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Explore the latest trends and strategic insights in the September 2024 edition of the “Market Compass.”
This issue provides a comprehensive overview of the shifting dynamics in the global financial landscape, capturing significant developments from Wall Street to the currency markets.
Highlights Include:
Market Sentiment Shift: The month started with a disappointing US labor market report that triggered recession fears, causing the S&P 500 to drop significantly. However, optimism returned mid-month as the US economy showed resilience with robust growth and decreasing inflation pressures, reigniting “Goldilocks” scenarios on Wall Street. By the end of August, US equity markets had recovered, with the S&P 500 up by 2.3% and the Nasdaq 100 by 1.1%. European markets also saw gains, with the EuroStoxx 50 rising by 1.8% and the Swiss SMI index by 1.0%.
Fed’s Monetary Policy Pivot: Fed Chairman Powell’s speech at Jackson Hole signaled a potential end to the Fed’s historic interest rate hikes, shifting focus from inflation to supporting the labor market and broader economy. The market is now anticipating a gradual rate cut beginning in September, which could reshape investment strategies across the board.
Strong Swiss Franc: The Swiss franc has made a strong comeback since April, appreciating significantly against the USD and EUR. This resurgence is driven by expectations of aggressive monetary easing in the US and Eurozone, with implications for Swiss monetary policy and global currency markets.
Investment Strategies: Notably, Warren Buffett has taken a more defensive stance, selling a substantial portion of his equity holdings, including a significant amount of Apple shares. This move aligns with a broader shift toward high-quality bonds, which historically outperform equities in periods following Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Market Outlook: Despite the recent rebound in equity markets, we remain cautious due to potential risks of economic softening. We maintain a neutral allocation toward global equities with a preference for US and Asian Emerging Markets, particularly India and Vietnam. Our strategy balances defensive sectors like Consumer Staples and Healthcare with more aggressive tech investments in software and semiconductors.
Tactical Positioning: Our current asset allocation strategy emphasizes high-quality corporate bonds as a hedge against potential economic downturns. Additionally, we have adjusted our commodity exposure, slightly increasing our allocation to gold while reducing cyclical exposures.
This edition of the Market Compass provides valuable insights into navigating these uncertain times in financial markets.
Ready to dive in? Download the full PDF of our Sepember 2024 Market Compass for an in-depth analysis and forward-looking guidance on navigating these turbulent times in financial markets.
Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions about the topics discussed. We are happy to assist you with our expertise.
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