Three Things to Know & Watch – 18 Jan, 2022

Jan 18, 2022

By Bill Hornbarger, Chief Investment Officer

Three Things to Watch

  • Despite the shortened week on Wall Street, the fourth-quarter earnings season heats up. High-profile companies reporting this week include Goldman Sachs, Netflix, Proctor & Gamble, and United Airlines. Forecasts for the S&P 500 overall are expected to be up approximately 20%, but investors will pay very close attention to the impacts of heightened inflation on both earnings and guidance.
  • This is a blackout week for Fed speakers with the FOMC scheduled to meet next week for the first meeting of 2022. Despite the lack of Fed comments, the bond market remains in focus with the 2-year note at 1% for the first time since early 2020 (pre-pandemic) and 10-year notes yielding 1.80%, up 45 bps since early December.
  • The economic calendar this week features updates on housing starts, building permits, existing home sales and the Philadelphia Fed Index.

Three Things to Know

  • The Taylor Rule, which is an interest rate forecasting model developed in the early 1990s using three inputs – an interest rate, an inflation rate, a GDP rate – currently estimates that the appropriate level for the Fed funds rate is in excess of 9%. (Source: Bloomberg)
  • The Federal Reserve currently owns 32% of outstanding mortgage bonds. (Source: The Market Ear)
  • Historically, the S&P 500 index has been resilient around the start of Fed hiking cycles. Although the index has returned -6% on average during the three months following the first hike of recent cycles, the weakness has been short-lived as returns average +5% during the six months following the first hike. Moreover, the S&P 500 P/E is typically flat during the 12 months around the first hike.  (Source: Goldman Sachs)

 

The above information reflects the current opinion of the author. 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. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security mentioned.