The specter of a U.S. federal government shutdown continues to loom this week as Congress has just 12 days to agree on a budget before the October 1 deadline. House Republicans released a temporary measure on Sunday which could push the deadline out another month, with the hopes of a final solution coming in the interim. However, that proposal has encountered pushback even from within their own ranks, not to mention from across the aisle, and has yet to be voted on. The bad news is it looks like the government is headed for another shutdown; the good news is the stock market has seen this before.
The government has had 20 shutdowns since 1976. The average length of those shutdowns was eight days. The most recent, which started in December 2018, and extended into 2019, was the longest in history and lasted 34 days. The chart below, with data provided by Strategas Research Partners, shows the duration of each shutdown since 1976.
As it has a reputation of doing, the stock market has been able to shrug off this gridlock in Washington. In fact, according to Dan Clifton, Policy Strategist at Strategas, during the 34 days of the most recent shutdown the index managed to return a whopping 10.27%. The simple average return of the S&P 500 during those 20 government shutdowns is 0.04%. The chart below shows the performance of the S&P 500 during each period.
Not only does the market usually hold up while lawmakers dither, but history also shows it bounces higher shortly after a resolution has been reached. During the one- and three-month periods following a budget being passed the average returns for the S&P 500 are 1.17% and 2.64%, respectively. Investors have been able to look past budget speedbumps as corporate earnings, the overall economic outlook, and other more impactful macroeconomic events took precedent. That said, certain segments of the market that rely on government contracts can be more susceptible to shutdowns. Typically, segments such as defense and life sciences pull back as their revenue sources become less clear; however, they tend to outperform once the spigots are turned back on.
While history has shown the stock market can weather such events, it remains to be determined if other secondary impacts will be felt (barring the unlikely event that a compromise is made before the deadline). Heightened political divisions, a slim majority in The House of Representatives, and intra-party factions could potentially prolong negotiations. An extended shutdown would put economic data aggregation in jeopardy as many government entities responsible for collection and dissemination would be dormant. This would put the data dependent Federal Reserve in an unenviable position as the market awaits its signals.
As always, if you have questions on this please don't hesitate to reach out to discuss how this may affect your own personal finances.
Sincerely,
Bryan Foronjy, CFP®
Founder and Principal Wealth Manager
Foronjy Financial
CA Insurance Lic. # 0F84170
Schedule an office (or phone) appointment here:
https://go.oncehub.com/MeetWithBryanForonjy
San Luis Obispo Office Contact Information:
(805) 543-1033
956 Walnut St, #200
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Santa Barbara Office Contact Information:
(805) 880-9444
401 Chapala St, #105
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Bryan Foronjy is a registered representative with, and securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Mariner Independent Advisor Network, a registered investment advisor. Mariner Independent Advisor Network and Foronjy Financial are separate entities from LPL Financial.
The information contained in this email message is being transmitted to and is intended for the use of only the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby advised that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please immediately delete.
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, please consult your financial professional prior to investing.
Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk in all market environments. For more information on the risks associated with the strategies and product types discussed please visit https://lplresearch.com/Risks
References to markets, asset classes, and sectors are generally regarding the corresponding market index. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.
Unless otherwise stated LPL Financial and the third party persons and firms mentioned are not affiliates of each other and make no representation with respect to each other. Any company names noted herein are for educational purposes only and not an indication of trading intent or a solicitation of their products or services.
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Not Insured by FDIC/NCUA or Any Other Government Agency | Not Bank/Credit Union Deposits or Obligations | Not Bank/Credit Union Guaranteed | May Lose Value
Tracking #480802