CFRA Research Sam Stovall Offered His Views on the US Markets
CFRA Research’s Stovall on US Markets – In a recent interview with Bloomberg, CFRA Research Chief Investment Strategist Sam Stovall offered his views on the US markets. Stovall is generally optimistic about the outlook for the US economy in 2023 and 2024, with GDP growth expected to be 4.5% and 4.4%, respectively. He also expects inflation to moderate to 2.2% in 2024, which is the lowest rate among developed and emerging markets.
However, Stovall also warned that there are some risks to the outlook, including the potential for a recession in China, a further escalation of the war in Ukraine, and a more aggressive approach to monetary policy by the Federal Reserve.
Overall, Stovall believes that the US markets are still attractive for investors, but they should be prepared for volatility in the near term. He recommends overweighting sectors that are less sensitive to economic growth, such as healthcare, consumer staples, and utilities.
Stovall’s Interview
- The US economy is still expected to grow in 2023 and 2024 but at a slower pace than in 2022.
- Inflation is expected to moderate in 2024, but it will remain above the Fed’s target of 2%.
- The Federal Reserve is likely to remain raising interest rates in 2023, which could weigh on economic growth and corporate earnings.
- The US markets are still attractive for investors, but they should be prepared for volatility in the near term.
- Investors should overweight sectors that are less sensitive to economic growth, such as healthcare, consumer staples, and utilities.
It is important to note that Stovall’s views are just one perspective on the US markets. Investors should always do their own research before making any investment decisions.
CFRA Research’s Sam Stovall on US Markets in 2023
Sam Stovall, Chief Investment Strategist at CFRA Research, provided a detailed outlook for the US markets in 2023, emphasizing historical patterns, economic cycles, and market trends. His analysis, grounded in data-driven insights, presented a cautiously optimistic view for the year, despite challenges such as potential recessions, Federal Reserve actions, and geopolitical tensions. Stovall’s perspective, shared through webinars, interviews, and reports, offered investors a roadmap for navigating the volatile market landscape. Below are key insights from his 2023 US market analysis.
Market Outlook and Economic Expectations
Stovall predicted a “tale of two halves” for 2023, with the first half potentially facing a mild recession, followed by a recovery in the second half. He cited post-World War II market history, noting a “vacuum of valuation” that could elevate the S&P 500 later in the year.
Despite concerns about Federal Reserve rate hikes, Stovall pointed to historical indicators suggesting an upward trajectory for equities, particularly after the market’s recovery to bull market status and the Fed’s potential pause on rate hikes. He emphasized that while bonds were expected to perform well, stocks would likely outperform, stating, “In ’23, bonds should do well, but stocks will do better.” However, he cautioned about market volatility due to narrow market advances and bond market signals of potential economic challenges.
Sector Performance and Investment Strategies
Stovall’s analysis included sector-specific insights, recommending investors focus on sectors with strong potential in 2023. He discussed the underperformance of the traditional 60/40 portfolio in 2022, suggesting it could rebound as market conditions stabilized.
His webinars, such as “Hike, Skip, and a Jump?” with Vincent Randazzo, evaluated headwinds like high valuations and geopolitical risks, alongside tailwinds like seasonal market strength and historical presidential cycle trends. Stovall’s proprietary portfolios, including the Industry Momentum and Seasonal Rotation portfolios, were highlighted as tools for identifying opportunities. He advised investors to remain cautious but proactive, leveraging CFRA’s fundamental equity research to build resilient portfolios amid uncertainties.