Stubbornly high inflation and an increasingly hawkish Fed have sent bond yields up, pressuring equity valuations.
While the valuation correction in high multiple stocks has been the dominant narrative so far this year, economic and profit growth concerns appear to be creeping into investor thinking.
Earnings performance remains central to the outlook for the US stock market. If the US market is set to encounter either a significant cyclical or structural earnings problem, then this could significantly alter the prospects for US equities. Despite market weakness this year, US earnings have (on average) remained relatively resilient, with aggregate earnings estimates continuing to be upgraded.
However, as the US and global economy slow, at the same time as inflation pressures persist, investors are becoming more concerned around the earnings outlook. In particular, investors are wary of the potential for a combination of slower demand combined with sticky cost pressures to crimp corporate profit margins.
We share our outlook and the implications for US equities.
About Wilsons: Wilsons is a financial advisory firm focused on delivering strategic and investment advice for people with ambition – whether they be a private investor, corporate, fund manager or global institution. Its client-first, whole of firm approach allows Wilsons to partner with clients for the long-term and provide the wide range of financial and advisory services they may require throughout their financial future. Wilsons is staff-owned and has offices across Australia.
Disclaimer: This communication has been prepared by Wilsons Advisory and Stockbroking Limited (ACN 010 529 665; AFSL 238375) and/or Wilsons Corporate Finance Limited (ACN 057 547 323; AFSL 238383) (collectively “Wilsons”). It is being supplied to you solely for your information and no action should be taken on the basis of or in reliance on this communication. To the extent that any information prepared by Wilsons contains a financial product advice, it is general advice only and has been prepared by Wilsons without reference to your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the advice in light of your own objectives, financial situation and needs before following or relying on the advice. You should also obtain a copy of, and consider, any relevant disclosure document before making any decision to acquire or dispose of a financial product. Wilsons’ Financial Services Guide is available at wilsonsadvisory.com.au/disclosures.
All investments carry risk. Different investment strategies can carry different levels of risk, depending on the assets that make up that strategy. The value of investments and the level of returns will vary. Future returns may differ from past returns and past performance is not a reliable guide to future performance. On that basis, any advice should not be relied on to make any investment decisions without first consulting with your financial adviser. If you do not currently have an adviser, please contact us and we would be happy to connect you with a Wilsons representative.
To the extent that any specific documents or products are referred to, please also ensure that you obtain the relevant disclosure documents such as Product Disclosure Statement(s), Prospectus(es) and Investment Program(s) before considering any related investments.
Wilsons and their associates may have received and may continue to receive fees from any company or companies referred to in this communication (the “Companies”) in relation to corporate advisory, underwriting or other professional investment services. Please see relevant Wilsons’ disclosures at www.wilsonsadvisory.com.au/disclosures.
Written by
David Cassidy, Head of Investment Strategy
David is one of Australia’s leading investment strategists.