All-time Highs……Again

February 24, 2021

Given the notable performance of equity markets over the past six months, several recurring questions are being asked.

  • Markets are at all-time highs. Are we in a bubble?
  • Markets are at all-time highs. Does this make sense given the pandemic?
  • Markets are at all-time highs. Should I be reducing equity in my portfolio?
  • Markets are at all-time highs. I have some cash to invest, should I hold off?

Each of these questions has some unique considerations but the main theme is the same. Many equity markets are close to or at all-time highs – is there cause for concern?

Equity Market Overview

In looking at reported calendar year equity market returns, the very real economic effects of the pandemic are invisible.

Taking a closer look at 2020 equity market performance by isolating the first quarter versus the remainder of the year reveals the tremendous volatility experienced. This has left many investors feeling uncomfortable with the magnitude and speed at which markets recovered. This positive momentum has continued into 2021 to date, causing many investors to question its sustainability.

Taking a different (and longer term) perspective, the following chart depicts the absolute levels of the U.S. equity market using the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 40 years, the S&P 500 Index reached a new high 772 times. During this same time period, new all-time highs were experienced 469 times in Canadian equity markets (S&P/TSX Index) and 423 times in international equity markets (MSCI EAFE Index).

Cause for Concern?

One can certainly challenge the sustainability of the equity markets’ rise over the past decade, however, there should be no concerns over these markets repeatedly reaching new all-time highs. In fact, the structure of equity markets necessitates this.

Basic portfolio management and investing tenets have taught us that the long-term real rate of return for equities is positive and an investor expects to be compensated adequately for providing capital. Equity returns, therefore, need to be higher than other less risky investments such as fixed income. If long term equity returns did not meet this expectation, people would not invest in equities. As companies require capital in order to grow their businesses and operate, returns to shareholders need to be higher than the lower risk alternatives. Higher risk needs to equate to higher reward. This basic functioning of the equity markets is why long-term growth (and equity market returns) are positive over the long term, meaning that new all-time highs will continually need to be achieved.

Another way to think about this is to consider how economies and financial markets move forward in time. The notion of moving forward in time implies progress for the most part. Sometimes there are two steps forward and one step back but the long-term trend progresses forward. World economies generally move forward in terms of economic growth but take some steps back during recessionary time periods. The development of new technologies or products can accelerate this process. The current pandemic represents at least a few steps back, but once health stability is regained economies will continue to move forward. Equity index levels are already reflecting this expectation, as they are generally forward looking.

Up to this point, the discussion has been about broad equity indices. It’s important to remember that indices themselves are a collection of companies which evolve and change over time. The companies reflected in an index 40 years ago are not all the same ones today.

In considering the life of an individual company, many will not grow indefinitely over time and some will cease operations for many reasons. Investing in an index means owning all of these companies, for better or for worse. This is where the importance of a competent investment manager can come into play; one who seeks to identify the best companies to invest in and make adjustments over time, as needed. An effective investment manager has the skillset to identify these companies at attractive entry levels and also the discipline to sell these companies as may be warranted. This is irrespective of manager style, as each investment style has, in its own right, a philosophy on how to find these companies who are “moving forward” and reaching their own new heights in terms of revenues, assets, cash flows or some other measure.

How to Get Comfortable at New Heights

Understanding the long-term functioning of equity markets and return behaviour is an important principle to keep in mind. Reaching new highs is normal, just as ups and downs along the way are normal. Feeling a bit nervous at new highs is also normal.

Peace of mind is an important component of your financial well-being, which can be challenging at new all-time highs in equity markets. At Quadrant, we deliver peace of mind to clients in our disciplined investment approach and portfolio management principles, the use of best-in-class institutional investment managers who seek to provide an appropriate level of return while minimizing downside risk, and by taking the time to understand our clients’ integrated financial position which extends beyond their investment portfolios. We are always available to address any and all questions clients may have and offer our best advice.

 

 

Download this newsletter as a PDF.

 

 

About Us

Disciplined. Compassionate. Effective.

Quadrant Private Wealth is an independent, comprehensive, integrated wealth management firm committed to your financial well-being and peace of mind. We take the time to understand your complete financial picture. We tie all of your information together, including tax planning, to paint a picture of what your financial future could look like. And we aim to earn your complete confidence in the process.

 

Quadrant Private Wealth
Suite 720, One Lombard Pl
Winnipeg, MB
Ph: (204) 944-8124
email: inquiries@quadrantprivate.com
web: www.quadrantprivate.com

 

 

 

Disclaimer

This report may not be redistributed, retransmitted or disclosed, in whole or in part, or in any form or manner, without the express written consent of Quadrant Private Wealth ("Quadrant"). Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. The information herein was obtained from various sources believed to be reliable but Quadrant does not guarantee its accuracy. Neither Quadrant nor any director, officer or employee of Quadrant accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential damages or losses arising from any use of this report or its content. The opinions, estimates and projections contained in this report are as of the date indicated and are subject to change without notice. Certain of the statements may contain forward-looking statements which involve known and unknown risk, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the results, performance or achievements of the company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. The content of this report is intended for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to buy or sell our products or services.

Back to Top