The recently released LPL Research Outlook 2019: FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets, is filled with investment insights and market guidance for the year ahead.
After nearly 10 years of witnessing the U.S. economy and stock market recover—and thrive—investors are starting to wonder if we’ve seen all this expansion and bull market have to offer. Thanks to strong corporate profits and continued fiscal stimulus, in the form of government spending, reduced regulation, and lower taxes, this bull market probably still has more room to run.
Against this backdrop, gross domestic product (GDP) of up to 2.75% could be in store for the U.S. economy, supported by increased spending from consumers, businesses, and the federal government. Based on expectations for economic growth and monetary policy, along with the noted fiscal tailwinds, 2019 may be another good year for equity investors. Accordingly, LPL Research forecasts total return possibilities within the range of 8–10% for the S&P 500 Index. With market interest rates climbing from historic lows, bond investors must be prepared for gradually rising rates, with periodic surges that may temporarily affect sentiment. As a result, investors can expect flat returns for bonds in 2019, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.
Conviction in the fundamentals supporting the economy and corporate profits is driving forecasts for GDP growth and positive stock returns. Yet, many positive fundamentals could be pressured by threatening issues such as trade, deficit spending, monetary policy, or global politics. As a result, as investors we can expect to see more volatility, and if suitable, embrace that volatility for its potential opportunities to rebalance portfolios rather than fear it. By managing our emotions and staying in tune with market signals, we can help position ourselves for any market environment.
In addition, although the Outlook 2019 remains positive, we may be nearing the end of the market cycle. Thus, now is a good time to start thinking about what the next phase for the economy and markets may look like. The intention here is not to start worrying or assuming the worst, but to remind ourselves that slowdowns and declines are a normal part of our market cycle. And even more importantly, if we’re prepared for any downturns, we can be better positioned to weather any challenges that may be ahead.
That’s where FUNDAMENTAL: How to Focus on What Really Matters in the Markets comes in—because we could all use a handy guide when it comes to this market environment. Keeping a focus on market fundamentals is one way to prepare us for what may be around the corner, or further down the line, and help us through it all. The LPL Research Outlook 2019 is here to provide insightful commentary, economic and market guidance, and investment recommendations to help us navigate the year ahead.
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Global Retirement Partners, LLC (GRP) a registered investment advisor. GRP, LPL Financial and Washington Financial Group are separate non-affiliated entities.
For additional description and disclosures, please see the full Outlook 2019 publication.
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. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
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.
Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted.
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.
Rebalancing a portfolio may cause investors to incur tax liabilities and/or transaction costs and does not assure a profit or protect against a loss.
This research material has been prepared by LPL Financial LLC.
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