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2014 Midyear Update. Nick Sargen Chief Economist. Introducing the Stanford Colts!. Investment Results (annual total returns in %). *Includes dividends except for Emerging Markets, which is price change Source: Bloomberg. 3. For Internal Use Only. What was Priced into Markets?.
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2014 Midyear Update Nick Sargen Chief Economist
Investment Results (annual total returns in %) *Includes dividends except for Emerging Markets, which is price change Source: Bloomberg 3 For Internal Use Only
What was Priced into Markets? • 2014: A Breakout Year for U.S. • Improved Performances (Diminished Risks) Abroad • Fed ends QE, but refrains from tightening
Treasury Yield Curve Source: Bloomberg
Federal Funds Futures Expectations Source: Bloomberg
The Fed’s Twin Objective: Inflation and Unemployment % Source: BLS, BEA 8
Inflation Expectations Source: Bloomberg 9
Two Views of the Economy: Real GDP Growth vs. Nonfarm Payrolls Growth Source: BEA
Read GDP Growth and Fiscal Drag Source: BEA
Business Surveys Have Improved Recently Source: ISM, Bloomberg For Internal Use Only 12
Global Surveys Point to Moderate Economic Growth % Source: JP Morgan, Bloomberg
Tensions in the Euro-zone have Lessened…. Government Yields % Source: Bloomberg
Oil Prices Have Been Steady Despite Increased Tensions Source: Bloomberg For Internal Use Only 15
Has China Mortgaged its Future? • China withstood the Great Recession remarkably well • But it deployed a tidal wave of credit • Economic growth of 7% - 8% is likely to slow over time • China’s leaders are embarking on a new set of policy reforms • But internal political tensions are increasing For Internal Use Only
Where are we in the Economic Cycle? PB PS PS Expansion PB
Share of Labor Income vs. Corporate Profits Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis
Portfolio Positioning • Maintain a tilt in favor of stocks over bonds • Stocks are no longer cheap; however, the market is not frothy • Stronger growth would bring the Fed into play sooner • Weaker growth would imply earnings disappointment