Blog Hero Image

Posted by Greg Taylor on Mar 1st, 2024

The Elusive Broad Market Rally

The more things change, the more they stay the same. Apparently, two months ago, the calendar flipped in December to begin a new year; however, looking at financial markets, you could be forgiven for thinking that 2023 has just continued into its 15th month.

The themes that dominated last year continue to lead as we start this year. Artificial Intelligence remains the focus amongst investors who continue to shun factors such as Value and Dividends. The Magnificent 7 group of leading technology companies is still a must-own, led by huge beats and stock reactions during the month from Facebook and Nvidia. But underneath the surface there are cracks emerging, and maybe the correct term is the Magnificent 4, as Telsa, Apple and Google are now down in price on the year.

Interest rate policy continues to be a driving factor. We entered the year with expectations of 5 to 6 rate cuts in the US. But recent strong economic data, combined with sticky high inflation, is causing many to question those estimates. These data points have resulted in bond yields moving higher from the levels we closed the year at, yet in an interesting switch, it isn’t impacting stocks the way many would have expected. The pattern had been that higher yields resulted in lower equity prices, but for now, that correlation between bond yields and equities has broken.

But how long can this last? For now, markets seem to have embraced the dream that the FOMC pulled off a miracle and executed the impossible ‘soft landing’ they have long dreamed of. Earnings reports from Q4 have reinforced this, as we are seeing numbers that have been coming in ahead of expectations. Earnings margins, on average, have not deteriorated to the levels feared, and demand for services remains. However, once again, there are cracks, and the rest of the world does not appear to be as lucky as the United States. China remains stuck in a no-growth environment, and Europe looks to be slipping into a recession.

Once again the situation in Canada is much different from that in the US, as our economy and consumer base remains weaker due to its sensitivity to mortgage rates. The Bank of Canada began hiking interest rates well before the FOMC, and as rate cuts are pushed back in the US, Canadians should expect to see cuts earlier. The recent bank earnings reinforced this as it continued to show caution around the consumer and a lack of growth. Once again, the S&P/TSX looks set to lag the US markets.

What could cause a reversal of these trends that would allow other regions to join the party? It should come back to the belief the economy will survive a ‘higher for longer’ rate environment. An understanding of this would help to trigger a flow of funds back toward the long-forgotten value and cyclical sectors. These groups have been in the penalty box for over a year. Add to that the underperformance of small-cap names that seem to have been ignored for years, and value markets like Canada will lag.

An area that re-emerged over the last year has been the Crypto sector. The launch of the US Spot Bitcoin ETFs has been the catalyst to open this asset class to the largest pool of capital in the world, the US investor. Combined with a decrease in supply coming later this spring from the Halving, Bitcoin prices are once again challenging all-time highs. What this means for investors in other asset classes is a constant debate. Is this another example of excess you see near the top of the rally? Or is it a further example of the frustration of some at the loose money policies of central bankers? It could be a combo of both, but regardless of the reason for the rally, it has become an asset that is impossible to ignore.

As we enter March with equity markets at all-time highs, what should investors be doing? Markets have experienced an incredible rally since the end of October, when everyone was convinced that Central Bankers had kept rates too high for too long. But as the data is getting better and the ‘soft landing’ seems more likely (at least in the US), markets have celebrated with a record run. However, the rally has not been broadly based, and concentration risk is becoming very real in many markets. The dream for investors would be a pause in the large-cap technology names and a catch-up rally for the lagging sectors. Presently, the rally is only held up by a few names, and the risk of a correction increases. Let’s hope we see this broadening out in March – something that would be cause for celebration by almost everyone.

— Greg Taylor, CFA, is the Chief Investment Officer of Purpose Investments


All data sourced from Bloomberg unless otherwise noted.

By the numbers displays total returns for the month of September 2023. The content of this document is for informational purposes only and is not being provided in the context of an offering of any securities described herein, nor is it a recommendation or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any security. The information is not investment advice, nor is it tailored to the needs or circumstances of any investor. Information contained in this document is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, an offering memorandum, prospectus, advertisement or public offering of securities. No securities commission or similar regulatory authority has reviewed this document and any representation to the contrary is an offence. Information contained in this document is believed to be accurate and reliable, however, we cannot guarantee that it is complete or current at all times. The information provided is subject to change without notice.

Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Certain statements in this document are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements (“FLS”) are statements that are predictive in nature, depend on or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate” or other similar expressions. Statements that look forward in time or include anything other than historical information are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results, actions or events could differ materially from those set forth in the FLS. FLS are not guarantees of future performance and are by their nature based on numerous assumptions. Although the FLS contained in this document are based upon what Purpose Investments and the portfolio manager believe to be reasonable assumptions, Purpose Investments and the portfolio manager cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these FLS. The reader is cautioned to consider the FLS carefully and not to place undue reliance on the FLS. Unless required by applicable law, it is not undertaken, and specifically disclaimed, that there is any intention or obligation to update or revise FLS, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Greg Taylor, CFA

Greg Taylor is the Chief Investment Officer of Purpose Investments. A data-driven manager with a focus on managing risk through active-trading strategies, Greg specializes in finding and exploiting pockets of volatility in the market to drive returns. He spent more than 15 years managing pension and mutual fund assets at Aurion Capital Management. He also held a role of senior portfolio manager at Front Street Capital and LOGiQ Asset Management before coming to Purpose Investments.

Greg serves on the investment committee for the MS Society of Canada and advises the finance program’s portfolio management course at Bishop’s University. He has won numerous Brendan Wood International “TopGun” awards and is a regular host and guest on BNN Bloomberg and Toronto’s all-news radio station, 680News. Greg is a CFA Charterholder and has a BBA in Finance from Bishop’s University.