Sense on Cents

An interesting month both on our global economic landscape and in the markets.

Risks remain high and in large measure presented themselves in abundant fashion in the Euro-zone, but markets rebounded. What gives?

Let’s review the market moves for February. The figures provided for the respective markets are: year-end 2009; month-end statistics; month-to-date % change; and year-to-date % change.

CURRENCIES

The U.S. dollar continued its positive trend. The greenback benefited primarily against the Euro given the ongoing problems in Greece, but also from the rise in the discount rate mid-month. We did not witness an underperformance in risk assets (commodities and equities) given linkage of the currency to assets via the dollar carry trade. This correlation bears watching in the weeks and months ahead.

COMMODITIES

A solid rebound across the board as selected domestic manufacturing data points to improvement in this corner of our economic landscape. Can the improvement in manufacturing be sustained going forward given questionable consumer appetites? Can the positive performance in commodities be sustained if issues in Asia (rising rates) and emerging economies (excessive debt in eastern Europe) are elevated rather than lessened. More critical questions needing to be addressed and answered.

EQUITIES

Domestic equity averages were up on average 3-4% given some positive earnings reports and in sympathy with a solid rebound in the commodities space. International equities and emerging markets continue to lag given concerns of higher rates in Asia and problems in the Euro-zone.

Moving right along . . .

BONDS

Interest rates on government debt largely marked time as the front end of the market is supported by the continuing accomodative policy of the Fed to keep the Fed Funds rate at 0-.25% for an extended period. High yield rebounded in sympathy with the equity markets’ move higher.

In my opinion, the bond market looks overpriced given the ongoing risk of defaults (corporate and consumer) but also given the massive deficits at the federal, municipal, and consumer levels. Each of these sectors of our economy have enormous funding needs. As Uncle Sam lessens his ability to provide that funding, I believe interest rates have to move higher.

SUMMARY

Risks remain abundant, including:

1. Global economy remains challenged. Greece is on the edge of a sovereign default.

2. Our domestic economy, especially within the labor and housing sectors, continues to face an uphill climb. State and municipal finances are a mess. Consumer confidence declined in a meaningful fashion in February.

3. Washington remains a political and fiscal mess. You already knew this.

4. Financial regulatory reform, including the Volcker Rule to remodel banks, is not exactly leaving Wall Street with a warm and fuzzy feeling, but will likely be watered down and ultimately only marginally impactful and effective.

5. The Fed will keep the pedal to the metal on one hand (maintaining Fed Funds rate at 0-.25% for an extended period) while the Fed and Treasury will try to apply the brakes by withdrawing some supports elsewhere.

Navigate accordingly.

LD

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This entry was posted on Saturday, February 27th, 2010 at 12:53 PM and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.