Economics
September Investment Bulletin
August key drivers
Although COVID-19 is still very much impacting the global economy, markets are forward looking and are pricing in a return to growth in 2021. The S&P 500 posted a gain of more than 7% in August, while the MSCI EAFE and MSCI EM indices gained over 5% and 2%, respectively. With interest rates stuck close to 0%, risk assets continue to attract investor capital.
Congress failed to deliver on a new stimulus bill before heading out for the August recess. The House is still insisting on a larger bill than what the Senate is willing to endorse. Markets did not seem to be too concerned that a deal could not be reached, but the longer one is delayed, the risk that economic activity will be negatively impacted increases, which in turn, could affect markets.
Earnings season for Q2 wrapped up during the month with companies posting much better Q2 earnings than anticipated. According to FactSet data, over 84% of S&P 500 companies reported better-than-expected earnings…
August key drivers
- Although COVID-19 is still very much impacting the global economy, markets are forward looking and are pricing in a return to growth in 2021. The S&P 500 posted a gain of more than 7% in August, while the MSCI EAFE and MSCI EM indices gained over 5% and 2%, respectively. With interest rates stuck close to 0%, risk assets continue to attract investor capital.
- Congress failed to deliver on a new stimulus bill before heading out for the August recess. The House is still insisting on a larger bill than what the Senate is willing to endorse. Markets did not seem to be too concerned that a deal could not be reached, but the longer one is delayed, the risk that economic activity will be negatively impacted increases, which in turn, could affect markets.
- Earnings season for Q2 wrapped up during the month with companies posting much better Q2 earnings than anticipated. According to FactSet data, over 84% of S&P 500 companies reported better-than-expected earnings with 65% reporting positive revenue surprises. Most of the positive news was driven by technology, materials, healthcare and industrial companies. Looking into 2021, earnings growth estimates for the S&P 500 have edged higher since the middle of the year, and as of now, earnings growth is estimated at about 29% for next year, according to FactSet.
What to watch in September
- Congress comes back from recess on September 8 with a focus on getting a new stimulus deal done and signed by the President. Although investors in August did not seem too concerned about the lack of an agreement, a deal in September is critical, as support for individuals and businesses has been curtailed during a time of high unemployment and elevated uncertainty.
- With the Federal Reserve continuing to hold rates lower and announcing in August their desire to let inflation run above their 2% target prior to tightening, markets will continue to be focused on the economic recovery that began in Q3. Although volatility related to virus news is trending lower, any positive news on virus developments (i.e., a vaccine) could be a tailwind for equities.
- With economic data in Q3 improving, September will be an important timeframe as we head into the end of the year. Recent economic data suggest the improvement in activity continues, and some firms have begun to increase their estimates for Q3 GDP growth in the U.S. According to the Atlanta Fed GDP tracker, the initial growth estimate in July was calling for 12% growth. As of the end of August, it has now increased to 28% growth in Q3.
- Campaigning for the presidency heats up with the first of three presidential debates to take place on September 29.
Global asset class total returns through 08.31.2020
Bill Norris is chief investment officer and head of asset management for CIBC Bank USA. In this role, he oversees investment management, trust and estate services to individual and institutional clients of CIBC Bank USA. Bill also serves as a member of CIBC Private Wealth Management’s Asset Allocation Committee with more than 35 years of industry experience.
CIBC Private Wealth Management includes CIBC National Trust Company (a limited-purpose national trust company), CIBC Delaware Trust Company (a Delaware limited-purpose trust company), CIBC Private Wealth Advisors, Inc. (a registered investment adviser)—all of which are wholly owned subsidiaries of CIBC Private Wealth Group, LLC—and the private wealth division of CIBC Bank USA. All of these entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
This document is intended for informational purposes only, and the material presented should not be construed as an offer or recommendation to buy or sell any security. Concepts expressed are current as of the date of this document only and may change without notice. Such concepts are the opinions of our investment professionals, many of whom are Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®) charterholders or CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S.
There is no guarantee that these views will come to pass. Past performance does not guarantee future comparable results. The tax information contained herein is general and for informational purposes only. CIBC Private Wealth Management does not provide legal or tax advice, and the information contained herein should only be used in consultation with your legal, accounting and tax advisers. To the extent that information contained herein is derived from third-party sources, although we believe the sources to be reliable, we cannot guarantee their accuracy. The CIBC logo is a registered trademark of CIBC, used under license. Approved 619-20.
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