by Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist, and Robert Stein, Deputy Chief Economist, First Trust Portfolios
Fears about the coronavirus knocked down equities last week, while a flight to safety brought the yield on the 10-year Treasury down to 1.51% at the Friday close versus 1.69% the week prior and 1.92% at the end of 2019.
The consensus in the futures market is that the Federal Reserve will cut the federal funds rate by 50 basis points this year.
We think that is ridiculous. The economy doesn't need rate cuts. Rate cuts won't fight uncertainty, and certainly won't stop a virus.
Last Thursday's GDP report showed that the economy grew at a 2.1% annual rate in the fourth quarter, in spite of an unusually large slowdown in the pace of inventory accumulation. Real GDP was up 2.3% versus a year ago. This morning, the January ISM manufacturing index rose back into expansionary territory, suggesting that the recovery is on solid footing. Auto sales, too, look healthy, and our early read on Friday's jobs report is that nonfarm payrolls will be up a respectable 165,000.
We repeat, none of these data suggest a need for rate cuts. Investors - as well as the Fed - need to realize that rate cuts aren't going to "fix" economic growth.
Europe went to negative interest rates and more QE, and not only did economic growth fall behind the US, but so did stock market returns. From October 2015 through September 2019 the Fed shrank its balance sheet while the European Central Bank became even more accommodative. What happened? The S&P 500 rose 55% over that period while the Euro Stoxx 50 was up just 16%. In other words, it's clear that negative rates and more QE don't help the economy create growth!
While we doubt politicians and the Fed actually understand that reality, we do think worries about global growth will subside and the Fed will most likely keep the stance of monetary policy steady, with neither rate hikes nor rate cuts, while it gradually lifts the size of the balance sheet like it did (but didn't need to) late last year.
That said, it is not the Fed that will drive stocks in the year ahead, but profits, which continue to grow. US equities looked cheap to us a month ago, and higher profits have them looking even cheaper today. It's another great buying opportunity.
This document was prepared by First Trust Advisors L. P., and reflects the current opinion of the author(s). It is based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. Such statements are generally identifiable by the terminology used, such as "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "estimate", or other similar wording. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that are beyond the control of the Funds, FT Portfolios Canada Co. and its affiliates, and First Trust Advisors L.P. and which may cause actual results, levels of activity and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general economic, market and business conditions; fluctuations in securities prices, fluctuation in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates; and actions by governmental authorities. Future events and their effects on a fund may not be those anticipated by us. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. We do not undertake, and specifically disclaim, any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security. (12/2019)
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