Stock Market Theme for 2Q'23
A summary of Steve Sosnick's piece entitled "ChatGPT, Can You Tell Us the Theme for 2Q?" is presented below, sourced from IBKR. The article highlights the key points as follows:
- The second quarter saw a significant gain for the NASDAQ 100 (NDX), propelled by market-leading mega-cap techs.
- The S&P 500 Index also saw an increase of over 8%, with mega-caps playing a significant role in this rally.
- Signs of rotation were observed, with other sectors beginning to participate in the rally and the Russell 2000’s quarter-to-date gains approaching 5%.
- European stocks posted modest gains after double-digit gains in the first quarter, while the Nikkei 225’s 20% gain was notable.
- The banking crises that crested last quarter were a significant catalyst for this quarter’s run in the US.
- The Federal Reserve’s balance sheet expanded by $300 billion due to loans to the banking sector, which provided a jolt of caffeine to markets.
- The equity market enthusiasm remains in place, even though the balance sheet has returned to prior levels.
- The upcoming second-quarter earnings season will be a stern test for equities, as much of the current rally, especially in the tech sector, has been in multiple expansions.
- The author suggests buying insurance instead of taking profits after the stellar rally and ahead of earnings season, as volatility is around the lowest levels seen since February 2020.
- The author emphasizes that volatility protection, life insurance, can help investors sleep better at night, especially when the value of the assets it protects has appreciated over time.
Source: InteractiveBrokers
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