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 Minute Read

Navigating the Storm, with Choppy Waters Still Ahead

November 1, 2022

By 
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By 
David Darby, CFA | Chair, Farther Investment Committee
By Farther Committee

October was an eventful month for U.S. economic data and corporate earnings, which led to a volatile four weeks in the U.S. stock market. The S&P 500 rallied in the first 2 weeks, sold off to approximately flat on the month after the better-than-expected September CPI report, and then rallied in the second half of the month — ending 8.1% higher for October and nearly erasing September’s market sell off. 

As usual, inflation and the anticipated actions of the Federal Reserve dominated headlines and market action. September CPI came in slightly ahead of expectations at 8.2% annualized, reinforcing the belief that the Federal Reserve will raise short-term rates by 0.75% in both November and December. Markets are expecting the pace of rate increases to slow in early 2023, as the economy is likely to further decelerate.

U.S. Q3 GDP came in stronger than expected at 2.6% – although forecasts predict a slowing economy in the coming year, and possibly a recession. Monetary policy generally affects the economic sector with a long lag. We have seen some sectors react quickly (e.g., housing has slowed down with the rise in mortgage rates). At the same time, other sectors in the economy tend to respond with a 9-12 month lag to changes in monetary policy – hence, the change in consensus opinion on Wall Street toward a mild recession in 2023.

Because the market is a forward-looking measure of the value of companies, it is important to note that stock markets almost always bottom during a recession (rather than after it concludes). If investors foresee a time when the economy will improve, they begin to bid up the prices of stocks in anticipation of future growth. Similarly, longer term bond markets tend to stabilize before the Federal Reserve has reached its peak in short-term yields. Our point in stressing these historical patterns is to note that we may well see a counterintuitive pattern in the coming year – where the economy enters a recession, but stock and bond markets rally off their lows.

There are key portfolio items you should review with your advisor in these two months leading up to the end of 2022: look for tax loss harvesting opportunities, and use any appreciated securities for your charitable gifts (even in a down market, some securities in a diversified portfolio may have long-term gains). Rebalance your portfolio, while taking these actions. And as always, we encourage you to speak with your advisor about other year-end and beginning of the year priorities – as they relate to your overarching financial plan.

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David Darby

David serves as Chair of the Farther Investment Committee and also advises a select group of clients. With over 25 years of experience working with high-net-worth families, entrepreneurs, and executives, David brings particular expertise in managing multi-asset portfolios of public and private investments. He has spent his career helping clients successfully structure, execute, and implement complex planning strategies.

David was an advisor at Goldman Sachs for 21 years, prior to co-founding DG Wealth Partners, an independent RIA in 2017. DG Wealth Partners merged with Farther in 2022. David and his wife, Helen, live in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with their three children.

David Darby, CFA | Chair, Farther Investment Committee

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