First, let’s continue to revisit our Virus Crisis Exit Playbook, which we have had in place since late March and will continue to publish until we have a vaccination solution (meaning polio or measles-type percentage effectiveness) or cure. Nothing is really normal in the global economy until one of those occurs and we believe that a disciplined approach utilizing the Playbook, as well as consistent and clear communications to Advisors and Clients regarding it, are “best practices” in these times of confusion, fear, greed and occasional panic. As mentioned in last month’s Markets in Motion and our recent webinars we believe the best move is to hedge by participating in all three scenarios until there is more clarity regarding economic fundamentals. The COVID-19 crash has been a stark reminder to expect the unexpected. With behavioral finance engrained in our DNA, we rely on our consistent process and diversification to help us weather storms. So, with that in mind, let’s gain some perspective on near-term risks on the “radar” and why, ultimately, stocks and other risk assets can continue to move higher.

1) COVID-19

Has Not Gone Away in the United StatesThere has been a new wave of Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations in the southern and western US. Reopening in some hard-hit states – Texas, Arizona, California, and Florida – has already started to slow as governors reimpose restrictions on bars, restaurants and other high-density venues. There is evidence in mobility and consumer spending data that the US economic recovery has been put on pause. However, we believe the likelihood of more draconian lockdowns and a subsequent severe downturn is slim. Therefore, the main risk is the continued presence of COVID-19 at high levels into the fall, as more activities move indoors and thus, the rate of transmission increases. COVID-19 is a downside risk we will not ignore, and while that might cost us some performance advantage on the upside, it will protect Clients against nasty drawdowns.

2) The Looming Fiscal Cliff

Congress has mostly plugged the hole in revenues and wages for the private sector, but if fiscal hawks succeed in reducing support this month, the impact would be dire. Imagine if, instead of the CARES Act, we endured a repetition of the House TARP rejection in September 2008; the analogous S&P plunge would have been to 1720! However, with 2008 still fresh on policymakers’ minds, we see a high probability that Congress will reach some deal on a new aid package, but the real question is whether it will target schools (a reopening cannot work without funding its COVID-19 cost) and municipalities, who have seen tax revenues vaporize over the last five months. Basic services, health, schools, police are all in jeopardy. Stimulus remains politically popular nationwide, and more importantly, in swing states – the US elections, believe it or not, are only four months away! We will have plenty of commentary on this topic over the next several months and its effects on asset markets.

Due to these risks, markets will likely trade nervously over the coming weeks. However, the new bull market will
continue. The primary reason? It might seem crazy to conclude that the fair value of the S&P 500 may have increased at a time when the US and the rest of the world have plunged into the deepest recession since the 1930s, but, thanks to extremely low bond yields, extraordinary fiscal stimulus and central bank support, that is exactly what has happened. But corporate earnings will eventually matter again so choosing the right regions, sectors and factor exposure will be as important as ever. We will continue to monitor financial conditions and stand ready if our risk management process warrants action.

With this month’s moves, we initiated a position in US Biotechnology, a sector with more clarity on the earnings front and positive secular tailwinds in a post-COVID world. Additionally, we put on a US Treasuries hedge against risk in the short-term.

Finally, know that all our Strategies will adapt to fundamental or rules – based, not emotional influences. We seek opportunities for solid risk adjusted returns and to preserve capital in asset market downturns.

Recent Portfolio Changes

We initiated a position in US Biotechnology. With a strategic technical setup, clarity on the earnings front, and secular tailwinds in place, we believe Biotech is a great sector to own, both during and after the virus.

We initiated a position in Long Term US Treasuries. We own duration as a hedge against near-term risks.

¹ Information as of 6/30/2020. Individual account allocations may differ slightly from model allocations

² Contains international exposure

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The JAForlines Global Tactical Allocation Portfolio composite was created July 1, 2009. The JAForlines Global Tactical Income Portfolio composite was created August 1, 2014. The JAForlines Global Tactical Growth Portfolio composite was created April 1, 2016. The JAForlines Global Tactical Conservative Portfolio composite was created January 1, 2018.

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