Bank Failure
The failure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) defined the month of March. SVB was the second largest bank failure in history (Washington Mutual, in 2008, was the largest).[1]
The bank’s deposit growth was turbo-charged by their venture capital-backed clientele. Their balance sheet collapsed when their investments lost value because of inflation and the Fed’s interest rate hikes, which triggered an old-fashioned bank run, leading to the bank’s demise.[2]Just like any other bank run, depositors and investors lost confidence in the bank. Confidence is the most important ingredient for the US banking system. More on that later.
March Market Review
Despite the banking crisis and the steady drumbeat of companies downgrading their expectations for 2023 earnings, the S&P 500 actually gained 1.1% during March, bringing YTD gains to 7.5%. Most other markets, though, didn’t fare quite as well.
- Small cap stocks – more exposed to a potential recession – dropped 6.4%.
- Developed international stocks finished flat for the month and are up 8.6% for the first quarter.
- Emerging markets lost 3.6% as global banking concerns grew.
- US bonds experienced small losses but held on to strong year-to-date gains.
We follow our Navigator process to maintain discipline and perspective. Let’s review what it is telling us.
Navigator Process
Valuation: S&P 500 valuations remain in the neutral zone, close to their 25-year average but less attractive after strong first quarter returns amidst declining earnings estimates. Most bond sectors are attractive relative to their recent history and relative to stocks. The earnings yield (the inverse of the price/earnings ratio) of the US large cap stock market is very close to the yield of the bond market after having been at a significant premium for the last ten years; stocks have not been this expensive relative to bonds in some time. US large cap stocks also remain more expensive than international and small cap stocks.
Economy: Outside of calls for greater regulation, the most likely result of the banking crisis is a worse economic slowdown; the Institute for Supply Management survey of new orders dropped to 44 in March as the economy began to react to the banking crisis. We expect further slowing as bank lending standards have tightened.
Technicals: Technical indicators are neutral overall for stocks. Short-term technical indicators remain negative, and volatility has increased. Markets seem to have some intermediate to long-term support after moving above the 2022 downtrends.
Sentiment: Investor sentiment has moved into a more neutral range. Investor sentiment has become more evenly balanced after remaining quite negative for over a year, reducing the optimistic tone of this contrarian indicator. Consumer surveys have moved off their lows after bottoming last year.
Outlook and recommendations: Anticipating the effects of the slowdown
We enter April with a mix of optimism and pessimism. As the banking crisis began to slow the economy during March, we can expect inflation to slow as well, bringing the cycle of interest rate hikes to an end sooner rather than later. Pessimism results as much from what we don’t know as with what we do know. The economy is likely to slow more than we expected prior to the crisis, but how much slower is uncertain. However, the market often sees beyond short-term fluctuations in the economy, and it is wise for investors to do so as well.
We recommend investors:
- Trust the stability of the banking system: The government has proven repeatedly since the Global Financial Crisis that it will step in, taking the necessary actions to ensure the stability of the financial system.
- Acknowledge the volatility: The recovery from the banking crisis and moderation of inflation are not likely to happen overnight and there will likely be bumps in the road. Do not be surprised by volatility in the market.
- Consider alternative investments: Strategies with lower correlation may reduce portfolio volatility, offering protection from emotional decisions.
- Remain invested: Fight the urge to act because of uncertainty and take advantage of pullbacks to invest in the proper allocation for your goals.
- Consider active tax management: Volatility offers opportunities to realize “tax-alpha” to improve your overall financial returns. Talk to your advisor to see where the opportunities lie.
Previously, we mentioned confidence as a key ingredient in the banking system. Today, just as in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, the government was focused on restoring that confidence. After 2008, investors – particularly those who realized confidence was warranted because of government actions – were well rewarded with positive returns. The same is likely true today. Despite short and long-term uncertainties and the high likelihood of short-term market volatility, confidence is warranted. We urge investors to stick with your plan.
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