Weekly summary in a paragraph
While Jay Powell’s speech lifted the stock markets on Wednesday, nothing really changed in the narrative or the course of action of the Fed. In fact, the positive labour data published on Friday poured cold water over this week’s rally. More critical data is expected over the next 10 days before the traditionally positive seasonality kicks in (aka “Santa rally”), hence caution is key.
The European stock market continues its sharp recovery, has risen +26.5% from the October 13th lows and has now overtaken the S&P500.
Asset classes weekly performance
This week the Dow gained +0.4% (-5.35% YTD) while the S&P500 rose +1.6% (-14.6% YTD, we are 1x short), the Nasdaq did better with a +2.4% gain (-26.6% YTD, we have a 3x inverse position) and the Russell 2000 added +1.4% (-15.95% YTD, we are 1x short). $Gold finished higher this week too and gained +2.7% (-1.83% YTD) while silver is the clear winner with its +8.4% spike (-2.46% YTD). $Oil recovered +7.2% (+7.99% YTD). The 20-y added +3.3% this week (-28.63% YTD). The European stock finished +2.1% higher (-13.74% YTD). The Euro recovered +0.9% on the USD (-7.94% YTD).
Weekly pitch
The US economy is 70% consumer-based hence savings are closely watched as any significant changes may constitute a stock market bell weather. The data published this week is concerning in this respect as the percentage of personal savings to disposable income fell to 2.3% which corresponds to levels not seen since 2005. This weakness in savings may affect earnings for Q4 2022 as well as earnings estimates for next year thereby resulting in a further drop in the US stock market.
Weekly Portfolio Update
Quite a few movements this week: we took profits on $FIVE (+3.7%) and $AJRD (3.6%). We initiated long positions on $PLUG, $HZNP $NUE and $TELL. Cash, precious metals and hedges amount to 43% in our portfolio (+1% compared to last week).
Top 5 Weekly Portfolio Performers
$FIVE +13.94% (Consumer-Discount/Variety)
$META +10.84% (Technology-Social Media)
$SBSW +9.99% (Precious Metals)
$FCX +8.26% (Basic Materials-Metal Ores)
$SLV +7.96% (Silver ETF)
Portfolio Asset Allocation
– Long stock positions 57% (reduced)
– Hedges 8%, though equal to 11% considering leveraged ETFs (reduced)
– Silver & Gold 4% (unchanged)
– Cash 31% (increased)
YTD Portfolio Performance
Our currency-adjusted YTD portfolio performance is -4.2% (excl. dividends) vs the European market loss of -5.7% (+1.5% European market beat, expressed in €) and the S&P500 loss of -14.57% (+2.4% US market beat, expressed in $).
Invest responsibly!!!
Responsible Investor 