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Monthly Market Report: OCTOBER 2019
Markets Shrug Off Late Cycle Risks
Prepared by Brandon Yee, CFA, CAIA, and Thomas Connelly, CFA, CFP®[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4231″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Developed Markets Maintain Strong 2019
In the month of October, international developed stock markets gained 3.23%. The Japanese and Europe ex UK equity markets recorded strong returns of 4.85% and 3.35%, respectively. Canada and the U.S. lagged the broader markets. Even though trade frictions, recessionary concerns, and geopolitical risk were often at the forefront of investors’ minds in 2019, the US market and broader international developed markets are up 22.67% and 17.24% year to date, respectively. People who hold excessive amounts of cash may realize a large opportunity cost.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5226″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4237″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Russian Equities Having Strong Year
Broader emerging markets rose 4.20% for the month. Russia and Brazil posted gains of 8.60% and 6.35%, respectively. Mexico lagged other markets in October, returning 3.53%. Emerging markets have posted a modest gain of 11.99% year to date, but still trade at attractive valuations relative to the U.S. market. With CAPE ratios being inversely correlated with long-term future returns and the U.S. CAPE ratio currently at an elevated 29, investors should look to foreign markets.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5225″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4234″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Healthcare and Information Technology Outperform
Healthcare and information technology recorded gains of 5.15% and 4.16%, respectively. Energy and consumer staples lagged other sectors, posting returns of -1.18% and -0.49%, respectively. Much of this bull market’s return has been driven by technology and consumer discretionary companies. Investors should not extrapolate these returns, especially given the business cycle is in the late stages.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5224″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4232″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Value underperforms Growth
In October, value underperformed growth in the large-cap and small-cap space. The YTD return differential is most pronounced in the large-cap space. Momentum recorded a gain of 3.51%. Over the past year, value has also underperformed growth.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5223″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4233″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Value Outperforms in International Markets
In the international developed markets, value outperformed growth in the large-cap and small-cap space. Momentum recorded a modest gain of 2.59% while small-cap emerging market stocks returned 3.92%. Historically, different equity factors have their own periods of outperformance, usually in shorter time periods but sometimes lasting a decade. However, tilting portfolios to capture more of the value and size premium has historically compensated investors in the long run.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5231″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4236″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Savers Face Even Lower Rates
In October, the Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a point. The further decline in rates will affect savers and may push them to invest in riskier assets. With the yield curve being so low, investors may face a decline in purchasing power if inflation exceeds the interest rate. The CPI increased by 1.73% year over year through September.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5230″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4230″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Bonds Flat in October
The returns of deflationary hedges were mostly flat or negative for the month. Investment-grade corporate bonds and catastrophe bond returned 0.61% and 0.44%, respectively The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Agg Bond Index was up 0.33%. Emerging market bonds are having a strong 2019, returning 12.50% year to date. Emerging market debt may warrant a higher portfolio allocation if developed market growth continues to slow and their high debt levels become burdensome.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5229″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4235″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]Gold Outperforming in 2019
Inflation-sensitive investment returns were mostly positive for the month. International real estate and commodities recorded gains of 4.08% and 2.02%, respectively. Gold bullion continued its strong 2019, posting a return of 1.73% in October. Over the past year, gold has outperformed the broader equity markets and every other major inflation-sensitive investment. Still favorable supply/demand dynamics and low historical valuations may provide further tailwinds for gold investors. Given its role as a hedge against late cycle risks and with real interest rates being low or negative, gold may receive more attention from other investors.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5228″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][vc_single_image image=”4238″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”5/6″][vc_column_text]U.S. Dollar Mixed Versus Other Currencies
Over the past three months, the U.S. dollar appreciated against the Japanese Yen and Chinese Yuan. However, the U.S. dollar depreciated against the British pound and Australian dollar by 6.59% and 1.63%, respectively, over the past three months. For international equity investors, a weakening U.S. dollar will provide a tailwind to returns.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”5227″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]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: Please remember that past performance may not be indicative of future results. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or undertaken by Versant Capital Management, Inc.), or any non-investment related content, made reference to directly or indirectly in this article will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), be suitable for your portfolio or individual situation, or prove successful. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this article serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Versant Capital Management, Inc. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed above to his/her individual situation, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing. Versant Capital Management, Inc. is neither a law firm nor a certified public accounting firm and no portion of the article content should be construed as legal or accounting advice. If you are a Versant Capital Management, Inc. client, please remember to contact Versant Capital Management, Inc., in writing, if there are any changes in your personal/financial situation or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising our previous recommendations and/or services. A copy of the Versant Capital Management, Inc.’s current written disclosure statement discussing our advisory services and fees is available upon request.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
