Is There a Plumbing Problem in Equity Correlation?
Feb 10, 2025
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Recent fluctuations in stocks have sparked a discussion on the current state of equity correlation. The podcast explores whether the market's low correlation phase can last, and the risks of recency bias influencing investor behavior. Unique investment assets like gold and Bitcoin are highlighted for their potential to provide stability and growth amidst economic uncertainties. The significance of diversifying assets and using market-based insurance strategies is emphasized as a proactive approach to navigating potential future market volatility.
The current market exhibits extraordinary low correlation among major stocks, creating a false sense of security that could lead to vulnerabilities in downturns.
Investors should revisit diversification strategies by incorporating resilient assets like gold and Bitcoin, along with tactical put spreads for effective market protection.
Deep dives
The January Barometer and Market Performance
Historical data suggests a 77% probability that the stock market will be up this year based on a positive start in January, often referred to as the January barometer. The S&P 500 index demonstrated a growth of 2.7% in January, overshadowing significant underlying volatility, notably marked by NVIDIA's record one-day market cap loss of $700 billion. This incident highlights the risks associated with large market cap companies, especially those maintaining high volatility levels. Investors are encouraged to reassess their market positions, considering that positive early-year performance does not guarantee sustained gains throughout the year.
Understanding Market Risk and Correlation
Market risk is intricately tied to exposure size and the volatility of assets, with underestimation of potential downturns presenting specific dangers for investors. A remarkable trend observed in January is the extremely low correlation between major tech stocks, such as Apple and NVIDIA, which exhibited starkly divergent price movements even on the same trading days. This situation creates a false sense of security for investors, leading them to believe that low correlation levels will persist indefinitely. However, investors must be wary of the historical tendency for stocks to eventually become highly correlated, especially during market downturns.
The Importance of Diversification and Risk Management
Current conditions in the market necessitate a reevaluation of diversification strategies, particularly amidst the rising volatility of individual stocks and their associated ETFs, such as NVDL. A recommendation is made for investors to consider diversifying assets like gold and Bitcoin, which have historically proven resilient during equity market downturns. Additionally, employing tactical put spreads can provide cost-effective insurance against market dips while not overextending on protection. The dynamic nature of the market and the potential for abrupt changes demand proactive management and an understanding that current low correlation levels may not last.
Recently, DeepSeek, tariffs and earnings news have caused large moves in some stocks but not others, leaving fluctuations at the equity index level relatively tame. Will this volatility moderating run of low correlation continue? In this short podcast, I explore the recent history of extraordinary diversification in the US equity market along with the implications that may result. Is the market vulnerable to recency bias and assuming that ultra-low correlation is here to stay? Further, how should we think about the presence of derivatives trades designed to profit from the anti-connectedness in stocks? Is there risk of a plumbing problem in correlation? Lastly, I argue that playing defense through a rigorous search for diversifying assets as well as owning some market-based insurance is important. Bitcoin, gold and broad market put spreads are worth owning. I hope you enjoy the discussion and your feedback is welcome. Be well.
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