April 2022 Monthly Market Insights
Data and opinions as of March 31, 2022
Inflation, armed conflict, shape policy and interest-rate environment
A more hawkish tone from policymakers was on display in March as major central banks raised interest rates for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Inflation proved more persistent than expected, causing central banks to pivot to a more aggressive policy stance. Inflationary impulses were expected to moderate in the second half of 2022, partly as economies reopened, supply constraints eased, and the job market normalized. This may no longer be the case given the war in Ukraine, its effect on commodity prices, and further supply chain disruptions in China due to COVID-19 lockdowns.
The NEI perspective
Central banks face inflation vs. growth dilemma. Hawkish signals from policymakers continued as many major central banks raised interest rates for the first time since the start of the pandemic. Central banks are caught in a tough situation as they are forced to choose between taming inflation or supporting growth amid a war. For now, central banks have suggested that inflation is more pressing unless growth outlooks deteriorate.
Case for peak inflation now uncertain. Inflationary impulses were initially expected to moderate in the first half of 2022 on normalized economic conditions. This may no longer be the case, considering the war in Ukraine, its effect on commodity prices, and further supply chain disruptions in China due to new COVID-19 lockdowns. Inflation for most developed economies will likely be higher in 2022 than initially expected.
Bonds, stocks end quarter on negative note. The end of March saw bonds and equities post negative returns for the quarter. U.S. bonds had their worst performance in decades as inflation prompted central banks to turn increasingly aggressive. Equities now face pressures due to the uncertainty of war, prices, and rates. Commodities, which are driving inflation, were among the few areas of the market posting positive returns.
From NEI’s Monthly Market Monitor for April.
Equity
% return in C$
Canada: MSCI Canada; U.S.: MSCI USA; International markets: MSCI EAFE; Emerging markets: MSCI Emerging Markets. Source: Morningstar Direct
Fixed income and currency
% return in C$
Canada investment grade: Bloomberg Barclays Canada Aggregate; Global investment grade: Bloomberg Barclays Global Aggregate; U.S. high yield: Bloomberg Barclays U.S. High Yield. Source: Morningstar Direct.
Putting a possible recession in context
The term “recession” comes up frequently in the headline news during periods of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, and today’s climate is no different. The popular definition of a recession is two consecutive quarters of negative GDP results. However, the National Bureau of Economic Research broadly defines a recession as a “significant decline in economic activity spreading across the economy, lasting more than a few months.” NEI Investments believes the risks of a U.S. recession in the near term have increased, but a recession this year or next is still not our base case considering that consumer balance sheets are very healthy in the U.S., savings rates are elevated, and higher wages may help cushion against the impact of higher goods and energy prices.
One common, and potentially problematic, assumption about recessions is that major market declines coincide with declines in economic activity. While markets experience bouts of volatility around recessionary periods, the belief that recession news sparks market corrections is not borne out by evidence. When we examine the last 11 recessions in the United States in comparison to the equity benchmark S&P 500 Index, we can see no real case for markets always declining shortly before and during recessions. In aggregate, the declines are fairly moderate. However, what is most important to note is the degree to which stocks bounced back in the months after recessions end. What this means is that investors who leave the market during recessions might only cement their losses, and then miss the sustained growth cycle that usually follows. While each recession presents a different set of difficulties for investors, remaining invested in the portfolio that matches your investor profile has proven to be a sound strategy to ride out market volatility.
How stocks behave before, during, after recessions (as gauged by the S&P 500 Index)
| RECESSION START | LENGTH (YEARS) | 12 MONTHS BEFORE | 6 MONTHS BEFORE | DURING RECESSION | 6 MONTHS AFTER | 12 MONTHS AFTER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 July 53 | 0.83 | -3% | -6% | 18% | 17% | 30% |
| 31 August 57 | 0.67 | -5% | 5% | -4% | 18% | 33% |
| 30 April 60 | 0.83 | -6% | -5% | 17% | 7% | 10% |
| 31 December 69 | 0.92 | -11% | -6% | -5% | 14% | 8% |
| 30 November 73 | 1.33 | -18% | -9% | -13% | 1% | 23% |
| 31 January 80 | 0.50 | 14% | 10% | 7% | 6% | 8% |
| 31 July 81 | 1.33 | 8% | 1% | 6% | -19% | 20% |
| 31 July 90 | 0.67 | 3% | 8% | 5% | 3% | 8% |
| 31 March 01 | 0.67 | -23% | -19% | -2% | -6% | -18% |
| 31 December 07 | 1.50 | 4% | -2% | -37% | 21% | 12% |
| 29 February 20 | 0.17 | 6% | 1% | -1% | 12% | 44% |
Average | -3% | -2% | -1% | 7% | 16% | |
Median | -3% | -2% | -1% | 7% | 12% | |
% Positive return periods | 45% | 45% | 45% | 82% | 91% |
Source: Bloomberg
Legal
Aviso Wealth Inc. (“Aviso Wealth”) is the parent company of Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. (“CQSI”), Credential Asset Management (“CAM”), Qtrade Asset Management (“QAM”) and Northwest & Ethical Investments L.P. (“NEI”). NEI Investments is a registered trademark of NEI. Any use by CQSI, CAM, QAM or NEI of an Aviso Wealth trade name or trademark is made with the consent and/or license of Aviso Wealth. Aviso Wealth is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aviso Wealth Limited Partnership, which in turn is owned 50% by Desjardins Financial Holdings Inc. and 50% by a limited partnership owned by the five Provincial Credit Union Centrals and the CUMIS Group Limited.
This material is for informational and educational purposes and it is not intended to provide specific advice including, without limitation, investment, financial, tax or similar matters. This document is published by CQSI, CAM and QAM and unless indicated otherwise, all views expressed in this document are those of CQSI, CAM and QAM. The views expressed herein are subject to change without notice as markets change over time. Views expressed regarding a particular industry or market sector should not be considered an indication of trading intent of any funds managed by NEI Investments. Forward-looking statements are not guaranteed of future performance and risks and uncertainties often cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information or expectations. Do not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Mutual funds are offered through Credential Asset Management Inc. Mutual funds and other securities are offered through Credential Qtrade Securities Inc. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Unless otherwise stated, mutual fund securities and cash balances are not insured nor guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.
The MSCI information may only be used for your internal use, may not be reproduced or re-disseminated in any form and may not be used as a basis for or a component of any financial instruments or products or indices. None of the MSCI information is intended to constitute investment advice or a recommendation to make (or refrain from making) any kind of investment decision and may not be relied on as such. Historical data and analysis should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of any future performance, analysis, forecast or prediction. The MSSCI information is provided on an “as is” basis and the user of this information assumes the entire risk of any use made of this information. MSCI, each of its affiliates and each other person involved in or related to computing, computing or creating any MCI information (collectively, the “MSCI Parties”) expressly disclaims all warranties (including, without limitation, any warranties of originality, accuracy, completeness, timeliness, non-infringement, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose) with respect to this information. Without limiting any of the foregoing, in no event shall any MSCI Party have any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, punitive, consequential (including, without limitation, lost profits) or any other damages.