Q2 Insights - Economic acceleration, Inflation, Interest Rates and Taxes

After a week of some R&R on vacation last week, we've been able to reflect on the past 12 months as we head into Q2 '21. On the personal side, with the one-year anniversary of Faubion Wealth Management's founding this Friday, this last year has been monumental, to say the least. Though, it would be an understatement to say that investing in the global capital markets has been anything short of historically challenging over the past year. From the pandemic lockdowns to the sudden recovery, market and economic dynamics - and the resulting barrage of headlines - have made it difficult to feel comfortable with this bull market. And the first quarter of 2021, where the S&P 500 gained 6.2% with dividends and the Dow rose 8.3%, did not break that trend. 

One year ago, the markets were hinged on the public health crisis as it spurred an economic crash, which in turn risked a credit crisis. Today, with the economy recovering and markets making new highs seemingly every week, the pandemic's day-by-day status is less relevant to investors.  Moving forward, the environment looks much different than a year ago. Accordingly, attention has turned to the aftermath of the sharp crash and recovery: economic acceleration, inflation, interest rates, and taxes.

Inflation, which has been subdued for decades, is rising. However, there are two important distinctions to make. First, reflation, or prices returning to pre-pandemic levels, is different from runaway inflation. Even without excessive monetary and fiscal stimulus, it is natural to expect the prices of goods and services to normalize as the recovery continues. The TIPS (inflation-protected bonds) market's breakeven inflation rate shows this plainly, with the expected 5-year inflation rate now above the 10-year rate.

Second, prices jumping for a small set of goods has different investment implications than a slow but broad rise in prices across the economy. For instance, the prices of gasoline, semiconductors, food, and more have spiked due to supply and demand factors over the past several months. This may have sector and tactical implications for balanced portfolios. However, this is distinct from the slow erosion of purchasing power and savings that we historically associate with inflation. If this were to continue, it would typically favor asset classes such as equities, real assets, TIPS, etc.

Regardless of how we define inflation, it has already had a direct impact on markets. Interest rates have jumped this year across the board, from the 3-year to the 30-year. The benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield began the year at 0.91% and is now above 1.7%. These moves both reflect and influence the rotation that is occurring in the market. This has shifted returns from last year's high-fliers, especially in tech and growth, to small caps, value, and sectors poised to benefit during the recovery. 

Despite rising rates, short-term rates are still pinned to their lows, and even increasing long-term rates are low by historical standards. The Fed has made it clear that it intends to keep monetary policy loose until at least 2023 in order to restore the job market to pre-pandemic levels. This means that those investors who rely on portfolio income will find little comfort, as has been the case since at least 2008. It will continue to be essential to find alternative yield sources while balancing the risks associated with interest rate volatility.

Additionally, taxes are increasingly top-of-mind for investors. Like inflation, taxes are a complex subject that affects everyone in many ways. Currently, the pending infrastructure bill and other proposals may increase corporate taxes from 21% to 28% and could raise the individual tax bills for high earners. Clearly, this would have an impact on individual and business income statements. From a portfolio construction standpoint, taxes can directly affect when and where to use tax-advantaged vehicles.

However, it's important to distinguish these specific effects from their impact on broad markets. The economy and the stock market have performed well in low and high tax regimes over the past century, including when the top individual rates were around 90% and when corporate tax rates were 35%. For corporations especially, this is partly because the headline tax rate only tells part of the story and partly because companies tend to find a way to grow profitability regardless. So, while taxes are a hot political topic, and most would prefer lower tax bills, all things considered, the effects on the market are not as clear-cut as it may seem. Perhaps more than ever, investors need to stay disciplined on several challenging issues as this unique cycle evolves.

1. The stock market continues to reach new highs

Stock Market Cycles

The market continues to grind higher despite a constant parade of investor concerns. In this environment, it's more important than ever to remain balanced and avoiding complacency.

2. Interest rates have risen across the board

Treasury Yield Curve

Interest rates rose significantly during the first quarter, and long-term rates could continue to increase as the recovery continues. The Fed has made it clear that they intend to keep short-term interest rates low, possibly until at least 2023. This could continue to steepen the yield curve in the coming quarters.

3. Inflation expectations are surging too

TIPS Breakeven Inflation

Prices in specific sectors and inflation expectations in the market are rising. While investors may not need to fear runaway inflation just yet, they should consider asset classes and sectors that may help to protect their portfolios.

4. Economic activity is accelerating

 Economic Activity Indices

The economy is recovering well, with some indicators of activity at their highest levels in decades. Unemployment continues to improve, although many long-term unemployed in hard-hit sectors will need more time to get back on their feet.

5. Taxes could increase for individuals and corporations

Global Corporate Tax Rates

Government spending and new proposals, including the infrastructure bill, may push taxes higher for both individuals and businesses. Investors should consider what this means for their portfolio construction and accounts. However, history shows that both the economy and markets can grow when taxes are high and low if underlying fundamentals sound.

These are all challenges that will play out over the coming quarters, and there will undoubtedly be new issues that investors need to grapple with as the cycle continues. As is always the case, maintaining investment discipline by understanding these concerns with a broad, historical context is the best way for investors to achieve their financial goals. 

The bottom line? Investors have faced many challenges over the past year and during the first quarter. There will no doubt be more market volatility in the quarters ahead. Investors ought to remain disciplined and consider the challenges of inflation, interest rates, and taxes with a long-term perspective.

Matt Faubion, CFP® 

Founder - Wealth Manager

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