Tag: market commentary

Market Commentary 9/2/2022

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Russia Gas Closure Spoils A Goldilocks Job Report

Equity markets were soothed earlier in the day due to an as-expected August Jobs Report. Hourly earning increases fell and more people entered the workforce. This is a sign that inflation is forcing people to accept jobs and re-think life without work.  A volatile stock market has pushed older workers back into employment, as retirement accounts have been jeopardized by the traditional 60% stock/40% bond allocation this year. And, just when you thought the equity markets were gaining some footing… Gazprom, the Russian-controlled gas company, shut down its pipeline to Europe citing an oil leak. This news was not unexpected but took equities and U.S. Treasury yields lower. The markets are in some mood. It is virtually impossible to estimate where the U.S. economy, real estate prices, and interest rates are headed. There are simply too many variables to consider and too many black swans circling

Navigating The Gazprom Effect

Taking the Fed at face value, a 50 bp hike is certain. However, one cannot rule out 75 bp, especially if oil starts surging again in response to the Gazprom news. The Baseline Fed Funds rate is gaining support for settling at around 4.00%. Inflation is starting to show signs of moderating, but it is mathematically improbable that it will fall to the Fed’s target rate of 2% in 2023.  Wall Street has had to reevaluate the higher interest rates for a longer Fed narrative as the interest rates start to do their job. Meanwhile equity and bond prices have fallen, real estate is under pressure, and business confidence remains between cautious to downright negative. The return to a more normal interest rate environment is resetting asset prices. 

I want to say a few words about the manner in which I write this weekly blog. While I am personally inclined to be a little more conservative in my thinking, I do my very best to paint a weekly picture of what I am reading. In addition to the news and other industry sources, everything shared in terms of the economy’s direction is combined with the feedback I receive from our network of clients and bank executives. Lately, the current environment is not too positive. In my opinion, we are already in a recession. That is probably going to get worse before it gets better. However, one must remember it is during times of heightened volatility and turmoil that some of the best investments present themselves. So, while I am not bullish on the economy at the moment, I do believe patience will pay off in the form of lower house prices, and better entry points for non-housing investments. 

Market Commentary 8/26/22

Market Commentary 8/26/22

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Fed Speech Sinks Market

In his statement at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, earlier this morning, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell asserted that the Fed would “use our tools forcefully” to attack inflation. Powell was abundantly clear (and in my opinion has been clear for some time) that inflation is priority number one for the Federal Reserve. Many on Wall Street are incorrectly assuming the Fed will have their back. In reality, the so-called Fed has put a huge insurance policy at risk-taking for the last 30 years or so. It appears the strike price for this policy to be activated is much lower. Equity markets sold off hard after the speech. The Fed is serious about inflation and warned that further pain is an inevitable future. Powell explained that pain is the “unfortunate cost” that households, markets, and the economy will need to endure to wash out inflation. 

The Impact Of Taming Inflation: Intelligent Decision-Making

A sinking stock market will not be good for home sellers. The pendulum has swung quickly, and buyers are in control. The one boon for housing is that supply is still tight. Many buyers have been waiting for a more buyer-friendly entry point to acquire a new home. Dramatically increasing interest rates present some challenges to both buyers and those sellers looking to step up to a bigger home or downsize.  Intelligent decision-making is back in style. This applies to all investments and big-ticket purchases. Viewing comparables, cost to rebuild, and cost of financing, are all in vogue. This philosophy was forgotten in the last couple of years as momentum took over. We are going back to basics.  

The Fed is gearing up for a 75 bp hike in September. It has been theorized that the Fed balance sheet reduction, also known as QT, is equivalent to another .50 bp. That is the bad news.  The good news is by front-loading Fed hikes and also reducing the balance sheet, we are likely nearing the end of rate hikes. A 4.00% Fed Funds Rate seems to be where the Fed is planning to settle rate hikes for quite some time. As a well-regarded hedge fund manager told me the other day, “we are returning to normal discount rates and a more normal investment environment.” This makes sense and is probably good for the economy in the long term. However, this will be painful to some sectors and to more aggressive investors as a return to normal takes hold in the coming months. 

Market Commentary 8/19/2022

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Economy and Interest Rates Present Mixed Signals

Interest rates surged late in the week with the release of the alarming UK and Germany inflation data, especially within the context of a slowing economy. Mixed economic signals in the U.S. did not help markets either with slowing GDP or rising weekly unemployment claims. Nonetheless, there were some good manufacturing reports and a better-than-expected retail sales report. Existing housing sales softened again, resulting in home builders’ confidence being dismal. Housing starts also fell. Since housing is a major component of the economy, the current housing industry status is not positive.

The Fed and The Average American Head Towards Black Swan Event

The inability of the S&P to break through the 200-day moving average is challenging the bullish narrative.  Also, Fed speak, in my opinion, shows no signs of easing. Inflation is a problem, and it must be dealt with.  Talks of 75 bp rate hikes by Fed officials as well as the start of 95 billion balance sheet run-off per month are not accommodative. These discussions also raise the possibility of a black swan type of event.  However, not dealing with inflation now results in harsh problems for the average American. When food and life’s basic essentials become unaffordable to many, the government loses creditability.  This is what concerns Fed officials the most.

Real estate activity has slowed, but every market presents opportunities. Buyers are becoming increasingly more aggressive in negotiating with sellers. The combination of higher mortgage rates and tighter lending guidelines makes qualifying for a mortgage tougher. Thankfully, niche lenders are returning to fill in the gap. Adjustable-rate mortgages and interest-only products are in demand to offset the rise in mortgage rates.

Next week’s Jackson Hole symposium will be watched closely as central bankers, economists and the Fed chairman gather to speak about the economy and fiscal and monetary policy. Stay tuned for this. 

Market Commentary 8/12/2022

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Inflation Cools As Equity Market Surges

While we continue to err on the side of caution, this week we are a little less pessimistic about the economy, inflation, and the fate of short-term interest rates. A surging equity market masks some real concerns about the state of the economy. Remember, a deeply inverted yield curve must be respected. Although many cheered the slowing inflation numbers, inflation is still stubbornly high and becoming more embedded. The US economy is mostly service-based, so as service sector wage inflation continues to climb, food and rent costs continue to rise. Bringing inflation down to the 2% target will take time and some tough decisions by the Fed. However, for now, the equity markets have discounted this bad news. Instead, they focus on the assumption the Fed will not move as aggressively as feared just a short time ago. The base case is now 50 bp hike in September (although I am still in the camp of getting the Fed’s fund rate up sooner than later, as this may cause some short-term pain but will more quickly kill inflation off).  The odds of a 75 bp hike have come down to 33% from double those odds this time last week.   

Overall, corporate earnings were better than expected but many companies are now reducing guidance.  Revenue growth is misleading in a high inflationary environment, as much of its development is attributable to inflation, which also affects input costs and lowers profit margins. Additionally, the rate at which consumer credit card balances have escalated is worrisome. With wages not being able to sustain the cost of living, consumers seem to be dipping much deeper into savings and credit cards.

Now to some positives. Consumer confidence has perked up from last month. Mortgage rates have come down some with 30-year mortgage money options in the mid-4% range. Purchase volume in our primary market is improving, but make no mistake, applications are down overall. More niche lenders are coming into the market as well. This will be good for the higher-priced homes as a large percentage of buyers in the high-end space are self-employed or have more complicated financial structures. While it remains a rough game, our lending relationships are still making common sense decisions on complex loans, which is encouraging.

Market Commentary 8/05/2022

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Strong Jobs Report Boosts Odds Of Fed Rate Increases

Wow! A surprisingly upended July Jobs Report added 528,000 jobs and pushed the unemployment rate down to 3.500%.  Odds of a .75 bp increase in Fed Funds spiked after the report was released and bonds sold off swiftly.  While indications like poor retail earnings reports and lower oil and commodity costs support the notion that the economy is slowing, the Jobs Report does not suggest this to be the case. This will embolden the Fed to raise rates faster and further. How this plays out will be of great debate over the coming months. For now, the equity markets took the report in stride and the Dow Index was actually up (as I write my comments).  

When it comes to the economy, traditional signs of movement now indicate uncertainty. Below are a few observations on how difficult it is to predict what the future of the economy holds.

  1. The yield curve is inverted, quite possibly the most reliable indication that the economy may be in a recession, yet junk bond yields have not blown out.
  2. Wages are not keeping up with inflation, but consumers continue to spend, and defaults on credit card and auto loans remain low.
  3. Housing has slowed as interest rates have risen but supply still remains below demand for now and prices have only fallen mildly in Southern California (Insignia Mortgage lends in CA).
  4. The equity market has ripped higher even as revenue and earnings show signs of deterioration
  5. Many other developed nations are hiking rates as well, and the UK not only hiked but stated with conviction a recession is imminent.

Jobs Report And Mortgages

The Jobs report is not helpful in interpreting the mortgage market, as mortgage rates soared after the report’s release. It may be wise to listen to the “Fed Speak” which has a unified opinion that expecting interest rates to fall by sometime next year is wishful thinking. Inflation remains the primary worry for the Fed as the longer high rates of inflation stick around, the more embedded into the economy it becomes. As housing inventory picks up, buyers will resurge as prices adjust to a more restrictive lending and interest rate environment. One positive this week is the re-emergence of some non-QM lenders, who really help the self-employed borrower or unique borrower scenario (as these types of loans do not have to fix into a specific underwriting box). More on this in the weeks to come.

Some other things to consider…Should bond traders change their tune on the state of the economy, interest rates could move up quickly. It is also important to note that Fed balance sheet reduction goes into overdrive in September, with 95 billion per month of run-off.

 

 

 

Market Commentary 7/29/2022

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Bonds Rally As Recession Worries Intensify

The U.S. equity markets proved resilient taking on both a .75 bp Fed rate hike and a GDP print confirming that the economy is technically in a recession. Two negative quarters of real GDP growth support this status. Inflation continues to be a problem but has likely peaked with the Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) coming in at a multi-decade high, but flattening out on month-over-month readings. Now, the great unknown is the pace at which inflation moves off its highs. The Fed’s goal of 2% inflation seems almost fanciful near term. The truth is inflation will be with us for quite some time.  

For Better Or For Worse?

Parts of the yield curve have been inverted. An inverted yield curve remains one of the best indications that the economy is in poor shape and financial conditions have perhaps tightened too much. One must not discount the threat of stagflation, should inflation become embedded in the prices of goods and services even as the economy slows. The equity market is forward-thinking, so even with sagging consumer and business confidence amidst a host of other negatives, the market found a way to rally. Perhaps the worst is behind the markets. Or perhaps, it is a bear market rally. Only time will tell. It is important to remember Fed rate hikes need some time to work through the system. Also, come September, the Fed will be selling close to 95 billion in bonds as part of its QT plan. It will be an interesting third and fourth quarter. 

Troubles abroad cannot be dismissed either. Whether it’s the Russia-Ukraine War, European or Chinese economic slowdown (worse than what the U.S. is currently experiencing at the moment), geo-political tension, or global run-away inflation, the world continues to experience great economic stress kickstarted by the pandemic. Joblessness on a global scale will likely increase as many large businesses are cutting back on hiring. If the goal of the Fed is to break inflation, one unfortunate truth is that job casualties will be unavoidable.

As expected, home prices are starting to fall in response to higher interest rates and stricter bank underwriting. To their benefit, buyers have found themselves more optionality and a selling environment where they have a seat at the negotiating table. Mortgage rates have come down lightly as 30-year fixed rate money note rates can be found at 4.75% or below.  No doubt a big move from the sub 3% range, this same product was being offered at a short while ago but removed enough from the high of 6% plus not too long ago. The move lower in mortgage rates should help some buyers make offers on homes.  Adjustable rate mortgages follow the 10-year U.S. Treasury. As the 10-year Treasury moves lower so do ARM rates. This may take some time as lenders are being cautious given the current headwinds. This should be a boon for the high-end market, especially if sub 4% interest-only mortgages are offered again. 

Market Commentary 7/22/2022

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Treasury Rates Decline As Corporate Earnings Disappoint

Inflation continues to deplete consumer spending power. This trend aligns with some very interesting reports from AT&T on the increase in late payments and rising defaults on smartphones. Since many of us can’t live without our smartphones for work or social interaction, failure to pay smartphone bills is concerning. It also suggests the economy may be worse off than many economists believed. Credit balances rise along with other loan types like non-performing auto loans and BNPL (buy now and pay later). The massive stimulus that was pumped into the market appears to have left the economy to work towards normalization while also battling high inflation and slowing growth. Many layoffs in the banking business are being announced. I expect unemployment to rise in the coming months as companies expand layoffs and banks pull back on lending. The recession is here, in my opinion. The big unknown is the Fed’s strategy to combat persistent inflation in a slowing economy. 

The Fed’s Big Squeeze

The haste with which the Fed has risen and may continue to raise short-term interest rates is squeezing all but the biggest banks. This squeeze is distressing for housing as banks pull back on LTVs, Cash-Out Refinances, and Investment Property Loans. Prices will need to adjust to the combination of higher interest rates and tighter bank guidelines. Mortgage banks that have filled the void on the more niche product offerings are also being affected. The one silver lining in all of this? There is a dramatic increase in housing inventory from very low levels of supply. There are many prospective buyers who have been waiting to buy for quite some time. Their time may be here in the upcoming months.

The ECB raised rates and now short-term interest rates are no longer zero. Personally, I never understand negative interest rates. As an observer, why would you lend money to get less of a return in the future?  As we witness this all in real-time, the winding down of easy money policies and as central banks experiment with negative interest rates, remember the old saying “it doesn’t make sense.”  Should inflation persist and the recession be deeper and longer than forecasted, central bankers in the developed world should remember the damage easy money policies have historically resulted in. While we all loved zero rates (or near zero or negative in some countries), the use of these policies is so destructive that it would be wiser to shelve them for future generations. Basic finance requires a discount rate to calculate risk properly. Ultra-low interest rates increase wealth and risk-taking, while rates remain low. The flip side is what happens when rates rise and inflation becomes unanchored, as we are experiencing today. Wealth is destroyed, confidence is eroded, and the most fragile in our society suffer through the high prices of basic necessities. Free money and zero interest rates have consequences. 

Market Commentary 07/01/2022

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Mortgage Rates Fall As Recession Fears Intensify

Treasury yields quickly raced to well under 3.00% this week. In my opinion, this is not a good sign of things to come. Recession fears have escalated. The long bond acts like this when recession fears rise.  GDP now has economic growth at -2.1%. Micron, a major chip supplier, guided down and reaffirmed what many of us already know. The economy is slowing. The combination of Fed rate hikes and quantitative tightening is a dangerous cocktail for the equity, real estate, and debt markets. I am hearing from several banks that liquidity is quickly drying up. They are weary to lend, and risk spreads have increased. As expected, housing supply has jumped as homeowners look to sell before things get worse, or in some cases unload their second or third home. A violent stock market and bitcoin correction have consumer confidence at a many years low, with liquid savings and retirement accounts down a great deal.  With margins being squeezed and earnings estimates falling, S&P year-end estimates have come down with year-end S&P to be somewhere in the range of 3,200 and 4,100.   

Where Do We Go From Here? Equity, Real Estate, Inflation. 

First, let us start with the equity market. Equities rise and fall and are prone to large drawdowns and rebounds. Many of us got into trouble chasing momentum stocks and high beta tech stocks, which have no earnings power.  Stocks represent ownership in a business, but zero rates and money spraying had fooled many professionals into believing that stocks only go up. The same applies to crypto. 

Two, regarding real estate, price is what you pay, and value is what you get.  Homes are a bit different asset class than other real estate as many homeowners were able to lock in exceptionally low-interest rates. Even if the housing market declines, homeowners will be able to service their debts. Home appreciation over the last few years has been unsustainable. The new listings appearing amidst the dwindling economy warrant the need for a correction. People are becoming increasingly cautious. As interest rates return to the historical mean, speculation will lighten, and buyers and sellers can enter a more even playing field.   

Three, the Fed will beat inflation. It is already happening. It will occur at a significant cost and over time, but inflation will come down. The Fed’s tools are very good at breaking inflation (higher rates and quantitative tightening). The collective negative sentiment compounded with quickly deteriorating financial conditions indicates the need for the Fed to halt its rate-hiking cycle expeditiously. The 2-year Treasury has fallen mightily the last few days which supports the notion of fewer rate hikes ahead.

Finally, it is important to remember that this is a long game. Absent the last 20 years or so, recessions and rebounds were much more common.  Recessions clean out the financial system and are healthy.  Speculators are taught about assessing risk, bad companies die off – clearing the way for new more innovative businesses, and prices reset allowing investors to buy assets for cheaper.  While I may be negative on the markets currently, I am always bullish on America. We have so much to be grateful for, even in tough times.

Have a great 4th of July.

Market Commentary 06/24/2022

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Treasury Yields Dip On Fears Of Slowing Economy

The economy is slowing. This is evidenced by the recent layoffs amidst many technology companies, lenders, and other businesses that were benefactors of stay-at-home and low-interest rates. The leisure industry remains strong as people continue to spend money on experiences and travel, with the exception of restaurants, which seem a lot less busy. Many clients are complaining about the cost of living which becomes exacerbated in a downward trending equity market. The front-page news of a looming recession and its potential certainly does not help quell public concern. Consumer and business confidence remains low. In my opinion, there is a fairly good chance the economy is already in a recession. It certainly feels that way. 

Inflation Is Always And Everywhere A Monetary Phenomenon

If the Fed has the resolve to break inflation, it will. More clarity should be available by the end of next week when the PCE inflation reading (the Fed’s favorite gauge of inflation) is released. Should that reading come in hot or as expected, the Fed will most likely go up 75 bp again in July. The old saying that “inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon” rings true these days. The markets will stay volatile during the next few months as the new terminal rate for rate hiking is established. There’s a big chance that the Fed’s double-barreled strategy of increases in rates and balance sheet runoffs could result in them breaking something in the financial system. Caution remains warranted even during strong rallies like today.

I expect the Fed to move above 3% on Fed funds sooner than later. 40% of Americans are now living paycheck-to-paycheck and are struggling to pay for life necessities. The one positive here is that I think the Fed is now taking inflation seriously enough to ensure that it should come down fairly quickly, maybe by the fall. That is just my best guess. Earlier this week, the yield curve continues to be flat and briefly inverted. This is almost always an ominous sign.

Interest Rates In The Ether

How higher interest rates will affect home prices is yet to be established. My belief is that prices will need to come down. Some models are showing a 20% or so draw down in values. However, in supply-constrained cities like Los Angeles, there are still not enough homes to meet demand. Should interest rates remain persistently high, I imagine home prices will slide even in supply-constrained markets. I am hearing from commercial bankers that higher interest rates will have an immediate effect on cap rates and that exit cap rates have been reduced as well. Cautious underwriting is being implemented across the board, which I applaud. Better to stress-test loan applicants than be sloppy in a rising rate environment. I expect as interest rates remain elevated, refinance of real estate will be used to pay down more expensive personal or business debt.  ARM loans and interest-only loan demand has picked up. Borrowers are attempting to offset the rise in interest rates with an interest-only payment. 

Market Commentary 6/17/2022

Posted on by Damon Germanides

Fed Committed To Fighting Inflation With .75 BP Rate Hike…Expect More To Come.

“Don’t fight the Fed” was last week’s theme. Until recently, many of us failed to understand that this statement is tantamount to their management over both easing and tightening cycles.  As stated previously, the Fed’s primary concern is inflation. Their policy decisions will be centered around curbing inflation. Should housing, crypto, or equities continue to get crushed, the Fed will not intervene. The great washout has begun. The Fed is reducing liquidity from the markets by raising short-term interest rates and letting bonds run off their balance sheet. In many ways, the equity market is doing a lot of the Fed’s work. As many equities are down from anywhere between 20% to 80%, we can’t help but feel poorer and less eager to spend. This sentiment will make its way through the economy, and eventually help to bring costs down. This includes costs of goods and services, as well as wages, all of which constitute a large business expense for companies.

Adding Salt To The Inflation Wound: Rates & Real Estate

Mortgage rates are back to 2008 levels. Housing starts are down dramatically.  Consumer business confidence is miserable. The pain load placed on our investments is all part of the plan to crush inflation.  It is disappointing that the Fed and Treasury placed their bets on inflation being transitory. Much of this destruction could have been avoided by slowly removing extra-accommodative policies from the financial system last year.  Now, we face a very turbulent financial period. All this amidst having just a glimpse of a return to normalcy after experiencing a once-in-a-century pandemic. Ouch. 

Part of me never thought we would see 6.00% 30-year fixed mortgage rates again in my lifetime. Yet higher rates are upon us. Housing prices have to adjust in the face of higher rates. Mathematically, you cannot have a doubling of interest rates without an adjustment to home values or cap rates on commercial properties. It will take some time for the market to adjust, but there will be an adjustment. Banks are also tightening credit standards as the fear of a recession increases. Personally, I think we are already in a recession. I don’t believe the recession will be too severe, given the strong balance sheets of businesses and a tight labor market.  However, the Fed is committed to slowing the economy down and they will probably succeed. 

Interest-only loans adjustable rate mortgages (ARM’s) will become much more popular with home buyers, especially with the elevated mortgage rates. It seems fairly certain that short-term rates will come back down if inflation readings abate, but only after the Fed raises rates by as much as 300 bp in the next 12 months. Should the S&P fall by another 20% down to around 3,000, it is hard to imagine the Fed would continue the tightening cycle. Those taking short-term ARM”s may benefit from falling rates a couple of years from now.