2023 certainly was a challenging year for investors. Multiple expansion despite flattish earnings confounded most investors even as a much-anticipated recession did not materialize. Investors enjoyed falling long-term interest rates in the back part of the year, even as the Fed raised rates multiple times reaching the 5 ¼% level. Equity concentration accelerated with the Magnificent 7 far outpacing the average stock. Volatility levels were low most all year, especially for stocks. By year’s end, investors were counting on Fed rate cuts early in 2024 to validate the multiple expansion.
Each year we bring you our Friend Bob Dolls annual predictions. Bob will achieve 5 correct predictions for 2023, one of his worst years and well below his long-term average of 7.0 – 7.5. Here is a brief rundown of Bobs 2023 predictions.
Looking ahead to 2024, the big investment question is whether or not the consensus view of double-digit earnings growth, no recession, and Fed rate cuts commencing early in the new year can all come together. We are dubious that all of these good things can happen simultaneously. Either way, the investment landscape will undoubtedly be exciting and challenging.
Source: Bob Doll, Crossmark Investments
Chart reflects price changes, not total return. Because it does not include dividends or splits, it should not be used to benchmark performance of specific investments. Data provided by Refinitiv.
Sincerely,
Fortem Financial
(760) 206-8500
team@fortemfin.com
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