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CLIENT LETTER | MAY 01, 2024

After a strong first quarter for stocks, some April showers rained down as the S&P 500 fell about 4% last month. Hopefully those showers will bring some flowers in May, despite the widely cited stock market adage, “Sell in May and go away.” There is some merit to this old adage because the S&P 500’s best six-month returns have, on average, come from November through April, and its worst between May and October (recall bear markets often end in October). Still, historically the index has gained an average of 1.8% from May through October — hardly worth avoiding.

While stocks have delivered solid gains this year, the steady growth of the U.S. economy alongside rising corporate profits increase the chances of more gains ahead. Last week’s data on gross domestic product looked soft on the surface, as the U.S. economy grew just 1.6% in the first quarter. But inventories and trade masked strong underlying consumer and business demand. Consumer spending rose at a solid 2.5% pace, while capital investment rose 2.9%. Economists looking for a slowdown keep asking: are we there yet? The economy may slow later this year, but we’re
not there yet.

So, what caused stocks to dip? Beyond some digestion of strong gains through March, stubborn inflation and higher interest rates were the main culprits. As the downtrend in inflation has stalled recently, expectations for the start of the Federal Reserve’s rate-cutting campaign have been pushed out. With the Fed’s preferred inflation measure stuck near 3%, markets now expect one, or possibly two rate cuts this year, down from near six at the start of the year. Expect inflation to ease later this year as demand likely slows, but patience will be required.

If you’re concerned about a bigger slide, the numbers during corporate earnings season — now more than half complete — may be reassuring. A solid 80% of S&P 500 companies have beaten earnings estimates so far this quarter, with more than 8% average upside relative to estimates. Results from the big technology companies have mostly exceeded high expectations. And perhaps the most important earnings measuring stick, estimates have moved higher and provide evidence of upbeat guidance from corporate managements.

With the economy growing steadily and corporate profits rising, the near-term outlook for stocks still looks supportive. As always, there will be rainy days. Sticky inflation remains a thorn in the market’s side and geopolitics are a potential stumbling block. But for markets, expect more flowers than showers in May and potentially beyond.

As always, please reach out to your financial advisor with questions.


This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Any economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and are subject to change.

References to markets, asset classes, and sectors are generally regarding the corresponding market index. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.

All index data from FactSet.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P500) is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries.

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

For a list of descriptions of the indexes and economic terms referenced, please visit our website at lplresearch.com/definitions.

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