Home ยป Fight The Fear Of Missing Out Trade

Fight The Fear Of Missing Out Trade
There is nothing worse than the fear of missing out, but in this case, it may be worth fighting that urge.

Fight The Fear Of Missing Out Trade

Subscribe to The Free Market Chronicle and join the 2,722 subscribers getting it for FREE!

April 25, 2020

Stock – None

Macro – SPY

Mike’s Reading The Markets Premium Content –ย 

As first quarter results continue to roll out and we near the apex this coming week, the outlook continues to grow to worse and worse.ย  So far, 121 companies within the S&P 500 have reported results, with 81 having topped estimates, while 38 have missed, and just two have met. All of these numbers are significantly worse than their historical averages, with this quarter shaping up to be the worst quarter since the fourth quarter of 2013.ย 

eps bmm

Earnings Estimates Are Melting

The S&P 500 is forecasted to earn $136.08 based on the latest data from S&P Dow Jones as of April 23 in 2020, and $170.87 in 2021. It leaves the index trading at roughly 16.4 times 2021 earnings, which is just barely below the historical average one-year forward PE ratio of around 17.ย 

eps est

But again, earnings estimates have been falling sharply, and this trend is likely to continue as we continue to work our way through earnings season. It means that if the equity market is currently fairly valued, it is likely to continue to decline as earnings estimates continue to fall or it risks becoming grossly overvalued.ย 

My earnings model is now projecting earnings of $129.50 in 2020 and $162.70 in 2021. But, my worst-case scenario model is now expecting earnings in 2020 of $113.63 and $144.77 in 2021.ย  Both of these numbers are falling increasingly close to my target for earnings of $110 per share in 2020 and $137.50 in 2021 based on the typical earnings decline and rebounds in prior recessionary periods. It means that currently, the S&P 500 is trading at 25 times 2020 earnings and 19.6 times one-year forward estimates in this worst-case scenario.

Based on some of these estimates and trends, it seems more likely that S&P 500 should find itself trading around 2,400 to 2,500 in the weeks and month ahead, as earnings estimates continue to drift lower.ย 

Economics

The economic data that continues to roll out suggests that the damage inflicted is steep and severe. It means that the destruction taking place to many companies will resemble as steep a sharp decline in earnings, and likely a slower than an expected rebound, with a “V” shaped recovery unlikely.ย 

The most significant problem is that until there is a cure for the coronavirus or there therapeutic that effectively treat it, most people are likely to shy away from normal activities we took for granted just two months ago. That possibly means that certain parts of the economy will be slow to return to normal for some time.

It is worth remaining cautious and defensive in this current period and resisting the fear of missing out.ย 

-Mike

Mott Capital Management, LLCย is a registered investment adviser. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed herein. Upon request, the advisor will provide a list of all recommendations made during the past twelve months. Past performance is not indicative of future results.ย ย 

ย