Insights into key market performance and economic trends from Dan Kemp, Morningstar’s global chief research and investment officer.
The latest PCE measure of US inflation was in line with expectations last week leaving investors unperturbed. While we can’t know what lies ahead, it seems likely that the macroeconomic environment is stabilizing and consequently a less powerful driver of investor confidence and market movements. When this happens, investors tend to become more focused on individual companies and their idiosyncratic characteristics.
Value Stocks Overtake Growth
Following a sharp difference in returns last week, the Morningstar US Value index is now ahead of the Morningstar US Growth index over the year to date (up 7.58% and 6.59% respectively). Despite this, Morningstar equity analysts continue to see better investment opportunities in value companies, where the average discount to fair value is typically larger than for growth stocks.
Why Smaller Companies Become Takeover Targets
The difference between value and growth companies is especially pronounced among mid-size and smaller companies. This is important as these companies are often targets for acquisition by their larger peers and private capital, a process that can lead to a rapid realization of this value. A good recent example was provided this week by the agreed takeover of Marathon Oil by ConocoPhillips. To take a deeper look at smaller company investments, check out this recent article by Morningstar editor Tori Brovet.
Private Markets Need New Investors
US private capital investors are continuing to engage in new deals while exits and fund raising becomes more difficult. This reflects the remaining unused capital from earlier funding rounds and the continuing desire of companies to raise capital in private markets. As private markets continue to grow and managers seek new sources of capital, the industry is increasingly focused on investors that had previously been excluded from this market. As with any new strategy, it is important to understand both the benefits and drawbacks before diving in. To find out more about the latest developments in this market, check out PitchBook’s latest Deal Roundup here.
Summer Can Make Us Lazy Investors
This week is cluttered with economic data of which the US unemployment (more commonly referred to as Non-Farm Payrolls) report on Friday is likely to create the most noise in markets. Disappointing economic news can have a greater impact at this time of year.
This is a situation encapsulated in an old London investing motto, “Sell in May and Go Away”. While attempting to time investing in this way was long ago debunked as foolish, markets tend to be less liquid in the summer and consequently prices can be more volatile. This can be dangerous for investors as it encourages myopic decision making. It is therefore more than usually important to resist the urge to respond to each new headline and instead test every decision by whether it is focused on long term gains.
