Tactical Asset Allocation – June 2017

Performance

The Global Core Strategy finished May up 0.51% and up 5.92% year to date.

Domestic Big Cap gave us a modest boost this month while Treasuries were a bit of a drag and International went sideways. June was a big month for dividends.

Market

Up, down, up, down. June was the tightest monthly trading range in the past several years at just 1.99% from high to low. While June was pretty much trendless, there is clearly some unease creeping into the market. The big news appears to be a shift in Central Banker attitudes toward reducing holdings. When Central Bankers were buying bonds (and in some countries, equities), the purchases were funneling cash into the markets. Whether Central Bankers allow their bond holdings to run off as they mature or liquidate holdings, cash will be removed from the markets.

Outlook

My money is right here in the TAAS Global Strategy alongside my subscribers. I believe the Global Strategy to be among the best and safest investments available; however nothing in the markets is perfect. I also know that if I'm concerned about the state of the markets, my subscribers are too. So let's jump in.

Generally, I like to buy Equities when they are cheap, hold them while PE multiples expand, and sell them when PE multiples are expensive. I like to own Fixed Income when Equities are expensive and while PE multiples are declining (aka Corrections and Bear Markets), and sell them when Equities are cheap. The Market Risk Model does a good job of assessing risks in the equity market and our Tactical Asset Allocation strategies pretty much mirror this cyclical approach while adjusting allocations opportunistically to intermediate changes in trend.

In the February 28 Rebalance Notice, I shared my concerns regarding the extremely high level of Equity valuations. At that time Market Value divided by GDP closed above 130% and I moved 1/3 of our personal allocation to the TAAS Portfolio into cash. In doing so, I knew that I might forgo some gains but felt that was the right thing to do for our personal portfolios and for our peace of mind. That decision has resulted in our personal returns being roughly 0.75% below the Global Strategy returns. I still feel that was the right decision for us.

As we close out June, Market Value divided by GDP is closing just under 133% and the underlying health of the Equity market is showing some signs of deterioration. This gives me some concern; however this is pretty much what I anticipated when I moved 1/3 of our allocation to cash. I am standing pat with 2/3 of the allocation invested in the Global Strategy. However I am monitoring the situation closely and will share with subscribers any changes in my outlook.

Before closing, I want to say a few words about Fixed Income. High Quality (Investment Grade and Treasury) Fixed Income is historically the "safe haven" when Equities are extremely expensive or PE's are declining. Although rising yields are currently giving Equities some heartburn, I am comfortable, even enthusiastic, about rising Fixed Income yields.

Why? When Equities begin rolling over, the Global Strategies will move into Fixed Income or cash. High yields (lower prices) will make Fixed Income more attractive than cash and that should make us some money.

Earl Adamy