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Green Book March 1997

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Featured Articles

A Sector Dissection of the S&P 500

Jim Floyd’s breakdown of eleven broad sectors within the S&P 500. The S&P 500 experienced 24 component stock changes during 1996. New component additions were not balanced within the sectors by the stock deletions.

Bond Market Summary

Bond rally should be rekindled by mid-year. U.S. yields remain relatively high compared to foreign yields. Bonds expected to outperform stocks over next 6-12 months.

Current Outlook

It’s “Never Never Land”...stock market now above all past valuation extremes. Ultimately, a big bear market is out there, but shorter term the market may go higher.

Earnings Up/Down Ratio: Powerful Fourth Quarter Momentum

Earnings momentum studies indicating a re-acceleration rather than a continuation of the earnings slowdown we’ve been seeing. Earnings up/down ration at 2.20. One of the strongest ever recorded.

February Mutual Fund Flows

Revised January 1997 U.S. equity mutual fund flows of $23.4 billion, setting an all-time record. February’s estimate of $20 billion brings YTD U.S. focus fund flows to $43 billion, well ahead of last year’s record pace.

Joke of the Month

Last issue’s “View from the North Country” was entirely devoted to 1997’s Fearless Forecasts. Thus, no joke of the month. So, in this issue two blue ribbons will be awarded.

Playing the Bounce Update

This year we did not employ this late 1996-early 1997 tactical trading strategy. Nevertheless, some of our readers did employ the strategy, so we continue to monitor performance.

Scanning the Markets

Year to date, both the DJIA and the S&P 500 have outperformed 55 of the 73 sectors we track (75%).

Worth Noting and Quoting

Reasonable valuations(?), risk reductions and the wealth effect.

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