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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
- Global stocks, bonds and commodities fell in the second quarter of 2022. The US dollar appreciated versus a basket of other currencies of developed countries.
- Record high inflation and the Federal Reserve’s attempts to curb it by raising interest rates have caused recession worries.
- Supply chain constraints are easing, and manufacturing demand is dropping suggesting inflation may have peaked.
- Stocks and bonds which have moved in opposite direction in past years, have moved together this year reducing the diversification benefit of having both in a portfolio. However, bonds still provide ballast and are a source of income in a portfolio.
- US corporate earnings are expected to have grown by 4.3% in the second quarter. Current 12-month forward price earnings ratio of US stocks are lower than their 25-year average.
- Reducing exposure to stocks when a recession is called would lead to missing future performance because stocks usually bottom out well before a recession is called.
- Since there is no proven way to consistently invest during the best periods or avoid the worst, the best course of action is to invest for the long term. Missing a short period of market performance can have a significant impact on portfolios.