The start of this New Year is eerily similar to the start of 2014. In atypical fashion, stock prices pulled back January only to rebound to new highs in February. The market’s so-called “January Effect” has taken a respite in recent years.

Is this a coincidence or will 2015 be a rerun of last year? In many ways the stock market environment is very similar to a year ago. Interest rates are low by historical standards, the U.S. economy shows modest positive growth, the economic outlook for international developed and emerging markets is flat, and geopolitical events continue to grab the headlines. From a valuation standpoint, forward price earnings ratios in the past year have expanded from about 15 times to 17 times forward earnings. Future price gains will be more difficult from these levels and will require stronger earnings growth in the upcoming quarters.

This earning’s season has not been spectacular, but the majority of companies reported results better than expected. The winners like Apple were rewarded and the losers like the energy sector were punished. Our call for the equity market in 2015 continues to be low single digits returns. Stocks will survive at these levels, but they will need a more robust global economic environment to prosper.

The bond market has entered a new era of extended low interest rates. Low interest rates will be the norm well into the foreseeable future. Demographics have created an insatiable appetite for fixed income investments as baby boomers try to protect principal and generate income for living expenses. The bond market will need to come to grips with a Federal Reserve that wants to raise short-term interest rates in a weak economic environment. We expect marginally higher short-term rates later this year with stable longer term interest rates. Expect two to four percent returns from the bond market this year.
2015 will be an emotionally challenged year for investors. Commitment to your financial plan while keeping market driven emotions removed from financial decision making process will make or break individual results. Remove the emotional panic button from the investment equation. If we get the much anticipated ten percent price decline, think buy more versus running to cash. The long-term investor will be rewarded. Embrace your financial plan and stay invested for the long haul.

MARKETS BY THE NUMBERS:

Last week Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen spoke before Congress and gave no indication of a near-term increase in interest rates, as many believed she would. Yellen highlighted headwinds to raising US interest rates including:

· US unemployment

· Soft international economies

· Low global inflation rates

The unemployment rate in the US, while improving over the last five years, is little changed since last October at 5.5 percent. See the chart below.

The Federal Reserve, however, focuses on a wider measurement of unemployment. The Fed includes an additional 9 million people who currently are:

· off unemployment insurance

· discouraged from working

· working just part-time, perhaps two or three jobs to make ends meet

In Yellen’s view the wider ranks of unemployed could worsen if interest rates rose and cut off economic growth. Recent high-profile headcount reductions in the energy industry and other select companies (i.e., Target Corp.) underscore her concerns.

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and US Bureau of Labor Statistics

US GDP growth was 2 percent last quarter on a “real basis” or adjusted for inflation. While low, the US was far better than the slowing growth rates in Europe and Japan. China has also been slowing from its prior 8 percent growth rate. Therefore the rest of the world, which has become more dependent on our growth over the last two years, would be harmed if interest rates rose and slowed the US economy.

Additionally, the US dollar strengthened against foreign currencies, especially since mid-January, to 12-year highs this week. US products have become more expensive and thus less competitive to the rest of the world, a potential headwind to those US companies who are selling overseas. This could also become a headwind to US job hopefuls.

Core price inflation is currently at 1.3 percent when excluding energy and food as shown below. Recent readings are much lower when you include energy prices because of their dramatic decline since last summer. However, I believe the Federal Reserve is focusing on the core rate. This still leaves the Fed waiting for significant improvement toward their 2 percent target rate before raising interest rates.

CONSUMER PRICES, Excluding Food & Energy

Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

SUMMARY: Taken together, the three key data drivers for the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates and constrict growth in our economy are not sending clear signals yet. Until a clear trend has been established and the Fed has confidence in its outlook, we believe interest rates will continue in a narrow band.

As of March 6, 2015:

Dow Jones US Moderately Conservative Index is up 1.01% (TR) for the year

S&P 500 closed at 2,071.26 (TR) up 0.60% for the year

U.S. 10 year Treasury Futures are yielding 2.25% up 0.06% for the year

WTI Crude Oil futures closed at $49.73 down $3.98 for the year

Gold closed at $1,166per ounce up $11 for the year

To expand on these market reflections or discuss other portfolio strategies please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Gradient Investment team.