by Scott Minerd, Global CIO, Guggenheim Partners
Deeper losses for equities may lay ahead.
Stocks have seen a strong rally since the Federal Open Market Committee meeting in mid-June, but the S&P 500 has struggled to close above its 200-day moving average in the past week. Based on the history of previous bear markets, this level (currently 4,320) is an important one to watch. A failure to break the 200-day moving average could portend much deeper losses for equities in the months ahead. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the current rally has failed to break the downtrend that has been in place since the beginning of the year.
The Current Stock Rally Has Failed to Break the Downtrend Set in Place at the Beginning of the Year
Source: Guggenheim Investments, Bloomberg. Data from 8.1.2021 to 8.19.2022.
In May 2008, the market recovery stalled just shy of its 200-day moving average. The S&P 500 went on to fall another 53 percent before bottoming in March 2009, bringing the peak-to-trough decline to 57 percent. Similarly, the bear market of 2000–2002 saw several failed breakout attempts that ultimately resolved in a peak-to-trough decline of 49 percent. Also worth noting is that the downtrend was not broken in either of these episodes.
Failed Breakout in May 2008 Presaged a Further 53 Percent Decline
Source: Guggenheim Investments, Bloomberg. Data from 1.1.2007 to 6.30.2009.
Right now the only sectors that have been able to maintain gains over their respective 200-day moving averages are energy and defensive stocks (utilities, consumer staples, etc.). More growth-oriented sectors have led the rebound since June but remain below that key technical threshold, indicating that more problems could lie ahead for growth stocks if the rally is not sustained.
On a fundamental level, Federal Reserve officials appear determined to bring inflation down by causing a recession. While equity analysts’ earnings per share expectations have been marked down slightly since June, we expect a looming recession to result in much bigger markdowns to earnings estimates. This, and a cyclical decline in price/earnings ratios, will likely combine to take stocks to new lows before this bear market is over.
From the Office of the Global Chief Investment Officer of Guggenheim Partners, Scott Minerd
By the Macroeconomic and Investment Research Group
- Brian Smedley, Chief Economist and Head of Macroeconomic and Investment Research
- Maria M. Giraldo, CFA, Managing Director, Investment Research
Important Notices and Disclosures
This material is distributed or presented for informational or educational purposes only and should not be considered a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product, or as investing advice of any kind. This material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. The content contained herein is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation.
This material contains opinions of the author, but not necessarily those of Guggenheim Partners or its subsidiaries. The opinions contained herein are subject to change without notice. Forward-looking statements, estimates, and certain information contained herein are based upon proprietary and non-proprietary research and other sources. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but are not assured as to accuracy. No part of this material may be reproduced or referred to in any form, without express written permission of Guggenheim Partners, LLC. There is neither representation nor warranty as to the current accuracy of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners Japan Limited, GS GAMMA Advisors, LLC, and Guggenheim Partners India Management.
© 2022 Guggenheim Partners, LLC. All rights reserved.
