Macroeconomic Committee

Market Outlook Winter 2024

As we start 2024, we make the following observations about what we believe are the most important uncertainties that will impact investments in 2024. (1) Will inflation continue to fall as expected towards the Fed’s 2% target? (2) Will there be a recession? (3) Will artificial intelligence adequately deliver on its promise in 2024?Notably, investors’ opinion on the first question is resoundingly “yes.” Investors’ opinion on the second question has shifted during the last several months and there is now a strong consensus opinion that the answer is “no.” Based on the performance of technology stocks in 2023 and high relative valuations, it seems clear that investors expect a lot from artificial intelligence in 2024. Read along as we explore these questions in more detail.

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Orange fall leaves on tree branch with blue sky

Market Outlook Fall 2023

As we turn the calendar to the closing months of 2023, we look back and consider how the year has unfolded compared to expectations at the beginning of the year. A year ago, the consensus opinion was that economic conditions would be poor in the first half of the year, likely including a recession, and the economy would recover in the second part of the year. Most investors expected a weak first half for stocks, with a rebound later in 2023. Contrary to the consensus belief, the economy proved far more resilient than expected through September, driving equity returns far above expectations in the first half of 2023 as investors’ calls for a 2023 recession went silent by mid-summer.

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ferris wheel against blue sky

Market Outlook Summer 2023

The phrase “if it is not one thing, it is another” implies that when dealing with financial markets and the economy, there is often a continuous cycle of challenges or issues. It suggests that as one problem is addressed, another one arises. This statement reflects the dynamic and ever-changing nature of financial markets and the economy.

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Basket of flowers in window of cafe with green checkered cloth

Market Outlook Spring 2023

This never gets easier. In the writing of our Quarterly Outlook, barely a day goes by without a twist or turn with the economy, asset classes, sectors, or portfolio holdings. There is no ‘skipping school’ in our world, but we understand this challenge, as this is our chosen profession. As ‘Spring Break’ has been happening the past few weeks, around here, it is ‘nose to the grindstone’ and prepare for every twist and turn.

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Market Outlook Winter 2023

At the start of every calendar year, we see the major financial institutions providing their ‘outlook’ for the markets. Usually, the outlooks are hedged by not being too divergent from consensus, but nonetheless, they all must predict something, knowing that if their thesis comes true, they can lay claim to have made the right call.

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Fall 2022 Market Outlook

Market Outlook Fall 2022

Yet another Market Outlook with a thousand moving parts. Patience is paramount now as we wait for each part to find its spot in this machine we call an economy. Right now, inflation is the problem, and interest
rates are the wrench of choice. The challenge is how hard will the wrench have to be torqued to get the desired results? Will the lug nut break, requiring a modified approach? Perhaps. In the end, we believe patience will be rewarded, and the laws of economic theory will eventually play out.

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Market Outlook Summer 2022

Market Outlook Summer 2022

Double, double whammy. After two years of endless concern from a once-a-lifetime pandemic (let’s hope), and the clouds just starting to part, barely, we get hit with an unruly market bent on testing our already fragile mindsets; Double Whammy #1.
If this isn’t enough, let’s toss in inflation exhibiting the endurance of a marathon runner, coupled with rising interest rates increasing borrowing costs to businesses and consumers with higher rates on mortgages, car loans, credit cards, home equity and improvement loans, and personal loans of all types. When you can’t buy a new home, or a car, because of limited supply, now you can’t afford them from a budget perspective. Double Whammy #2.

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Spring 2022

Market Outlook Spring 2022

A bull in a china shop.

Thinking about the present state of the economy, the bull in a china shop metaphor pretty much sums up how markets, central banks, and investors are looking to the future—delicate steps.

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Winter 2022

Market Outlook Winter 2022

On our minds for early 2022 are several things – the pandemic, interest rates, and inflation. These will all be critical, near-term influences on the markets. We will address each in this Outlook.

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Market Outlook Fall 2021

When we consider the past 20 months, not only the people of the world, but also the markets, have displayed considerable fortitude.

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