Major Indices in a 2 Year Bear Trend
Executive Summary
Bull markets exist in an environment where liquidity is expanding, bear markets exist in an environment where liquidity is contracting.
Since 01/01/2022 the Federal Reserve has been drawing liquidity out of the system (through balance sheet contraction and increasing interest rates).
Wall Street has been telling us we’re in a new bull market, I personally can’t see it.
The major U.S. Indices are in a downtrend since 01/01/22 through 10/27/23:
-13.61% S&P 500 Index
-17.36% S&P 500 Equal Weight Index
-18.13% S&P 400 Mid Cap Index
-23.75% S&P 600 Small Cap Index
-25.87% Value Line Geometric Composite Index (all cap equal weight)
LPL 497951-1
DEFINITIONS
S&P 400 Mid Cap Index - The S&P MidCap 400® provides investors with a benchmark for mid-sized companies. The index, which is distinct from the large-cap S&P 500®, is designed to measure the performance of 400 mid-sized companies, reflecting the distinctive risk and return characteristics of this market segment.
S&P 500 Equal Weighted Index - The S&P 500® Equal Weight Index (EWI) is the equal-weight version of the widely-used S&P 500. The index includes the same constituents as the capitalization weighted S&P 500, but each company in the S&P 500 EWI is allocated a fixed weight - or 0.2% of the index total at each quarterly rebalance.
S&P 500 Index - The modern design of the S&P 500 stock index was first launched in 1957. Performance back to 1950 incorporates the performance of predecessor index, the S&P 90. The index is a capitalization weighted index of the 500 large companies listed on various stock exchanges (such as the NYSE or NASDAQ). The S&P 500 was developed and continues to be maintained by S&P Dow Jones Indices, a joint venture majority-owned by S&P Global. The S&P 500 differs from the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the NASDAQ Composite index, because of its diverse constituency and weighting methodology. It is one of the most followed equity indices, and many consider it one of the best representations of the U.S. stock market.
S&P 600 Small Cap Index - The S&P SmallCap 600® seeks to measure the small-cap segment of the U.S. equity market. The index is designed to track companies that meet specific inclusion criteria to ensure that they are liquid and financially viable.
Value Line Geometric Index - The Value Line Composite Index is a stock index containing approximately 1,675 companies from the NYSE, American Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, Toronto, and over-the-counter markets. The Value Line Composite Index has two forms: The Value Line Geometric Composite Index (the original equally weighted index) and the Value Line Arithmetic Composite Index (an index which mirrors changes if a portfolio held equal amounts of stock.)
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
This correspondence expresses the opinions and views of the author as of the date indicated and are based on the author's interpretation of the concepts therein and may be subject to change without notice. Neither Highcroft Investment Advisors, Gerald Asplund, nor LPL Financial, has no duty or obligation to update the information contained herein.
The information contained herein does not constitute and should not be construed as representation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or related financial instruments in any jurisdiction. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing.
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. This memorandum is being made available for educational purposes only and should not be used for any other purpose.
Some of the statements may be regarded as forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are, by their nature, subject to uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may include assumptions relating to future investment and economic scenarios. When used herein, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “going forward”, “intend”, “may”, “ought to”, “plan”, “project”, “seek”, “should”, “will”, “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect an opinion relating to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance or developments. Reliance on any forward-looking statements involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results and events may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors. Accordingly, you should be prudent with your reliance on any forward-looking information or statements.
Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Any investment or investment strategy outlined herein are not suitable for all investors, readers should conduct their own review and exercise judgment prior to investing. Wherever there is the potential for profit there is also the possibility of loss. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk in all market environments. International investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and political instability and may not be suitable for all investors. The fast price swings in commodities and currencies can result in significant volatility within an investor's holdings.
To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor or broker, please note that Highcroft Investment Advisors, Gerald Asplund, and LPL Financial are not an affiliate of and makes no representation with respect to such entity.
Certain information contained herein concerning economic trends, fundamentals, and/or technical analysis, and performance is based on or derived from information provided by independent third-party sources. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted.
Technical analysis is generally based on the study of price movement, volume, sentiment, and trading flows in an attempt to identify and project price trends. Technical analysis does not consider the fundamentals of the underlying corporate issuer.
The sources from which information has been obtained is assumed to be reliable; the accuracy of such information is not guaranteed and the accuracy and completeness of such information has not been independently verified.
This report, including the information contained herein, has been prepared exclusively for the use of Highcroft Investment Advisors clients, and may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, republished, or posted in whole or in part, in any form without the prior written consent of Highcroft Investment Advisors.
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 in the index would require investors purchase an investment product, which would involve fees and expenses.
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