Weekly market update - 2nd of August 2022
Written and accurate as at: Aug 02, 2022 Current Stats & Facts
Markets took a glass-half-full view last week, despite data showing inflation was still running hotter than central banks would like. This was in stark contrast to recent market action.
There were two reasons for this more positive stance:
First, the market interpreted Fed Chair Powell’s remarks after last week’s 0.75 percentage point rate rise as leaving the door open to a more moderate pace of tightening. The reaction suggests the Fed may have restored a degree of credibility in the market’s eyes.
Second, comments from several big US companies during reporting season suggest that while the economic slowdown is real, it isn’t derailing corporate earnings at this stage.
The S&P 500 gained 4.3% last week, while the S&P/ASX 300 was up 2.3%. Commodity prices rallied, while US 10-year bond yields fell 38bps.
Australia
Last week’s inflation data was enough to maintain today’s 50bp rate increase, but not sufficient to require the 75bp “shock and awe” move that many feared.
CPI inflation rose 1.8% in the June quarter — slightly less than the 1.9% consensus expectation and down on the 2.1% gain in Q1.
Annual CPI growth was 6.1%, up on the 5.5% of Q1 and the strongest growth since 1990.
Trimmed mean CPI — the RBA’s preferred measure — rose 1.5% over the quarter, in line with consensus. It is at 4.9% for the year versus 4.7% expected. This remains well above the RBA’s 2-3% target.
Price growth was broad-based with sharp rises in food, transport and housing costs.
US Fed
The Fed raised its target band by 75bps to 2.25-2.5%.
The decision was unanimous and returns rates to a range the Fed considers neutral — though some observers disagree.
The market wanted to hear there was some chance hikes get throttled back. People saw enough in the accompanying statement to deliver this hope.
Chair Powell flagged some softening in spending and production. But he pointed out that labour markets remain strong and inflation elevated.
The Fed would need to see growth and inflation slowing to ease the pace of hikes, he said. Hence the market’s positive reaction to the data print of negative GDP growth in Q2, slipped the US into a technical recession.
That said, Powell reiterated that failure was not an option in achieving price stability.
He could not rule out another out-sized rate hike for September, depending on the data. He wanted to see “compelling evidence” of slowing inflation in the core Personal Consumption Expenditures price index.
Powell also noted the natural rate of unemployment was likely a lot higher today than prior to the pandemic. At 3.6% the labour market looks extremely tight — and hence a generator of primary inflation.
US GDP
The US economy contracted 0.9% in the June quarter after falling 1.6% in Q1 — signalling a recession.
But it does not feel like a recession, given the strength in the jobs market and an unemployment rate of only 3.6% in the past four months.
This remains a key factor to watch.
Unemployment benefit applications last week were the highest this year, which may signal a shift.
Consumer spending rose 1% annualised, down from 1.8% in the previous quarter.
The slowing pace of inventory restocking was a big draw-down on economic growth. Changing consumption patterns have left many retailers with excess stock that needs to be discounted and cleared.
Most economists have growth in the September quarter and for calendar 2022 — so the current contraction is not expected to continue.
US inflation
A few other data points indicate that inflation remains high.
The Employment Cost index rose faster than expected, up 1.3% for Q2 and 5% year-on-year.
However, the market is seeing signs of near-term softening in labour markets and at this stage seems happy to look through this print.
The Core Personal Consumption Expenditure index (which excludes food and energy) rose 4.8% in June, up from 4.7% in May. Prices rose 0.6% in June, following several months of 0.3% increases. The consensus expected a 0.5% gain.
One positive is that US petrol prices have now fallen for more than 40 days straight.
Markets
Last week was strong across the board.
Every major equity index except Japan made gains, while commodities and bonds were both stronger.
It topped a strong month. The S&P 500 gained 9.2%, the NASDAQ lifted 12.4% and the S&P/ASX 300 moved ahead 6%.
US mega-cap stocks caught a strong bid, reflected in growth outperforming value.
So far 56% of US companies have reported Q2 results.
About 75% have delivered better than expected EPS results, versus an 81% average over the past year and 77% over five years.
Overall, earnings are on track to rise by 6% — the slowest rate since the end of 2020.
Amazon delivered an unexpected loss for the quarter — though sales for the quarter were up 7% to US$121bn versus $119bn expected.
Management guided to $125-130bn of sales next quarter, versus $126bn consensus. Crucially, management indicated it was getting costs under control and productivity at fulfilment centres was improving.
Revenue grew 33% for Amazon Web Services and advertising was up 18%, continuing the theme that the stronger franchises are taking revenue from the weaker franchises. Amazon shares were up 29% in July — their best month since October 2009.
Intel shares tanked after missing quarterly profit and revenue expectations. Revenue fell 22% — the biggest drop in a decade. The chip-maker flagged weaker PC sales and poor execution on a rollout of a new generation of chips for data centres.
Microsoft’s 12% revenue growth fell short of expectations. However, an upbeat outlook saved the day, with management expecting double-digit growth in sales and operating income for FY23.
Apple revenue rose 2%, driven by stronger-than-expected demand for iPhones. Sales rose 2% while the market was expecting a 3% fall. CEO Tim Cook said he was seeing pockets of softness but expected even stronger year-on-year revenue growth next quarter.
Google’s parent Alphabet reported sales up 13% on the previous comparable period. It was the slowest growth in two years as advertising decelerated in many areas. Net income was down 14%. The company has slowed down hiring plans.
Meta (previously Facebook) reported a decline in revenue versus the previous comparable period for the first time and a third sequential fall in operating profits. Ad revenue declined 18% and pricing fell after recent strong gains. Meta also flagged slower hiring.
Shopify’s stock fell 14% after cutting 10% of its global staff in response to the reversal of sales back to physical retail.
In Australia, materials (+5%) led the market higher as miners dominated the leader board, led by the lithium and EV-related names. Real estate (+3.9%) was also strong. Health care (-0.8%) lagged, as did consumer discretionary (-0.3%).
Rio Tinto (RIO, +1.6%) lagged in the sector. Its EBITDA and underlying earnings were largely in line with estimates, but the dividend disappointed, with many expecting a special.
Management flagged that markets were difficult toward the end of the quarter, but noted that a lack of inflationary pressure in China opened the door to potential stimulus there.