Bringing Markets Into Focus in Outlook 2020

Bringing Markets Into Focus in Outlook 2020

December 05, 2019

Hindsight is 20/20, but finding clarity in future uncertainty can be fuzzy.

As we look forward to the year 2020 and a new decade, some key trends and market signals will be important to watch, including progress on U.S.-China trade discussions, an encouraging outlook from corporate America, and continued strength in consumer spending. We expect the U.S. economy to continue to grow and support stocks, as our year-end 2020 S&P 500 Index fair value target range is 3,200–3,300.

“This year, market technicals look strong but valuations appear stretched, unlike late 2018 when technicals were struggling but fundamentals and valuations looked supportive,” said LPL Financial Chief Investment Strategist John Lynch. “Next year, we project stocks to follow profit growth, rising 5 to 6% from current levels.”

However, we are increasingly mindful of our position in the business cycle. Against this backdrop, questions about the next potential recession and the upcoming U.S. presidential election continue to be top of mind for many investors. While we can’t see into the future, one thing we can predict is that uncertainty in the markets is here to stay. And we are here to help.

Here’s a quick summary of our 2020 forecasts:

DOMESTIC ECONOMY: We are expecting 1.75% U.S. GDP growth in 2020. Our forecast reflects the potential for continued trade uncertainty and weak business investment, but a steady consumer.

GLOBAL ECONOMY: Europe and Japan continue to struggle with trade uncertainty, geopolitical concerns, and sluggish growth. We anticipate more opportunities for growth in emerging markets’ economies, with countries outside China playing a growing role.

INFLATION: Consumer inflation has picked up slightly, and we believe inflation will continue to grow at a healthy but manageable rate.

EMPLOYMENT: U.S. job growth has been steady, although recently it has started to show signs of moderating. Some cooling down would be expected at this point in the economic cycle.

RECESSION: Prolonged trade uncertainty and a highly charged U.S. election season lead us to believe that recession starting in the fourth quarter of 2020 or first quarter of 2021 could be possible, but we don’t think it’s probable.

BONDS: Short-lived and shallow yield curve inversions are not worrisome in our view, and we continue to emphasize a blend of high-quality intermediate bonds in tactically oriented portfolios

STOCKS: We look for solid U.S. equities performance to continue, and we see more potential upside in emerging markets than developed international markets. In the U.S., we continue to prefer large cap stocks (over small cap stocks), cyclical stocks (over value stocks), and a balance of growth and value styles for appropriate strategies.

For more investment insights, check out our Outlook 2020: Bringing Markets Into Focus.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual security. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted.

All indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly. Unmanaged index returns do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk in all market environments.

This Research material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC).  Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates.  To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor, please note that LPL is not an affiliate of and makes no representation with respect to such entity.

If your advisor is located at a bank or credit union, please note that the bank/credit union is not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL may also be employees of the bank/credit union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, the bank/credit union. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Not FDIC or NCUA/NCUSIF Insured | No Bank or Credit Union Guarantee | May Lose Value | Not Guaranteed by Any Government Agency | Not a Bank/Credit Union Deposit

 Member FINRA /SIPC

For Public Use | Tracking # 1-922821