The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.
Russ Koesterich
Higher Volatility Likely to Remain
Overview
- Higher volatility is being driven by uncertainty surrounding the economy and the Federal Reserve and rising tensions in the Middle East.
- Weakness in the labor market calls into question the timing and scope of the Fed’s tapering of asset purchases.
- Investors should take a look at international stocks and energy companies as potential investment ideas.
Market Volatility Rises Amid Uncertainty
Over the past few weeks, we have seen market volatility rise noticeably, and last week both stock market and bond market volatility advanced to two-month highs. Although most of the recent economic data has been pointing to marginal improvements in the global economy, it seems investors are focused more on the risks and on uncertainty. In our view, there are currently three main drivers to volatility: uncertainty surrounding the path of economic growth, uncertainty over Federal Reserve policy and concern over growing geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
Notwithstanding the rising volatility, stock markets were able to post gains last week, snapping a four-week losing streak. For the week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.8% to 14,922, the S&P 500 Index rose 1.4% to 1,655 and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 2.0% to 3,660. In fixed income markets, Treasury yields advanced (as prices correspondingly fell). The yield on the 10-year Treasury briefly touched the 3% level last week (for the first time since July 2011) before ending the week at 2.94%.
Unclear Paths for the Economy and Fed Policy
While economic data continues to be mixed, we have been seeing signs that both the US and global economy are stabilizing. In the United States, manufacturing data in particular has been stronger. Two key measures-the ISM Manufacturing and ISM Services indices-both posted sharp improvements in August. Outside of the United States, data from most regions (with the exception of a few emerging markets, notably India) also shows that the global economy is continuing to heal.
However, one key area remains troubled: the jobs market. Last Friday’s labor market report for August was disappointing, with the data showing that 169,000 new jobs were created, less than the forecasted 180,000. The pace of jobs growth for July was also revised downward. Year to date, an average of 180,000 new jobs per month have been added, which is actually slightly less than the pace seen in 2012.
The mixed nature of the economic data itself adds to the sense of investor uncertainty, but it also contributes to the confusion surrounding the big question on everyone’s mind: What is the Fed likely to do?There has been widespread speculation that the central bank will soon begin to scale back on its asset-purchase program (a process known as “tapering”), but given the uneven nature of the economic recovery exactly when this will happen and to what degree remains unclear. Adding to the uncertainty, it is still unclear who is going to head the Fed in 2014 after current Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s term expires.
Rising Tension in the Middle East Unnerves Investors
Outside of the economy and questions about the Fed, growing geopolitical uncertainty in the Middle East has also contributed to market volatility. At this point, it is unclear how the humanitarian disaster in Syria will unfold, but it is clear that the problems in Syria and Egypt are emblematic of a broader issue: growing unrest in much of the Middle East.
From a financial markets perspective, one result of the unrest has been a significant reduction in oil supplies and exports. This has had the predictable effect of pushing up oil prices, which are now 25% above their April lows. Should the region’s violence escalate and the instability spread, higher energy prices would likely impede the global recovery.
Looking for Volatility Hedges? Consider International Stocks and Energy Companies
n the near term, we expect that volatility will remain elevated and that investors will remain anxious. Recent fund flows have confirmed this view, with flows out of equity funds spiking in recent weeks as investors have been seeking safe havens.
So where can investors look to find opportunities and to insulate their portfolios from volatility? One idea we have been advocating for some time is to seek out adequate levels of international diversification. Compared to US stocks, international stocks have cheaper valuations (partially because some risks are already priced in), and international stocks have seen some better performance in recent months. In addition, we would suggest adopting overweight positions to the energy sector. Earnings trends appear attractive for this area of the market, and energy companies can potentially act as a hedge against Middle-East induced market volatility.
Pdf. BlackRock weekly investment commentary September 9, 2013
a little about me and my expertise – video
LAND SPECIALIST – LAND EXPERT – INVESTMENT BROKER – ARIZONA
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Walter Unger CCIM, CCSS, CCLS
I am a successful Commercial Investment Real Estate Broker in Arizona now for 15 years and I worked with banks and their commercial REO properties for 3 years. I am also a commercial landspecialist in Phoenix and a Landspecialist in Arizona.
WHETHER YOU LEASE OR OWN
NOW IS THE TIME FOR YOU TO EXPAND, UPGRADE OR INVEST.
we are at on the a rise of the cycle in Commercial Real Estate. so there is only one way and it’s called we are going up and now is the time for you to expand, upgrade or invest in Commercial Properties in Phoenix. The prices on deals I may get you will not be around forever.
WAITING TO SELL YOUR LAND ? TIMES CHANGE / IT’S TIME
We barely could give land away the last few years, but times are changing. Even in those meager years, I sold more land across the state than most other brokers. Before the real estate crash I was a land specialist in Arizona with millions of dollars of transactions, but then I had to change and also sell other commercial investment properties, which was fun, but I am a Commercial Landspecialist in Arizonal, a Commercial Land Specialist in Phoenix and love to sell land, one acre to thousands of acres.
If you have any questions about Commercial Investment Properties in Phoenix or Commercial Investment Properties in Arizona, I will gladly sit down with you and share my expertise and my professional opinion in Commercial Properties in Phoenix or Commercial Properties in Arizona with you.Obviously I am also in this to make money, but it could be a win-win situation for all of us.
Please reply by e-mail walterunger@ccim.net or call me 520-975-5207 (cell) 602-778-5110 (office direct).
Thank You
Walter
Walter Unger CCIM
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Kasten Long Commercial
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