Let’s start with a few historical observations:
- Equity markets have gone up 80% of the time when viewed on a 6-month rolling period. They have experienced 10% or greater declines over a 6-month period approximately 10% of the time.
- Of the worst downturns over the past 60 years, the market has recovered to its past high within 18 months… on average.
- Equity markets reach their low before the worst of the economic downturn.
- Emotional response to market volatility results in investors losing more than 25% of the market’s opportunity.
- The downturns do not necessarily lead to negative annual returns as shown below.
We have discussed the instabilities in the markets and the economy. We have been adding to our cash positions since Thanksgiving of 2021 as we looked to mitigate an expected adverse market environment. In the first quarter of this year, some questioned as to why we were not fully invested. Now that the major indices are down 20% to 30%, we are being asked why we are not fully in cash. The answer is we look to be approximately right rather than precisely wrong. To have the confidence to move to an extreme requires much more than a recession. It would likely require a banking crisis.
There is little doubt that the inflation wave we are experiencing and the fight against it will be painful. And the markets will have to reflect it. Which they are. Now.
Investment markets—both equity and fixed income—discount future events. When those anticipated future events are positive, no one questions that discounting. However, when the future becomes darker, the downward adjustments are not easy or graceful. When the market is finding its correct level, the changes are typically abrupt, halting, and clumsy. Of course, dramatic data and big swings between the ups and the downs can make people feel uncertain and out of control. The danger is when feeling like that brings people to act on fear and regret—regret that “I should have sold all of my portfolio in…”
Consider, however, that historical market movements have demonstrated the best time to buy (or sell) is when the opposite action would feel most comforting. Our algorithm, architected for all phases of an investment cycle, has been working, so we will continue to rely on its unemotional interpretations of the current data.
We firmly believe that market bottoms and tops are processes and should not be viewed as discreet points in time.
Best regards,
The Auour Investments Team
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities mentioned herein. This material has been prepared or is distributed solely for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation or an offer to buy any security or instrument or to participate in any trading strategy. All of the recommendations and assumptions included in this presentation are based upon current market conditions as of the date of this presentation and are subject to change. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All investments involve risk including the loss of principal.
All material presented is compiled from sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Information contained in this report has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Auour Investments LLC makes no representation as to its accuracy or completeness, except with respect to the Disclosure Section of the report. Any opinions expressed herein reflect our judgment as of the date of the materials and are subject to change without notice. The securities discussed in this report may not be suitable for all investors and are not intended as recommendations of particular securities, financial instruments or strategies to particular clients. Investors must make their own investment decisions based on their financial situations and investment objectives.
