Weekly Investment Update August 29, 2022

Key Events: Fed Governor Powell reaffirms the commitment to fighting inflation

The main event this week was Federal Reserve Governor Powell’s speech on Friday. He drove home his commitment to fighting inflation by pointing out three lessons from the 1970s and 1980s:

1. The Fed can and should deliver low and stable inflation.

2. Inflation expectations about future inflation play a big role in actual inflation. Worries about inflation tend to self-reinforcing.

3. Finish the job. The Fed won’t stop fighting inflation.

Market Review: The US stock market was relatively tame until Friday’s speech.

Stocks were down slightly for the week going into Governor Powell’s speech but ended the day down 3.4%, bringing the week’s losses to 4%.

Of note, international stocks performed much better than last week; emerging markets stocks actually registered slight gains. The bond market digested the likelihood of higher rates, causing riskier high-yield bonds to underperform as recession fears regained some footing. 

Outlook: Inflation, recession, and ‘soft landings’

The market continues to digest the outlook for inflation and recession. As can be seen in the chart below, most central banks are in an inflation fighting mode, tightening policy. With the Fed committed to controlling inflation “no matter what the cost,” the potential for a soft landing in America—slowing growth without a full-blown recession—seems like a smaller bullseye this week than before.

We continue to recommend that a fully diversified portfolio gives you the best chance to hit your target. 

1) Note: The AE sample consists of Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the countries in the European Union (under ECB jurisdiction). The EM sample consist of Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, Pero, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Hungary, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Turkey, Pakistan, Croatia, Russia, Ukraine, Egypt, and Ghana

Navigator Outlook: August 26, 2022

This material is intended to be educational in nature, and not as a recommendation of any particular strategy, approach, product or concept for any particular advisor or client. These materials are not intended as any form of substitute for individualized investment advice. The discussion is general in nature, and therefore not intended to recommend or endorse any asset class, security, or technical aspect of any security for the purpose of allowing a reader to use the approach on their own. Before participating in any investment program or making any investment, clients as well as all other readers are encouraged to consult with their own professional advisers, including investment advisers and tax advisors. OneAscent can assist in determining a suitable investment approach for a given individual, which may or may not closely resemble the strategies outlined herein.

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Past performance may not be representative of future results.  All investments are subject to loss.  Forecasts regarding the market or economy are subject to a wide range of possible outcomes.  The views presented in this market update may prove to be inaccurate for a variety of factors.  These views are as of the date listed above and are subject to change based on changes in fundamental economic or market-related data.  Please contact your Financial Advisor in order to complete an updated risk assessment to ensure that your investment allocation is appropriate.