A Multidimensional Picture Of Asset Classes

A Multidimensional Picture Of Asset Classes – In an effort to see how various parts move together, it helps to take a broad and all-encompassing look at portfolio management. For instance, when the value of the dollar rises, the prices of commodities tend to decrease. This is due to the fact that most commodities are measured in dollars, so they suddenly appear to be better bargains.

Furthermore, higher prices associated with oil and agricultural products typically add to inflation. In turn, the bond market also responds with increasingly higher interest rates. Stocks are preferential when paired with lower interest rates, thereby allowing firms to expand as well as borrow, at which point equities tend to pull back.

The connections that exist among the four asset classes follow a traditional pattern in an otherwise seemingly normal environment:

• Higher-value commodities indicate economic growth.
• Lower dollar value leads to higher commodity and gold prices.
• Low-value commodities are beneficial to stocks.
• Both stocks and bonds rise and fall together.

However, there are times where these connections will collapse, at which point you can gather additional insight into the circumstances.

Trends and turning points

Intermarket relationships are one of many factors that people consider when they are looking at their investing approach holistically. These relationships can also provide support in situations in which novel trading ideas or hints regarding market pivots are present, as well as when a new trend might be unfolding. That said, it is important to confirm suspicions or insight with concrete evidence.

For example, you should not combine all your commodities into one. Instead, take the time to draw comparisons between risk-friendly copper or lumber and risk-averse precious metals before you make your decision.

Also, remember that intermarket currents are not strictly limited to your investments. Business managers make forecasts and gauge the business cycle and its progression across a number of relevant sectors. Every group involved must also make it a point to incorporate nuances within their comparisons.

As another example, banks appreciate higher interest rates because charging more on interest benefits them in terms of their lending margins. On the other hand, the real estate industry prefers lower interest rates, which ultimately benefit mortgage borrowers. As a trend, when banks start to fare better than real estate agencies, the implication is that interest rates might soon be on the rise.

Additionally, consider the fact that during the majority of 2022, risk-friendly sectors, such as energy and financial, performed much better than did defensive or risk-averse sectors, such as utilities and consumer staples. From there, is it wise to interpret this comparison as a serious signal or sign that investors were adding risk to the mix?

Generally speaking, it is typically smarter to turn to a secondary signal and analyze the input said signal can provide. With this example in mind, while the riskier sector of credit outperformed the safer sector of bonds, you can proceed with confirmation that the original signal is supported by the additional signal.

Keep in mind that these relationship patterns tend to hold true over long periods of time. However, extreme events, aptly referred to as black swans given how rare they are, may sometimes cause relationships to react differently from what is expected. These relationships, or correlations, might not remain in stable condition as a result, seeing as how economic conditions constantly change on a global scale.

Copyright, 2022

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William Hayes

As an attorney in private practice in Los Angeles County, California William Hayes provides extensive estate and tax planning services to individuals and businesses in Los Angeles, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank and surrounding communities. Attorney Hayes’ primary focus is to help clients avoid probate, protect their assets, and provide for the security of their loved ones with a well-crafted estate plan. He believes in giving each client the time needed to explain his or her needs and wishes and then dedicates his efforts toward making the client’s desires clear in their final estate plan.

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