November 2023 Outlook
In October, the S&P 500 continued to trend lower, driven by concerns that the Federal Reserve might have reached its terminal interest rate to combat inflation. The index dropped by 2.2%, and although inflation is down from its 2022 peak, it remains above the Fed’s target. Despite this, the U.S. economy shows resilience, and investors anticipate interest rate cuts in 2024.
Key factors in November include inflation and interest rates, with the consumer price index showing a year-over-year increase of 3.7% in September. U.S. GDP growth exceeded expectations, but economic growth is expected to slow in the coming months, possibly due to rising consumer debt and inflation.
The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates multiple times but may opt for one final rate hike in 2023. The bond market suggests a low probability of further rate hikes. The Fed faces a critical juncture in its battle against inflation and must navigate a potential economic slowdown without triggering a recession.
While the labor market remains strong, U.S. economic growth is expected to decelerate in the fourth quarter. Some believe there is a disconnect between robust economic data and lackluster stock market performance.
Earnings growth is impacted by rising interest rates and decreased consumer confidence. The third quarter is set to be the first quarter of positive earnings growth for the S&P 500 since 2022’s third quarter. Some sectors like communication services and consumer discretionary show significant earnings growth, while materials and energy sectors face declines.
Looking to November, the S&P 500 has yet to reach new all-time highs in 2023, but historical averages suggest potential gains in the year ahead. However, a cautious approach is recommended, considering the economic landscape and interest rate dynamics.
User Guide - Tracking the Spreads
What are spreads, and why should you care? I believe that tracking spreads is essential for making informed investment decisions. Each month I categorize stocks into tiers based on the spread between their calculated value and market value.
Here’s how it works:
STASH: This tier includes stocks with the largest spreads. These are the hidden gems that offer significant potential upside. Based on my valuation, now is the perfect time to capitalize on their undervalued status.
GATHER: Stocks in this tier have a substantial spread, but not as significant as those in the Stash tier. They still offer attractive opportunities for investment, and I recommend considering them for your portfolio.
STORE: The Store tier consists of stocks with modest or tightening spreads. While they may not have as much potential for immediate growth, they still hold value and can contribute to a balanced portfolio. Wayman holds these stocks, but I am not actively buying additional shares this month.
CACHE: In this tier, stocks have narrow or no spreads, indicating that their market value aligns closely with Wayman’s calculated value. It may be time to consider exiting positions in these stocks and reallocating your resources.
Categorizing stocks based on spreads helps you identify stocks with the greatest potential for growth. I believe in capturing maximum upside while minimizing potential losses, and Wayman’s tiered system allows you to prioritize your investment decisions.
Model Allocation
For the purpose of third-party portfolio tracking and validation we use the following model portfolio allocation:
65% invested in Stash tier stocks
30% invested in Gather tier stocks
5% invested in Store tier stocks
Wayman Value Investing Portfolio - November 2023
STASH
ASO - Academy Sports and Outdoors
APAM - Artisan Partners Asset Management
ATKR - Atkore
BERY - Berry Global Group
OBDC - Blue Owl Capital Corporation
CE - Celanese
CNC - Centene
CVS - CVS Health
EVR - Evercore
FOX - Fox Corporation
JPM - JPMorgan Chase & Co.
LAD - Lithia Motors
MTZ - MasTec
MCK - McKesson
PATK - Patrick Industries
SAH - Sonic Automotive
SYF - Synchrony Financial
TMHC - Taylor Morrison Home Corporation
GS - The Goldman Sachs Group
HIG - The Hartford Financial Services Group
TRV - The Travelers Companies
THO - Thor Industries
TPH - Tri Pointe Homes
TSN - Tyson Foods
VCTR - Victory Capital Holdings
GATHER
ALSN - Allison Transmission Holdings
ARCB - ArcBest
BLDR - Builders FirstSource
CACI - CACI International
CAH - Cardinal Health
EXPE - Expedia Group
GILD - Gilead Sciences
GL - Globe Life
GEF - Greif
DOOR - Masonite International
OC - Owens Corning
SAIC - Science Application International Corporation
SFM - Sprouts Farmers Market
SF - Stifel Financial
TROW - T. Rowe Price Group
ALL - The Allstate Corporation
CI - The Cigna Group
TOL - Toll Brothers
URBN - Urban Outfitters
WGO - Winnebago Industries
YELP - Yelp
STORE
ABBV - AbbVie
CENT - Central Garden & Pet Company
CTSH - Cognizant Technology Solutions
CORT - Corcept Therapeutics
FLT - FLEETCOR Technologies
HLI - Houlihan Lokey
LEN - Lennar Corporation
PGR - The Progressive Corporation
UHS - Universal Health Services