Playing the long game

Chart for the Week

GDP growth is slowing, while US corporate profits (before tax) are also declining as a percentage of GDP.

Corporate profits Before Tax/GDP

Yet the S&P 500 and other major indices are rising, lifted by Fed liquidity injections in the repo market. The red line shows total assets on the Fed’s balance sheet.

S&P 500 and Fed Assets

The Long Game

We play the long game — reducing exposure to equities when market risks are high and staying on the defensive until normality is restored — even if this means sitting on cash while equities rise. The only alternative, unless you trust your ability to accurately identify exact market tops and bottoms, is to hang on to your positions no matter what happens. But there are few individuals who can withstand the stress and make rational decisions during a major market draw-down.

Updates for Market Analysis Subscribers

Best wishes for the New Year. It promises to be an eventful one.