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Written by: David Lebovitz
The S&P 500 is up over 10% this year, but the largest pullback we have seen has been a mere 3%. As a result, many investors are on the lookout for a correction in the equity market despite a healthy fundamental backdrop characterized by moderate economic growth, robust earnings growth, and interest rates which should only rise at a gradual pace.
This concern has recently been amplified by a series of hurricanes striking the southern coast of the United States, as well as rising geopolitical risks and elevated valuations. While some concern about geopolitical risks and elevated valuations may be warranted, it is important to remember that double-digit corrections are normal, and should be expected. In fact, the market has seen an average peak-to-trough decline of more than 14% each year over the past 37 years. However, in 28 of those 37 years, the market has gone on to finish the year in positive territory. In other words, if the S&P 500 was a baseball player, it would be the best hitter in Major League history.
Furthermore, if we do see a 10% correction, what would prevent it from becoming more severe? Based on the forward P/E ratio of the S&P 500, U.S. equities are about 9% expensive relative to their long-term average. Thus, if markets were to sell-off by 10% and earnings remained unchanged, valuations would drop back below their long-term average, presenting a clear opportunity for investors, particularly relative to high quality fixed income. It is important for investors to remember that earnings are the fundamental driver of stock prices. In other words, when you buy a share of stock, what you are paying for is a share of future profits – as long as those profits are there, the fundamental case for owning equities remains intact.
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein are those of Steinberg Global Asset Management, Ltd. ("SGAM") and are subject to change without notice. This material is not financial advice or an offer to sell any product. SGAM reserves the right to modify its current investment strategies and techniques based on changing market dynamics or client needs and there is no guarantee that their assessment of investments will be accurate. SGAM is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about SGAM including our investment strategies, fees and objectives can be found in our ADV Part 2, which is available upon request.