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CNR Speedometers®

Forward-Looking Six to Nine Months


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Global Economic Outlook

Amid massive policy response and an easing of COVID-19 lockdowns, the global economy is showing nascent signs that the worst of the COVID-19 shock is behind us. However, recovery is likely to be slow and uneven across regions. A snap back in activity in certain industries is expected, though there will likely also be permanent scars, including linger high unemployment. In the U.S., incoming data has been better than expected, but the recent resurgence of virus infections is a reminder the path ahead will be long and bumpy. As states slowly re-open and social gathering restrictions are gradually lifted, sizable gains in GDP are expected over the next two quarters. Nevertheless, it will likely take a year or more before the economy returns to prior levels of output.

Fixed Income Outlook

The COVID-19 induced recession has created opportunities for fixed income investors in both investment grade and high yield. While U.S. treasury yields have plummeted and are only attractive for the most risk-averse investors, strong Fed sponsorship of credit markets has made certain asset types attractive. This includes specific sectors within investment grade municipal and corporate bonds as well as high yield corporates, senior secured bank loans and some securitized fixed income. Within investment grade markets, we continue to focus on high quality issuers that will remain resilient through the current uncertainty.

Equity Outlook

On balance, the many indicators we monitor suggest caution. Although the recent rally is welcomed, equity markets appear to have overshot fundamentals leaving markets vulnerable to potential disappointment in economic and earnings data. Better recent economic data has improved confidence in the outlook, however there remains considerable uncertainty surrounding the path of COVID-19 and the impact to corporate profits. With valuations by some measures now at the highest levels in two decades, a recovery in earnings will likely be key for markets to take the next step higher. Given this, our equity portfolios remain defensively positioned, with a focus on quality, durable assets and yield. We continue to favor companies that have strong cash flow, good earnings visibility and growth prospects during a period of crisis. We also prefer U.S. equities over international markets, which are more susceptible to impact in global demand from the virus outbreak, and dividend paying companies which provide income and can help bolster returns in times of market stress.

Our Proprietary Global Economic & Market Summary Indicators

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  • Monetary Policy

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    Monetary Policy

    What we see

    Monetary policy is one of two ways the government can influence the economy and financial markets. By manipulating interest rates, the Federal Reserve can raise or lower the cost of money to stabilize or stimulate the economy. For example, if the cost of credit is reduced, more people and firms will borrow money and the economy will grow. Higher interest rates will increase the cost of its debt, reducing borrowing and company profits, and may slow economic growth.
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  • US Economic Outlook

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    US Economic Outlook

    What we see

    City National Rochdale's investment and portfolio strategy is driven by our macroeconomic analysis. Timely economic forecasting is very difficult to do but extremely important, especially as the significance of economic information to financial markets continues to rise. To form a reliable outlook for the economy, City National Rochdale utilizes a comprehensive internal research effort that is complemented by an extensive set of external research from some of Wall Street's leading strategists. This approach allows us to develop a complete and dependable forecast of economic conditions. Our economic outlook indicator provides our forecasted expectation for how well the U.S. economy will perform over the next 3-6 months.
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  • Yield Curve

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    Yield Curve

    What we see

    The shape of the yield curve gives an idea of future interest rate changes and economic activity. There are three common yield curve shapes: normal, inverted, and flat. A normal yield curve is one in which longer maturity bonds have a higher yield compared to shorter-term bonds, due to the risks associated with time, and can signal improving economic growth. An inverted yield curve is one in which the shorter-term yields are higher than the longer-term yields, which can be a sign of upcoming recession. In a flat or humped yield curve, the shorter- and longer-term yields are very close to each other, which is also a predictor of an economic transition.
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  • Consumer Sentiment

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    Consumer Sentiment

    What we see

    How consumers feel about their overall financial health as well as that of the economy on the short and long term. This is an important indicator, as the consumer is the largest driver of the U.S. economy.
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  • Disposable Personal Income

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    Disposable Personal Income

    What we see

    The amount of money households have available for spending and saving after income taxes. A change in a household's real income is by far the most important factor in determining how much that household will spend. Other factors, such as home values or financial savings, matter as well but to a significantly lesser extent.
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  • Labor Market

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    Labor Market

    What we see

    Research has shown that employment and income expectations, along with credit availability, are the most important determinants of consumer spending. Personal consumption amounts to roughly 70% of GDP, making a strong labor market essential to a healthy economy.
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  • Housing / Mortgages

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    Housing / Mortgages

    What we see

    Housing is an important indicator of the overall economy and a key driver of investment and job growth. We look at such things as starts, permits, foreclosures, delinquencies, and bank lending to assess the sector's health.
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  • Consumer Spending

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    Consumer Spending

    What we see

    Aggregate level of consumer spending. Since consumers are the largest driver of the U.S. economy, their spending patterns have a large impact on overall economic activity.
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  • Interest Rates

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    Interest Rates

    What we see

    Interest rates control the flow of money in the economy. High interest rates curb inflation, but also slow down the economy. Low interest rates stimulate the economy, but could lead to inflation. Interest rates affect the economy slowly. When the Federal Reserve changes the Fed Funds rate, it can take 12-18 months for the effect of the change to percolate throughout the entire economy.
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  • Fiscal Policy

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    Fiscal Policy

    What we see

    Changes in tax rates, regulation, and government spending affect the decision-making process of consumers and businesses. By changing tax laws, the government can effectively modify the amount of disposable income available to taxpayers or raise the costs for businesses. However, this process takes time, as the money needs to wind its way through the economy, creating a significant lag between the implementation of fiscal policy and its effect on the economy.
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  • Business Outlook Spending/Surveys

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    Business Outlook Spending/Surveys

    What we see

    Surveys of the business community on current and expected trends. This is a gauge on businesses' spending plans that provides an insight into wages, inflation, and capital equipment spending.
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  • Leading Indexes

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    Leading Indexes

    What we see

    We look at a number of indices that have a strong track record in anticipating turns in business cycles. These include measures of production, employment, income, and sales, which have a strong correlation to subsequent economic activity. These indices provide a comprehensive summary gauge of future U.S. economic conditions, with an average lead of 12 months at business cycle peaks and 6 months at business cycle troughs.
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  • Corporate Profit Growth

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    Corporate Profit Growth

    What we see

    Corporate earnings have a significant influence on the stock market as they ultimately drive stock prices. The value of securities is the present value of all future cash flows. Companies either reinvest earnings or pay them out to shareholders as dividends, which directly impact the stock price. As future expectations increase, future projections of company earnings will also increase.
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  • International Economic Outlook

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    International Economic Outlook

    What we see

    The world has become increasingly interconnected through trade and the flow of capital, and emerging markets in particular have risen in importance as drivers of global growth. Moreover, we believe a global perspective is integral to any investment strategy.
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  • Political Environment

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    Political Environment

    What we see

    The overall political climate in the U.S. with a focus on whether it will be supportive or restrictive to economic growth. For instance, while the state of discourse in politics can be tense and deadlocked, it may not be restrictive to growth. Conversely, there could be bipartisan action that is restrictive to growth. It is important to note that this category refers not to the state of discourse, but to the market impact.
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  • Inflation

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    Inflation

    What we see

    While a slow, persistent rise in prices is consistent with a healthy, growing economy, a rapid increase in inflation, especially if unanticipated, can be harmful. Inflation means higher consumer prices, which often slows sales and reduces profits. Higher prices often lead to higher interest rates. Over time, inflation can also wear away at the value of stocks, which is why it is crucial to monitor.
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  • Credit Demand / Availability

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    Credit Demand / Availability

    What we see

    Availability of credit from banks and the overall financial sector to provide capital to the economy. Restrictive credit conditions are a headwind to economic activity, while accommodating conditions may boost it.
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  • Energy Costs

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    Energy Costs

    What we see

    Significant changes in energy/oil prices can have important but differing impacts on the overall economy. Higher energy prices act as a tax on consumers and businesses, absorbing money that would normally be used to buy other goods. However, they can also boost production and investment in the mining and energy sectors of the economy. Lower energy prices can increase consumer spending and lower manufacturing costs.
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  • Equity Market Valuation

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    Equity Market Valuation

    What we see

    Questions of value are always subjective and relative. We believe that equity market valuation should be measured against both the value of stocks at their historical levels and the other investment options available. A stock is worth its future earnings, but that involves a degree of uncertainty, which affects its price depending on the degree. In addition, investors have many other asset classes to choose from, including corporate bonds, Treasury bonds, alternative investments, and the like. We look at all of these factors before we determine what we believe to be a fair equity market valuation.
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  • Geopolitical Risk

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    Geopolitical Risk

    What we see

    Geopolitical risk examines how geography and economics influence politics and international relations. Geopolitical risk includes the risk associated with international policy, trade, and global financial market stability, as well as wars, terrorist acts, tensions between states, and other events that can impact the normal and peaceful course of international relations.
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