Investing wisely is challenging. But better information helps. Knowing is better than guessing!
When we train our new analysts we never fail to explain to them that investing is an exercise in decision making under uncertainty. The goal of our research is to try to limit uncertainty by increasing what we know, and decreasing what we don’t know. We have found over time that the market itself can be a source of very useful information – if we listen carefully and can understand its message. The chart below is just one example.
USGG30YR Index (US Govt 30 Year Bond Yields),
.30Y-TIPS Index (30 Year Real Interest Rates),
USGGBE30 (Market Inflation Expectation
Source: Bloomberg
By taking a deeper look; we can break apart the total yield on the US government 30 year bond (Chart: light blue data) into its two parts:
- The market’s estimate of the inflation rate (Chart: green data) and
- The resulting ‘real’ (after inflation) rate of interest (Chart: dark blue data).
So what is the message of the markets right now? Slowing real growth…
Since late December the market’s estimate of real growth has fallen from 1.6% to nearly 1.0%. This may seem like a small amount but it is more than a 33% decline. That’s a big deal. What has the market seen that has it so concerned? Is it slowing growth in China or perhaps the slowdown underway in US housing? Could it be the inventory destocking cycle (more on this later) that we have long expected? Will this slowdown impact other markets as well? Time will tell. But one thing is certain: your investment team is always on the lookout for clues on how we can keep your money safe and to thoughtfully grow.
As always, we welcome your perspective and any feedback you have. •