The return of the business cycle means a return to traditional forces that have historically propelled the economy and markets. Instead of relying on accommodative monetary policy and central bank intervention, fiscal policy and improving business fundamentals are expected to spur further economic and market growth in 2018.
KEY THEMES
Fiscal Coordination
Expect some combination of infrastructure spending, tax reform, and regulatory relief. Given recent progress on the policy front, corporate tax cuts could be a primary contributor to economic activity in 2018.
Business Investment
Companies are using cash differently now, focusing on increasing productivity and attaining greater market share. To remain successful, businesses will need to invest in property, plants, and equipment.
Earnings Growth
For stocks to produce attractive returns, earnings growth will be a key factor. Better global growth, a pickup in business spending, and potentially lower corporate taxes should all support earnings.
Active Management
A return to fundamental investing—where investors can determine winners and losers based on earnings, sales, cash flow, etc.—should lead to continued momentum for active management in 2018.
ECONOMY
2.5% GDP Growth
As monetary tailwinds give way to fiscal support, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a rate of 2.5% in 2018, as measured by gross domestic product (GDP). Though consumer spending will likely remain the largest component of GDP, business spending may have the fastest growth trajectory in 2018. The next step for the U.S. economy involves fiscal coordination, and a likely key contributor to economic activity in 2018 will come from changes in corporate taxes.
3.7% International GDP Growth
Global GDP is expected to expand to about 3.7% in 2018. In international developed economies, which have also relied on accommodative monetary policy, fiscal coordination will be needed to spur growth and extend the expansion. Meanwhile, emerging economies may be supported by advantageous demographics, stable commodity prices, and early cycle acceleration.
STOCKS
8–10% Returns
LPL Research forecasts returns of 8–10% for the S&P 500 Index (including dividends), with earnings growth the primary driver. The S&P 500 may be well positioned to generate earnings growth at or near double-digits in 2018 thanks to a combination of better economic growth and potentially lower corporate tax rates, despite some possible downward pressure on profit margins from higher wages. Risks to our stock market forecast include Congress failing to pass a tax agreement, a potential policy mistake by a central bank, and political uncertainty around the midterm elections.
BONDS
Flat to Low-SingleDigit Returns
We expect the fixed income market to be under pressure in the coming year, as moderate GDP growth and rising inflation may lead to gradually higher interest rates. We expect flat to low-single-digit returns, as measured by the Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index. Given the continued, albeit modest, pickup in growth and inflation, we would expect the 10-year Treasury yield to end 2018 in the 2.75–3.25% range. Bonds do remain an important element of a well-balanced portfolio, serving to provide risk mitigation should we experience equity market pullbacks.
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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. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.
Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted.
The S&P 500 Index 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.
The Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index is a broad-based flagship benchmark that measures the investment grade, U.S. dollar-denominated, fixedrate taxable bond market. The index includes Treasuries, government-related and corporate securities, MBS (agency fixed-rate and hybrid ARM pass-throughs), ABS, and CMBS (agency and non agency).
This research material has been prepared by LPL Financial LLC.
To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor, please note that LPL Financial LLC is not an affiliate of and makes no representation with respect to such entity.
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