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MONTHLY MARKET REPORT: SEPTEMBER 2018
Energy edges higher as oil prices rise; interest rate risk hits portfolios
Prepared by Brandon Yee, CFA, CAIA, and Thomas Connelly, CFA[/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]Japanese Equity Market Rolling Along
International developed stock markets in the aggregate were up 0.78%. Japan and the U.S. recorded gains of 3.04% and 0.42%, respectively. Pacific (excluding Japan( and Europe (excluding the UK) dropped -0.66% and -0.17%, respectively. The U.S and Japanese equity markets have outperformed year-to-date. However, the benefits from U.S. fiscal stimulus and Japanese stimulus should have less of an impact on their equity markets moving forward.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4623″ 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]Emerging Markets Flat
Broader emerging markets recorded a loss of -0.63%. Russia and Brazil posted gains of 9.79% and 7%, respectively. India and China took a step back, recording a drop of -9.10% and -1.40%, respectively. Increased U.S. dollar strength and trade tensions have caused higher volatility, but relative valuations still strongly favor the developing nations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4624″ 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]Energy Edges Higher as Oil Prices Rise
Telecommunications and energy posted gains of 3.59% and 3.25%, respectively. Infrastructure and utilities lagged other sectors. Increasing energy prices may temper some of the benefits from U.S. fiscal stimulus.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4625″ 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
Value underperformed growth in the large-cap and small-cap space. Momentum recorded a loss of -0.20%. The size premium has been mixed so far in 2018. Investing in smaller companies has historically compensated investors for taking on the added risk.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4626″ 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 Growth in Foreign Markets
In the international developed markets, value outperformed growth. Momentum recorded a gain of 1.53% while small-cap emerging market stocks dropped by -2.41%. Small-cap emerging market companies have slightly underperformed their large cap counterparts so far in 2018, but have outperformed over a ten-year period.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4627″ 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]Cash Becomes a Viable Investment Option
Money market fund and T-Bill yields have steadily risen in 2018. Rates are expected to continue to rise as the Fed just raised the federal funds rate target by a quarter of a point. With the U.S. equity market near a historically high valuation and tight spreads in the fixed market, investors can finally turn to cash and get paid to wait. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 2.68% year over year. Trade tensions still pose a risk of higher inflation in the U.S.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4628″ 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]Interest Rate Risk Hits Portfolios
The returns of deflationary hedges were mostly negative. Longer duration bonds were hit the hardest. The Barclays U.S. Agg Bond Index dropped by -0.64%. The traditionally higher yielding fixed income investments fared well. Emerging market bonds and leveraged loans recorded gains of 1.77% and 0.66%, respectively. Extra care must be taken in the high yield and leveraged loan space as covenants have become weaker and weaker since the recession.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4629″ 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 Facing Short-Term Headwinds
Inflation-sensitive investment returns were mixed. Crude oil and natural gas recorded gains of 5.77% and 2.52%, respectively. Global real estate and the Alerian MLP were down. Dollar strengthening and rising rates continue to be a headwind for gold, but the metal may prove to be a valuable portfolio diversifier when the current business cycle rolls over.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4630″ 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 Continues to Appreciate
Over the past three months, the U.S. dollar appreciated against most other major currencies. The Mexican peso and Swiss franc appreciated by 4.51% and 1.57%, respectively. The Indian rupee and Chinese yuan dropped -5.71% and -3.87%, respectively, relative to the U.S. dollar.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”4631″ 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]
