance help him to look at challenges from multiple angles, resulting in unique and well-rounded approaches and solutions.

Disclosure

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