Week In Review 2/25/2022

Week In Review – Friday, February 25th, 2022

1. Russia’s Attack of Ukraine Fuels Market Volatility

Russia’s attack on Ukraine is fueling market volatility and higher commodity prices. The CBOE Volatility Index captures the market expectations for volatility over the coming 30 days and elevated readings reflect increased levels of risk, fear, and stress in the market. While the index had been increasing with the growing concerns of the Ukraine conflict, the index spiked on the actual invasion.

CBOE Volatility Index

Source: Yahoo Finance

The economic impact of the invasion is linked primarily to sanctions which are expected to have the greatest impact on commodity prices. Notably, Russia supplies 37% of the energy used in Western Europe and disruption of this supply is pushing up global prices. Rising energy costs are feeding through to the potential for higher inflation concerns as well as slower global growth.

Crude Oil Price

Source: Yahoo Finance

The spike in volatility and rising energy prices are a rational near-term response to the Ukraine invasion. To a degree, the markets had already anticipated this potential outcome with increases in both volatility and energy prices preceding the actual event. Volatility is likely to subside post the realization of the event, while oil price direction may still depend on evolving sanctions and alternative sources for supply. Short term, oil prices have seen a pullback after bumping through $100 as extending sanctions on oil were not initially draconian.

2. Equity Markets are in Correction Mode

Prior to the actual Russian invasion into Ukraine ,the markets had already been in a correction defined as a greater than 10% pull back from the most recent market highs. The invasion itself initially further weighed on the market, although a recovery occurred later in the day.

However, market corrections, while uncomfortable, are not an uncommon event in the markets. In fact, a market correction on average happens approximately once a year. The markets have not seen a correction since February/March 2020 at the beginning of the Covid pandemic suggesting we were perhaps due.

Correction in DJIA Back to 1896

Source: Marketwatch

Last 20 Corrections in the DJIA

Source: Marketwatch

In certain instances, the recovery has taken longer than one year. Notably, this occurred during the dot.com bubble which rippled through the markets from late 2000 through 2002. The delay in recovery was principally caused by the preceding “irrational exuberance” as noted by Federal Chairman Alan Greenspan. Another instance was the unwinding of the financial crisis from 2007 through early 2009 as credit metrics became overextended and very risky. While speculation has existed during the past two years, the primary driver of stocks has been earnings recovery with many of the largest market constituents also generating strong free cash flow. In addition, credit metrics have been relatively conservative with few concerns about defaults. The current period does not appear to be as exposed to the same causes of the previously extended corrections of the recent past.

Another factor associated with historical corrections is the level of risk aversion. Goldman Sachs has tracked risk aversion over time via their Risk Appetite Indicator. The current indicator is currently notably negative at a level of -1.6.

Based on history, the current Risk Appetite Indicator level has seen markets turn positive two-thirds of the time within one month and 80% of the time within one year.

Market corrections can be catalyzed by unique circumstances. The current correction is driven by inflation, tightening Fed policy, and global geopolitical events. The combination of these factors results in contracting valuation multiples and lower or at least uncertainty for corporate earnings growth outlooks broadly. History would suggest that markets demonstrate significant resiliency and profitable business with growth prospects are particularly rewarded over time.

3. U.S. Fundamentals Remain Positive

Hidden by the headlines about Ukraine, US GDP was revised upward for the 4th quarter of 2021, and claims for unemployment continue to hit post-pandemic lows. GDP came in at 7% for the final quarter of 2021 as businesses restocked their inventories and private investment increased.

The latest unemployment claims fell to 230,000 for the week ended February 19. Continuing claims, the number of people already collecting jobless benefits, decreased to 1.476 million below the forecast for 1.583 million. This is the lowest level for insured unemployment since 1970.

In terms of GDP, economists are expecting a deceleration of growth in the first quarter, primarily due to lower expectations for inventory growth. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is also presenting a risk to growth as it has the potential to push inflation higher and weigh on consumer sentiment. On the positive side, the US economy is at least entering this period of uncertainty with strength.

Thinking Ahead

The Russian invasion of Ukraine accelerated volatility and near-term pressure on the markets. The response is rational as factors such as the impact on inflation and global growth are reassessed. However, with the overall backdrop for the economy showing strength and further recovery from the pandemic expected, a significant negative economic shock is not expected. Based on history, the probability of recovery from market corrections is favorable given time.

Pallas Capital Advisors will continue to monitor economic, political, and corporate data for implications to markets.

Mark A. Bogar, CFA^®, CAIA^®
Chief Investment Officer
Pallas Capital Advisors

Stephen Kylander
Senior Portfolio Manager
Pallas Capital Advisors

Download PDF

The information contained herein is for informational purposes only, is not personalized investment advice and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell any particular security, sector or strategy to any individual person or entity. The decision to review or consider the purchase or sale of any security, sector or strategy mentioned should not be undertaken without consideration of your personal financial information, investment objectives and risk tolerance with your financial professional. Past performance should not be considered as an indicator of future results.

Investment Advice offered through Pallas Capital Advisors LLC, a registered investment advisor.

Braintree, MA

45 Braintree Hill Office Park Suite 201
Braintree, MA 02184
(781) 971-5052

Wakefield, MA

701 Edgewater Drive
Suite 140
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 587-3478

Portsmouth, NH

36 Maplewood Avenue
Portsmouth
NH 03801
(603) 292-3699

Park Ridge, NJ

1 Maynard Drive
Suite 2101
Park Ridge, NJ 07656
(551) 277-2686

Newport, RI

51 Long Wharf Mall
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-0505

Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA’s BrokerCheck.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

Pallas Capital ADVISORS is a registered investment advisor. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Pallas Capital Advisors and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for information purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Pallas Capital Advisors unless a client service agreement is in place.

Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Pallas Capital Advisors and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. This website is solely for informational purposes. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital. No advice may be rendered by Pallas Capital Advisors unless a client service agreement is in place.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

We take protecting your data and privacy very seriously. As of January 1, 2020 the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) suggests the following link as an extra measure to safeguard your data: Do not sell my personal information.