Guests Emily Roland, Bob Diamond, Tom Porcelli, and Marilyn Watson discuss investing in mid-cap stocks, Federal Reserve risks, ADP jobs data, market dynamics, and strategies for adjusting investments. They also cover the Fed's interpretation of economic signals, managing portfolios in volatile markets, retirement security, ESG factors, and economic trends in the US.
Opportunity to invest in mid-cap stocks at attractive valuations
Risk of the Fed cutting rates too early and having to reverse course as inflation grows
Deep dives
Nationwide Support for Financial Professionals
Nationwide, a leading financial services company, provides client-friendly resources and innovative solutions to enhance retirement security. By supporting financial professionals, Nationwide strives to create a more secure financial future for clients, offering services like liability and property insurance and workers' comp, aligning solutions with the specific needs of businesses.
Market Trends and Asset Performance
Market trends indicate unexpected asset performance, with small-cap equities not keeping pace with large-cap counterparts despite declining Treasury yields. The narrative of small caps benefiting from reduced rates does not align with the current market behavior. Additionally, cyclical stocks are facing challenges, suggesting a shift in reactions to market conditions and Fed policy adjustments.
Economic Data Trends and Labor Market Review
Recent economic data reflects a deceleration in the economy, with cracks appearing in the labor market and lower than expected job gains. The normalization of the labor market presents challenges, hinting at potential weakening economic conditions. Overseas economies show unexpected strength, contrasting the slowdown in the US, pointing towards a need for monitoring initial claims and Fed policy responses.
Investment Strategies and Market Insights
Adopting a strategy focused on quality stocks and balanced sectoral exposures, investors aim to navigate market uncertainties. Emphasis lies on owning profitable and well-valued companies, particularly focusing on US mega-cap tech and communication services sectors. While evaluations may seem high, earnings growth remains robust, driving investment decisions towards quality assets and balanced utility holdings for portfolio diversification.
-Emily Roland, John Hancock Investment Management Co-Chief Investment Strategist -Bob Diamond, Atlas Merchant Capital CEO & Former Barclays CEO -Tom Porcelli, PGIM Chief US Economist-Marilyn Watson, BlackRock Head of Global Fundamental Fixed Income Strategy
Emily Roland of John Hancock sees an opportunity to lean into mid-cap stocks at attractive valuations. Atlas Merchant Capital CEO Bob Diamond says the biggest risk for the Fed is to cut too early, 'and then having to reverse course as inflation begins to grow.' PGIM's Tom Porcelli and BlackRock's Marilyn Watson react to softer-than-expected ADP jobs data and look ahead to Friday's payrolls report.