COMMENTARY
April 26, 2022
Volatility Persists, but Fundamentals Haven’t Faltered
• Volatility is rising again after a pause in late March.
• Headwinds for markets include Fed uncertainty, slowing earnings, and the lockdown in China.
• Despite these risks, we view the downside as limited from current levels.
Stocks are struggling again this month following a late March rally. There is a convergence of headwinds
for markets right now. The Federal Reserve (Fed) is in the early stages of a rate hike cycle, there are
concerns about slowing earnings growth, and the latest lockdown in China is adding to worries about a
slowing global economy. We acknowledge these risks. In particular, there is a high degree of policy risk
from the Fed. The economic situation could worsen if the Fed raises rates too aggressively, pushing up the
chances of a recession. On the other hand, there are risks if the Fed raises rates too slowly because inflation
is at a 40-year high. Surging inflation is negatively impacting consumer spending and the economy is
slowing as a result. Markets are already feeling the sting. The S&P 500 is back in correction territory, which
is a decline of more than 10%. The Nasdaq and Russell 2000 have both returned to bear market territory
(decline of 20% or more).
Although market volatility is on the rise, there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic that the downside is
limited from these levels. The underlying economic fundamentals are strong. We feel the economy can
withstand less stimulus, which propped consumer spending in the initial stage of the expansion. Consumer
balance sheets are healthy because consumer debt servicing costs are low and wages are rising at a fast
pace relative to pre-pandemic levels. Additionally, business investment remains strong. Today’s durable
goods report from the U.S. Census Bureau showed a 1% rise in core capital goods spending last month
and a 10% increase compared to a year ago. Firms are increasing this capex spending for anticipated
growth and to improve productivity. The 2-10 yield curve briefly inverted earlier this month adding to
concerns about a potential near-term recession, but other key data points aren’t raising red flags at the
moment. The ISM Manufacturing and Services PMI readings remain firmly in expansionary territory,
although they have slowed from very high levels reached last year. Labor market data is very strong – the
unemployment rate is just 3.6%, continuing claims for unemployment benefits are at the lowest level since
1970, and there is a record 5 million more job openings than unemployed individuals seeking employment.
Historically, the Leading Economic Index (LEI) trends lower and declines year-over-year ahead of a
recession, but the most recent reading in March rose to a new high and is up more than 6% versus a year
ago.
Market momentum has shifted in 2022. The S&P 500 closed at a record-high 70 times last year and stocks
have trended lower since reaching the lone S&P 500 record high this year on January 3. The good news is
valuations have adjusted lower because of the correction in stock prices. The price-to-earnings ratio for the
S&P 500 based on projected earnings declined from above 21 in December to 18 as of yesterday’s close.
Mid and small cap indices are trading at an even steeper discount relative to projected earnings and their
historical average. About a quarter of S&P 500 companies have reported Q1 earnings. While earnings
growth has slowed to 7%, more than 80% of firms beat earnings expectations and, earnings growth is
expected to exceed 10% for 2022 according to the latest FactSet projections.
Despite the confluence of market headwinds, a prolonged bear market is unlikely in our view. To have a
prolonged bear market, you need a sharp selloff and a recession. We are not expecting a recession this
year and the S&P 500’s correction is close to the average intra-year max drawdown of 14% since 1980.
Despite the selloff and spike in the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), high yield bond spreads have not increased
sharply. Nevertheless, we are in uncertain times and markets are facing less confidence as market
headwinds have appeared. It is important to work with your financial advisor to help navigate through
periods of volatility. We continue to recommend a diversified allocation to help dampen volatility risk.
This report is created by Cetera Investment Management LLC. For more insights and information from the
team, follow @CeteraIM on Twitter.
About Cetera® Investment Management
Cetera Investment Management LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser owned by Cetera Financial
Group®. Cetera Investment Management provides market perspectives, portfolio guidance, model
management, and other investment advice to its affiliated broker-dealers, dually registered broker-dealers
and registered investment advisers.
About Cetera Financial Group
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All firms are members FINRA / SIPC. Located at 655 W. Broadway, 11th Floor, San Diego, CA 92101.
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a singular update, and prudent investment decisions require the analysis of a much broader collection of
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and may change without notice. Any forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not
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All economic and performance information is historical and not indicative of future results. The market
indices discussed are not actively managed. Investors cannot directly invest in unmanaged indices. Please
consult your financial advisor for more information.
Additional risks are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and
economic instability, and differences in accounting standards.
A diversified portfolio does not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market.
The Russell 2000 index is comprised of 2000 small-capitalization companies. It is made up of the bottom
two-thirds in company size of the Russell 3000 index.
The Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE) Volatility Index, commonly known by its ticker symbol VIX,
is a measure of the stock market's expectation of volatility implied by S&P 500 index options.