[media-downloader media_id=”2091″ texts=”Download PDF” class=”cherry-btn”]

Index Month / Year to Date
Dow Jones +0.61% / 2.77%
S&P 500 +0.26% / 1.70%
NASDAQ -1.88% / -4.24%
10yr Treasury -0.42% / current yield 1.83%
Markets:

While March was a stellar month for equity returns, caused in part by climbing oil/gas prices, April is earnings season, and analysts’ revisions to S&P earnings are starting to show less confident expectations for earnings. Actual earnings for the S&P 500 companies appear to have topped out at $113+ per share in 4th quarter 2014, while 1st quarter 2016 looks to be about $107 per share so far, with 62% of companies reporting. Aggregate Earnings’ growth across the S&P 500 appears to be about -9%, according to companies reporting so far. Even the highly regarded global consulting firm McKinsey & Company has stated this month, “the golden age of stock market returns is over,” and that economic and business drivers are shifting. None of this comes as a surprise to us at Sound Income Strategies, as we have been saying for many years that the party might be over and “wishing” for 10%+ returns will probably be in vain. We’ll continue to be pragmatic and collect our monthly income stream from sound investments. While anything is possible in the equity market, I want to show you a graph that I believe is important. When the next 2008 occurs, I think people will look back at this graph and wonder why they didn’t mention this on CNBC, Bloomberg, FOX, or other financial news outlets.

S&P500: Volume vs Price since 1990-1st qtr 2016

As you can see from the Bloomberg chart above, the S&P 500 volume (orange) vs. the price (green) started to disconnect right after the 2001 tech crash. Volume peaked shortly after that crash and has been falling ever since. While the equity markets can stay flat for an extended period of time, an eventual sell-off could have dire consequences, much like the housing bubble in 2007-2008. The changing regulatory environment for Wall Street Banks, creation of more ETFs, and a loss of Hedge Fund trading activity could mean there is no entity to step in and be a buyer of last resort to help prevent a sell-off. Flat 2015 returns and lackluster 2016 earnings could cause a spark, and we don’t want our advisors/clients to be caught off-guard.

Disclaimer:
You are advised to give independent consideration to, and conduct independent investigation with regards to, the information above in accordance with your individual investment objectives. Use of the Information is at the reader’s risk, is strictly intended for informational purposes in conjunction with the recipient’s due diligence, and should not be construed as a solicitation by Sound Income Strategies, LLC. Past performance will never indicate or guarantee future behavior. Sound Income Strategies, LLC does not represent or warrant that the contents of the document are suitable for you from compliance, regulatory, legal, or any other perspective. We shall have no responsibility or liability for your use or non-use of the document or any portion thereof. Sound Income Strategies, LLC is registered as an investment advisor under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940 and is regulated by the SEC. Sound Income Strategies, LLC and its affiliates may only transact business or render personalized investment advice in those states and jurisdictions where we are registered or otherwise qualified to do so.

All written content on this site is for informational purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Retirement Income Source and our editorial staff. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representations as to its accuracy or completeness. Investing involves risk. There is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Asset allocation, diversification and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or help protect against loss in declining markets. All information and ideas should be discussed in detail with your individual advisor prior to implementation. The presence of this website, and the material contained within, shall in no way be construed or interpreted as a solicitation or recommendation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. In addition, the presence of this website should not be interpreted as a solicitation for Investment Advisory Services to any residents of states where otherwise legally permitted to conduct business. Fee-based financial planning and Investment Advisory Services are offered by Sound Income Strategies, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm. Retirement Income Source and Sound Income Strategies LLC are associated entities.