Quarterly market outlook - first quarter 2023
Our investment strategists provide the Edward Jones perspective on the latest economic activity and what it may mean for investors.

Our investment strategists provide the Edward Jones perspective on the latest economic activity and what it may mean for investors.
Image Description: The chart above compares fourth-quarter returns with three-year annualized returns in the fixed-income and stock markets. In a turnabout from the third quarter, all asset class returns in our framework were positive in the fourth quarter, and many exceeded their three-year annualized returns.
Source: Morningstar Direct, 12/31/2022. Cash represented by the Bloomberg US Treasury Bellwethers 3-Month index. U.S. investment-grade bonds represented by the Bloomberg US Aggregate index. U.S. high-yield bonds represented by the Bloomberg US HY 2% Issuer cap index. International bonds represented by the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Ex USD hedged index. International high-yield bonds represented by the Bloomberg Emerging Market USD Aggregate Index. U.S. large-cap stocks represented by the S&P 500 Index. Developed international large-cap stocks represented by the MSCI EAFE index. U.S. mid-cap stocks represented by the Russell Mid-cap index. U.S. small-cap stocks represented by the Russell 2000 Index. International small- and mid-cap stocks represented by the MSCI EAFE SMID index. Emerging markets represented by the MSCI EM index.Image Description: The chart above compares fourth-quarter returns with three-year annualized returns in the fixed-income and stock markets. In a turnabout from the third quarter, all asset class returns in our framework were positive in the fourth quarter, and many exceeded their three-year annualized returns.
Source: Morningstar Direct, 12/31/2022. Cash represented by the Bloomberg US Treasury Bellwethers 3-Month index. U.S. investment-grade bonds represented by the Bloomberg US Aggregate index. U.S. high-yield bonds represented by the Bloomberg US HY 2% Issuer cap index. International bonds represented by the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Ex USD hedged index. International high-yield bonds represented by the Bloomberg Emerging Market USD Aggregate Index. U.S. large-cap stocks represented by the S&P 500 Index. Developed international large-cap stocks represented by the MSCI EAFE index. U.S. mid-cap stocks represented by the Russell Mid-cap index. U.S. small-cap stocks represented by the Russell 2000 Index. International small- and mid-cap stocks represented by the MSCI EAFE SMID index. Emerging markets represented by the MSCI EM index.In a turnabout from the previous quarter, all asset class returns in our framework were positive in Q4. Equity markets largely outperformed fixed income, and high-yield bonds outperformed investment-grade bonds. Within our equity asset classes, international markets led domestic returns, as the U.S. dollar softened slightly. International large-cap stocks, represented by the MSCI EAFE Index, had the highest returns in our asset class framework, while international bonds had the lowest.
Volatile quarter for bonds
Fixed-income and equity investors alike closely watched bond yields, which continued to be volatile. Yields on the 10-year Treasury bond peaked at over 4.2% in late October, when Federal Reserve rate fears peaked, before falling to around 3.4% in early December and finally settling around 3.85% toward the end of Q4.
Inflation indicators moved noticeably lower
Forward-looking indicators such as the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index, mortgage demand, and the Freightos freight transport cost index are pointing toward a swift move lower in inflationary pressures. Most market forecasts put the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at 3% to 4% by the end of 2023. We think the Fed will start cutting rates toward year-end, even though the policy rate will remain restrictive until inflation moves closer to the Fed’s 2% long-term target.
Equity valuations resumed their slide
The outsized drop in equity valuations that was a common theme for much of 2022 continued in Q4, overwhelming any growth in company earnings. Investors and analysts have been downgrading the present value of future cash flows, a calculation largely driven by the rising Fed policy rate, which increases the cost of borrowing and acts like gravity to corporate valuations.
Action for investorsWith 2022 in the rearview mirror, we think now is a good time to make any last-minute tax moves. Look at retirement contributions and charitable donations, and consider any taxable impacts from portfolio moves made last year. Additionally, we believe it’s a good time to re-evaluate your income, expenses and expected savings along with your broader financial picture and goals. Inflation can impact your financial plan — so can changes in your career and lifestyle. Work with your financial advisor to keep your financial picture up-to-date and ensure your investment strategy still matches your long-term goals.
Image Description: This chart shows the unemployment rate’s path from late 1969 into 2022. With the current rate under 4%, the labor market is in a healthy starting point for the year to help consumer spending.
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.Image Description: This chart shows the unemployment rate’s path from late 1969 into 2022. With the current rate under 4%, the labor market is in a healthy starting point for the year to help consumer spending.
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.We think a mild recession will materialize in 2023 as the full impact of the Federal Reserve’s restrictive rate hikes filters through the economy. The housing market and business investment are likely to slow alongside household consumption, but we think the healthy starting point for the labor market will help consumer spending, paving the way for a renewed economic expansion as the year progresses.
Labor market will soften, but not prevent, a slowdown
We think any recession this year will be mild compared to history, especially the downturns in 2008, 1981 and 1974. Looking at the past 50 years, the average unemployment rate at the beginning of each recession was 5.2%. With unemployment starting this year below 4%, labor market strength should foster a shallow economic slowdown. In the past eight recessions since 1953, the trough in the unemployment rate ranged from 2.5% to 5.7%, while the peaks ranged from 6.1% to 10.8% (averaging a high of 7.9%). Although we expect unemployment to rise in 2023, job growth remains fairly healthy and job openings remain elevated, which should provide some cushion for household income and consumer spending.
Inflation on a downward trend
We expect price pressures to ease meaningfully in 2023, providing relief to consumers and central banks. Though the path could be bumpy at first, we see core inflation (excluding the volatile categories of food and energy) falling toward 3% by year-end. Easing supply shortages, lower consumer demand and excess retailer inventories should all contribute to a sharp slowdown in goods inflation. Price increases for services tend to be more persistent and slow-moving, but will also likely shift in the right direction as the year progresses. Housing inflation is poised to slow as home prices cool under the weight of higher borrowing costs. And a gradual easing of tight labor market conditions should slow the pace of wage growth, helping further ease inflation pressures.
Action for investors
We recommend proactive portfolio rebalancing and dollar cost averaging as strategies for navigating ongoing volatility driven by early-year recession fears. This may also help position your portfolio for a more sustainable stock and bond market recovery as the year progresses.
Important information: Dollar cost averaging does not guarantee a profit or protect against loss. Such a strategy involves continual investment in securities regardless of fluctuating price levels of such securities. The investor should consider the financial ability to continue the purchases through periods of low price levels. Portfolio rebalancing may result in a taxable event and does not ensure a profit or protect against loss. |
Image Description: Within the S&P sectors in 2022, value and defensive stocks outperformed last year, but growth sectors lagged as yields climbed.
Source: FactSet.Image Description: Within the S&P sectors in 2022, value and defensive stocks outperformed last year, but growth sectors lagged as yields climbed.
Source: FactSet.After a challenging 2022, equity markets may continue to face headwinds in Q1. The Federal Reserve and global central banks are likely to enact a final leg of rate hikes, and the U.S. economy may enter a mild recession in the first half of 2023. In addition, S&P 500 earnings growth may be further revised downward in the months ahead. While markets have priced in some of these challenges — with the S&P 500 down nearly 20% in 2022 — there still may be further equity volatility ahead.
Is a recovery on the horizon?
Despite these headwinds, we believe equity markets may look forward to a recovery well ahead of the end of a potential recession. Historically, markets start to bottom and recover about six months ahead of the end of a recessionary period. In our view, the pending economic downturn is well-anticipated, and equity markets have started to discount some of this outcome already. We see an opportunity for markets to recover more meaningfully in the back half of 2023, as inflation continues to moderate, the Fed pauses its interest rate-hiking campaign, and the economy potentially stabilizes.
Sector diversification still a key portfolio strategy
From a sector perspective, the value and defensive parts of the market have outperformed, with energy, consumer staples, health care and utilities all holding up better than the overall market. As we head into a potential mild recession in early 2023, we would expect defensive sectors to continue to hold up relatively better than the broader market. But as we progress through the year, we believe cyclical sectors may rebound, and we would favor sectors that are levered to economic growth and moderating inflation, such as consumer discretionary and industrials.
Action for investors
We continue to favor defensive positioning near term but believe maintaining a balance of offense and defense in portfolios will be an important diversification strategy in 2023. For now, we recommend a neutral allocation to U.S. large-cap stocks, with an underweight to small-cap equities. As the year progresses, we would expect cyclical parts of the markets, including quality growth, to rebound.
Important information: Investing in equities involves risks. The value of your shares will fluctuate and you may lose principal. |
Image Description: This chart shows the ISM manufacturing index, also known as the purchasing managers’ index or PMI, and the 10-year yield since 2010. While the two have traveled roughly in tandem for most of that time, yields were much lower than the PMI in 2021, only to rise much higher than the PMI in 2022. We expect the two measures to move closer together in 2023, with the 10-year yield falling toward 3%.
Source: Bloomberg. Past performance is not guarantee of future results.Image Description: This chart shows the ISM manufacturing index, also known as the purchasing managers’ index or PMI, and the 10-year yield since 2010. While the two have traveled roughly in tandem for most of that time, yields were much lower than the PMI in 2021, only to rise much higher than the PMI in 2022. We expect the two measures to move closer together in 2023, with the 10-year yield falling toward 3%.
Source: Bloomberg. Past performance is not guarantee of future results.Historic inflation and aggressive Federal Reserve rate hikes pushed short- and long-term bond yields sharply higher in 2022. As inflation moderates and the Fed’s tightening campaign ends, interest rate volatility is likely to settle down, with upward pressure on yields starting to ease.
The end of the Fed’s tightening campaign is in sight
Last year’s interest rate journey dragged on as expectations for the federal funds rate kept adjusting higher, but these expectations have now stabilized at around 5%. With economic growth weakening and inflation falling, we think the Fed can end its rate hikes as early as the end of the first quarter. Historically, the peak in the 10-year Treasury yield has occurred about two months ahead of the last Fed rate hike.
Focus shifts from inflation to growth
We see early but convincing signs that the inflation tide will turn as we move through 2023. But the lagging impact of the Fed’s aggressive interest rate hikes and the sharp rise in borrowing costs could trigger a mild recession. The yield curve, which is one of the most reliable predictors of an economic slowdown, is deeply inverted, with short-term rates higher than long-term rates. As the focus shifts from inflation to growth, this can be a catalyst for improved bond performance. Yields undershot leading indicators of economic activity in 2021 but are now overshooting them. As this divergence starts to close, we believe the 10-year yield could fall toward 3%.
Bonds could be ready to rebound
In 2022, long-term bonds experienced their largest sell-off since records began in 1926. But bonds are now much better positioned to add both income and diversification benefits to portfolios, in our view. We believe investors can look for opportunities to complement their shorter-duration bond positions with longer-duration investment-grade bonds.
Action for investorsWe recommend a neutral allocation to fixed income but see attractive opportunities across bond maturities as higher yields enhance return potential. Higher-quality bonds can offer stability, and longer-duration investments may benefit if yields begin to move lower.
Important information: Before investing in bonds, you should understand the risks involved, including credit risk and market risk. Bond investments are also subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of bonds can decrease, and the investor can lose principal value if the investment is sold prior to maturity. |
Image Description: During three periods since 1970 when the dollar fell (a U.S. dollar bear cycle), international markets tended to outperform U.S. markets. In periods when the dollar was rising, U.S. markets tended to outperform international markets.
Source: Bloomberg, Edward Jones calculations. Past perfromance is not a guarantee of future results.Image Description: During three periods since 1970 when the dollar fell (a U.S. dollar bear cycle), international markets tended to outperform U.S. markets. In periods when the dollar was rising, U.S. markets tended to outperform international markets.
Source: Bloomberg, Edward Jones calculations. Past perfromance is not a guarantee of future results.International equities have lagged amid a rising U.S. dollar and economic and geopolitical headwinds. We think global challenges (the war in Ukraine in particular) will persist, but possibly become less acute as inflation pressures recede, China’s economy stabilizes and the U.S. dollar softens, supporting the case for global investment exposure.
Diverging central bank policies reflect evolving cycles
While much of the globe is dealing with elevated inflation, we anticipate economic cycles will be less synchronized in the year ahead. The energy crisis and Russia-Ukraine War may temper the decline in Europe’s inflation, slightly delaying the European Central Bank’s ability to slow its rate hikes this year. That said, labor markets in Europe have shown improvement, policy rates are not as restrictive as in the U.S., and international valuations are at a sizable discount to historical averages and U.S. stocks.
A weaker dollar could boost international returns
We think the dollar could soften as improving inflation trends allow the Fed to pause its aggressive rate hikes in 2023. Also, global growth could start to recover in the back half of the year. Historically, international equities tend to perform well during periods of a weakening dollar, while U.S.-based investments typically outperform during periods of a strengthening dollar. Even a modest shift lower in the dollar could be a catalyst for international equity performance to improve.
China’s reopening helps the global growth outlook
We think emerging-market equities have the potential to outperform as the easing of China’s zero-COVID policies offer a boost to growth. The accompanying increase in the spread of COVID-19 in the region will complicate the reopening process, but we think China’s policymakers will be committed to an economic rebound, offering the prospects of a monetary and fiscal tailwind at a time when much of the world is experiencing restrictive policy conditions.
Action for investors
We recommend a neutral allocation to international developed-market equities, and a slight overweight to emerging-market equity allocations.
Important information: Investing in equities involves risks. The value of your shares will fluctuate and you may lose principal.Special risks are inherent to international investing, including those related to currency fluctuations and foreign political and economic events. |
Image Description: Since 2008, the MSCI World ESG Leaders Index has performed in line with the overall MSCI World Index.
Source: Morningstar Direct, Edward Jones. Note: ESG investment performance has been in line with benchmarks over the long term. In 2022, climate-focused thematic funds underperformed broader indices. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly.Image Description: Since 2008, the MSCI World ESG Leaders Index has performed in line with the overall MSCI World Index.
Source: Morningstar Direct, Edward Jones. Note: ESG investment performance has been in line with benchmarks over the long term. In 2022, climate-focused thematic funds underperformed broader indices. Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Indexes are unmanaged and cannot be invested in directly.With sustainable investing, investors may align investments with their personal values or support companies that are focused on improving ESG (environmental, social and governance) practices. There are two broad approaches to sustainable investing: ESG investing and values-based investing.1 ESG investments consider ESG factors as risks or opportunities in addition to traditional financial metrics and returns.These investments tend to perform in line with their asset classes, as the ESG focus should have a neutral impact on performance. Values-based investments, which include thematic and faith-based funds, place a higher priority on select ESG factors and may have potential risks and performance trade-offs.
How did sustainable investments perform in 2022?
ESG investment strategies generally performed in line with their relative asset classes in 2022, while certain thematic investing fared worse (see chart). ESG intentional funds prioritize both ESG considerations and investment fundamentals and may, for example, allow managers to own energy companies that are focused on policies around emissions and drilling. Climate-focused thematic funds, however, typically exclude traditional energy companies, which were among the best-performing sector last year.
How might increased scrutiny and regulation impact sustainable investing?
Last year was marked by increased concern from investors and regulators around potential ESG greenwashing practices, those that may mislead or overstate ESG principles. Some critics are pressing the asset management industry for more support of environmental initiatives, while others accuse it of boycotting traditional energy companies. Shareholders and regulators are now calling for more transparency, with the SEC proposing rule changes on ESG disclosures and other mandates.2 We believe increased regulation and enhanced ESG disclosures could help investors make better-informed decisions.
Action for investors
Sustainable investing is an investor preference and may also help address your financial and nonfinancial goals. For those interested, we provide advice and offer investment choices to help you invest in a sustainable way.
Important information: 1 ESG investing can further be broken into ESG integrated (using ESG factors as one part of the analysis) and ESG intentional (prioritizing ESG alongside traditional financial metrics). Visit edwardjones.com for full details. 2 The SEC proposed rule changes that would require registrants to include certain climate-related disclosures in their registration statements and periodic reports. Visit the SEC website for full details. |
Our strategic asset allocation represents our view of balanced diversification for the fixed-income and equity portions of a well-diversified portfolio, based on our outlook for the economy and markets over the next 30 years. The exact weightings (neutral weights) to each asset class depend on the broad allocation to equity and fixed-income investments that most closely aligns with your comfort with risk and financial goals.
Image Description: Within our strategic guidance, we recommend these asset classes, from highest to lowest weight:
Equity diversification: U.S. large-cap stocks, international large-cap stocks, U.S. mid-cap stocks, U.S. small-cap stocks, emerging-market stocks, international small- and mid-cap stocks.
Fixed-income diversification: U.S. investment-grade bonds, U.S. high-yield bonds, international bonds, international high-yield bonds, cash.
Image Description: Within our strategic guidance, we recommend these asset classes, from highest to lowest weight:
Equity diversification: U.S. large-cap stocks, international large-cap stocks, U.S. mid-cap stocks, U.S. small-cap stocks, emerging-market stocks, international small- and mid-cap stocks.
Fixed-income diversification: U.S. investment-grade bonds, U.S. high-yield bonds, international bonds, international high-yield bonds, cash.
Our opportunistic asset allocation represents our timely investment advice based on current market conditions and our outlook over the next one to three years. We believe incorporating this guidance into your portfolio may enhance your potential for greater returns without taking on unintentional risk.
Image Description: Our opportunistic asset allocation guidance is as follows:
Equities — neutral overall; underweight — U.S. small-cap stocks; neutral — U.S. large-cap stocks, international large-cap stocks, U.S. mid-cap stocks, international small- and mid-cap stocks; overweight — emerging markets.
Fixed income — neutral overall; neutral — U.S. investment-grade bonds, U.S. high-yield bonds, international bonds, international high-yield bonds, cash.
Image Description: Our opportunistic asset allocation guidance is as follows:
Equities — neutral overall; underweight — U.S. small-cap stocks; neutral — U.S. large-cap stocks, international large-cap stocks, U.S. mid-cap stocks, international small- and mid-cap stocks; overweight — emerging markets.
Fixed income — neutral overall; neutral — U.S. investment-grade bonds, U.S. high-yield bonds, international bonds, international high-yield bonds, cash.
Visit edwardjones.com for a discussion of portfolio performance.
It’s natural to compare your portfolio’s performance to market performance benchmarks, but it’s important to put this information in the right context and understand the mix of investments you own. Talk with your financial advisor about any next steps for your portfolio to help you stay on track toward your long-term goals.
Total returns | Q4 | 1-year | 3-year | 5-year |
---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. cash | 1% | 2% | 1% | 1% |
U.S. bonds | 2% | -13% | -3% | 0% |
U.S. high-yield bonds | 4% | -11% | 0% | 2% |
International high-yield bonds | 7% | -15% | -4% | 0% |
International bonds | 0% | -10% | -3% | 1% |
U.S. large-cap stocks | 8% | -18% | 8% | 9% |
International large-cap stocks | 17% | -14% | 1% | 2% |
U.S. mid-cap stocks | 9% | -17% | 6% | 7% |
U.S. small-cap stocks | 6% | -20% | 3% | 4% |
International small- & mid-cap stocks | 16% | -21% | -1% | 0% |
Emerging market stocks | 10% | -20% | -3% | -1% |
Large-cap growth index | 2% | -29% | 8% | 11% |
Large-cap value index | 12% | -8% | 6% | 7% |
International large-cap value index | 20% | -6% | 1% | 0% |
International large-cap growth index | 15% | -23% | 0% | 2% |
Muni's | 4% | -6% | 0% | 1% |
HY Muni | 3% | -13% | -1% | 3% |
Total returns | Q4 | 1-year | 3-year | 5-year |
---|---|---|---|---|
Consumer Discretionary | -10.2 | -37.0 | 1.5 | 6.1 |
Consumer Staples | 12.7 | -0.6 | 9.3 | 8.8 |
Energy | 22.8 | 65.7 | 19.3 | 9.3 |
Financials | 13.6 | -10.5 | 5.9 | 6.4 |
Health Care | 12.8 | -2.0 | 11.9 | 12.5 |
Industrials | 19.2 | -5.5 | 8.3 | 7.4 |
Technology | 4.7 | -28.2 | 11.6 | 15.8 |
Materials | 15.0 | -12.3 | 10.5 | 7.5 |
Communication Services | -1.4 | -39.9 | -3.3 | 1.0 |
Utilities | 8.6 | 1.6 | 6.3 | 9.6 |
S&P 500 | 7.6 | -18.1 | 7.7 | 9.4 |
Source: Morningstar Direct, 12/31/2022. Cash represented by the Bloomberg US Treasury Bellwethers 3-Month index. U.S. investment-grade bonds represented by the Bloomberg US Aggregate index. U.S. high-yield bonds represented by the Bloomberg US HY 2% Issuer cap index. International bonds represented by the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Ex USD hedged index. International high-yield bonds represented by the Bloomberg Emerging Market USD Aggregate Index. U.S. large-cap stocks represented by the S&P 500 Index. Developed international large-cap stocks represented by the MSCI EAFE index. U.S. mid-cap stocks represented by the Russell Mid-cap index. U.S. small-cap stocks represented by the Russell 2000 Index. International small- and mid-cap stocks represented by the MSCI EAFE SMID index. Emerging markets represented by the MSCI EM index. All performance data reported as total return. An index is unmanaged and is not available for direct investment. Performance does not include payment of any expenses, fees, or sales charges, which would lower the performance results. The value of investments fluctuates, and investors can lose some or all of their principal. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
The above tables compare fourth-quarter performance in varying asset classes and stock market sectors with one-year, three-year and five-year returns. Among asset classes, cash rose 1% in the fourth quarter, U.S. investment-grade bonds rose 2%, U.S. high-yield bonds rose 4%, international bonds were flat, international high-yield bonds rose 7%, U.S. large-cap stocks rose 8%, international large-cap stocks rose 17%, U.S. mid-cap stocks rose 9%, U.S. small-cap stocks rose 6%, international small- and mid-cap stocks rose 16%, and emerging-market stocks rose 10%. In stock market sectors, communication services fell 1.4% in the third quarter, consumer discretionary dropped 10.2%, consumer staples rose 12.7%, energy rose 22.8%, financials rose 13.6%, health care rose 12.8%, industrials rose 19.2%, materials rose 15%, technology rose 4.7%, and utilities rose 8.6%. The S&P 500 rose 7.6% in the fourth quarter.
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