October stock market volatility may signal a shift

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• Stock market volatility since late September has parallels with a similar period near the beginning of 2016.
• The market's rotation to more reasonably valued defensive stocks seems appropriate given new questions about global growth.
• Third-quarter corporate earnings reports offer indications of whether the market is at peak earnings.

Since closing at a peak just above 2900 on September 20, 2018, the S&P 500 fell nearly 10% by the market’s close on October 24. This October volatility has shaken investors who have become accustomed to generally calmer markets over the past few years.

Parallels — and differences — with late 2015

Market moves over the past few weeks lead us to a comparison of late 2015 and early 2016, when the market fell into near-correction territory.

We saw similar shifts in investor appetite out of cyclical stocks and into defensive companies, regardless of fundamental merit or attractive valuations; this is a textbook reaction to volatility. However, we were more confident in a strong rebound in 2016 than we are now. We observe the following differences now that make us more cautious:

• Relative valuation in cyclicals vs. defensives
• Fed activity
• Oil prices
• Diversion in global growth
• Geopolitical pressures

Regarding relative valuation, during 2018 we have noticed that defensively oriented stocks have been more attractively valued and felt the market was appropriately pricing their fundamental prospects. This is the opposite of how we felt heading into 2016, when defensive names were significantly overpriced. The market shift into reasonably valued defensive stocks over the past few weeks (stocks with a high dividend yield, for example, have been notable outperformers) feels like an appropriate move that may not immediately reverse should sentiment improve slightly.

Global growth today is more uncertain

Current markets now are pricing in the fact that global growth has diverged. China is slowing, European markets never rebounded as we hoped, and now we question the durability of growth in the United States. Geopolitical events and U.S. policy have introduced even more challenges, particularly as the United States embarks on a trade war that could have real implications for U.S. corporate earnings. Oil prices have more than doubled on a per barrel basis. And finally, the Federal Reserve has officially moved into a tightening stance. This not only changes the outlook for growth and credit expansion going forward, but also serves as a regulating mechanism that can take the “frothiness” out of the markets.

We’re active in this — and all — markets

The corporate earnings reports now being released provide real data points that can give us an indication of whether the market is really at peak earnings. While some results have disappointed, we would note that companies that report this early in the season tend to be those that are ultra-sensitive to the economic cycle. As we progress through more reports, we will get an indication of how companies are being impacted by factors mentioned earlier. Additionally, through management guidance, we will see how company leaders view the future. It’s important to note that some companies continue to beat investor expectations.

Putnam portfolio managers are watching developments closely, continuing to discuss and share information across our investment groups, and determining what shifts are necessary in the portfolios. We are active both in assessing our conviction in current holdings and in identifying new opportunities that may arise from a temporary dislocation. You can read our views about inflation, the risks emanating from Italy's budget impasse, and concerns about the flattening yield curve and a downturn in housing and auto sales.

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