The S&P 500 Of 2008 May Signal The Next Big Move In Stocks
Summary
- Stocks have fallen sharply, but not as quickly as bonds.
- The dividend yield of the S&P 500 appears to be too low.
- Wider spreads suggest the S&P 500 dividend yield could rise further.
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KenCanning/E+ via Getty Images
It was another brutal week for stocks, with the S&P 500 (SP500, SPX) dropping by another 4.7% and well into bear market territory again. But what is clear about this 2022 bear market is that thus far, it is not all that different from 1937, 2000, and 2008 bear markets, and it continues to follow those paths.
Thus far, those bear markets have given us a reasonably good guide for what may happen next. Based on those charts, it looks like this recent slide lower in the S&P 500 isn't about to end anytime soon.
Bloomberg
Rates Rising Faster Than Stocks Are Dropping
This decline will likely continue because the stock decline has been slower than the rise in bond yields. The gross aggregate dividend yield for the S&P 500 has risen to 1.79%. That is in line with prior low yields seen at previous market peaks such as April 2010, February 2011, January 2018, October 2018, and February 2020. That floor in the dividend yield even goes back to around 2006.
Bloomberg
Additionally, since August 11, 2022, the S&P 500 dividend yield has risen by 28 bps. At the same time, the 10-Yr rate has increased by more than 110 bps since August 1. A massive divergence between rates and stocks. The S&P 500 dividend yield now trades 189 bps below the 10-yr rate, its lowest level since 2010.
Bloomberg
Rising Spreads
What is odd about this scenario is that spreads among bonds are currently rising as uncertainties are being priced into the market. For example, the Option Adjusted Spread for the US dollar Investment Grade All Cash Bonds Index has widened dramatically and is approaching its June and July peaks as the spread between stocks and bonds is making new lows.
Bloomberg
This IG OAS appears to lead the relationship between the 10-Yr Treasury rate and the S&P 500 dividend yield spread and could indicate that stocks will begin to see the spread with the 10-Yr rate rise back towards 0. It doesn't have to get to 0, of course, but just in that direction, as any move higher would suggest that the dividend yield of the S&P is rising towards the 10-Yr rate or that the 10-Yr rate is falling. But given the current state of inflation and monetary policy, it seems more likely for the dividend yield to rise towards the 10-yr rate.
Increasing Volatility
It is critical because a further rise in the S&P 500 dividend rate would suggest the index still has to fall from its closing price on September 23. In fact, what is interesting is that the Markit CDX High Yield Spread appears to be on its way back to its June highs. Historically, as this spread rises, the VIX index tends to follow. It seems the High Yield spread is moving higher towards or possibly beyond its June peak, implying that the VIX is likely to move back or beyond its peak thus far in 2022.
Bloomberg
Should spreads continue to widen on the bond side of the market, it will be a pretty good indication that volatility in the S&P 500 will pick up and that the VIX is going higher. A higher VIX would mean that the S&P 500 heads lower.
Lower Prices
The current analog between the S&P 500 of today versus 2008 also suggests there is still further to fall. Based on the recent movement in rates, the chances of the scenario for a further drop depicted in the analog with 2008 do not seem out of the question.
Bloomberg
Rates and spreads may now be an essential tool at your disposal to help guide you through these current market conditions. Should those spreads continue to rise, then there is likely to be more pain ahead for stocks.
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This article was written by
I am Michael Kramer, the founder of Mott Capital Management and creator of Reading The Markets, an SA Marketplace service. I focus on long-only macro themes and trends, look for long-term thematic growth investments, and use options data to find unusual activity.
I use my over 25 years of experience as a buy-side trader, analyst, and portfolio manager, to explain the twists and turns of the stock market and where it may be heading next. Additionally, I use data from top vendors to formulate my analysis, including sell-side analyst estimates and research, newsfeeds, in-depth options data, and gamma levels.
Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Additional disclosure: Charts used with the permission of Bloomberg Finance LP. This report contains independent commentary to be used for informational and educational purposes only. Michael Kramer is a member and investment adviser representative with Mott Capital Management. Mr. Kramer is not affiliated with this company and does not serve on the board of any related company that issued this stock. All opinions and analyses presented by Michael Kramer in this analysis or market report are solely Michael Kramer's views. Readers should not treat any opinion, viewpoint, or prediction expressed by Michael Kramer as a specific solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell a particular security or follow a particular strategy. Michael Kramer's analyses are based upon information and independent research that he considers reliable, but neither Michael Kramer nor Mott Capital Management guarantees its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. Michael Kramer is not under any obligation to update or correct any information presented in his analyses. Mr. Kramer's statements, guidance, and opinions are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Neither Michael Kramer nor Mott Capital Management guarantees any specific outcome or profit. You should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or investment commentary presented in this analysis. Strategies or investments discussed may fluctuate in price or value. Investments or strategies mentioned in this analysis may not be suitable for you. This material does not consider your particular investment objectives, financial situation, or needs and is not intended as a recommendation appropriate for you. You must make an independent decision regarding investments or strategies in this analysis. Upon request, the advisor will provide a list of all recommendations made during the past twelve months. Before acting on information in this analysis, you should consider whether it is suitable for your circumstances and strongly consider seeking advice from your own financial or investment adviser to determine the suitability of any investment.