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LPL Research presents:

OUTLOOK

2024

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A Turning Point

At LPL Research, we believe markets in 2024 will make a definitive turn to a more recognizable place. En route, the transition will be marked by meaningful shifts in a few key areas. Inflation is going down. The risk of a recession is bubbling up again as the effect of post-pandemic stimulus wanes. And the end of the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) rate-hiking campaign is indeed upon us.

All of this said, it doesn’t mean that 2024 won’t have its own surprises or potential challenges. Reflecting on 2023, we certainly experienced our fair share of unexpected events. There was positive news: The U.S. economy was strong and the stock market performed relatively well, despite the Fed tightening monetary policy and raising interest rates. On the downside, we faced a regional banking crisis driven by interest rate risk and saw escalating conflict in the Middle East, reminding us that markets are seemingly constantly overcoming obstacles.

LPL Research’s Outlook 2024: A Turning Point provides insight and analysis into next year’s opportunities, challenges, and potential surprises. We understand that making progress toward long-term financial goals requires a strong plan and sound advice. The insights in this report, combined with guidance from a financial professional, will help position investors to navigate this turning point and work toward achieving their objectives.

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Despite a likely mild recession in 2024, both bonds and stocks should do well as we anticipate the Federal Reserve will begin to roll back some of 2023’s interest rate increases.

- Marc Zabicki, LPL Chief Investment Officer
Money Money Money

Select an overview topic below to view each topic’s analysis summary.

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Economy Overview

The economy grew faster than expected in recent quarters, unemployment remained historically low, and activity in some sectors grew (e.g., homebuilding), despite the macro headwinds. The labor market seemed to be a boon for workers, in prime position to bargain for better pay and more benefits. In 2024, we believe a recession is likely to emerge as consumers buckle under debt burdens and use up their excess savings, but a Fed that is sensitive to risk management might provide an offset by taking interest rates down again in the new year. Inflation may still remain a concern, but the Fed will likely be less laser-focused given the trajectory is going in the right direction. In sum, we expect a mild recession to occur in 2024, although that may usher in some interest rate decreases from the Fed and offset some of the economic and market impact.

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Geopolitics Overview

With the onset of the war in the Middle East, geopolitical concerns have broadened as global leaders and diplomats attempt to forge agreements and try to encourage containment of the war. Meanwhile, losses continue to be absorbed by both Russia and Ukraine—amid debates across NATO about the monetary and political costs associated with supplying Ukraine with military equipment. As part of this backdrop, the U.S. has focused on keeping China from acquiring advanced semiconductor technology that can be applied to its expanding military buildup. We are not expecting the geopolitical backdrop to get materially better in 2024, yet history tells us that this risk alone is often not enough to derail opportunities in capital markets.

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Stocks Overview

Following the Fed’s aggressive rate-hiking campaign in 2022 and 2023, stocks are entering a phase in which market participants will be focused on interest-rate stability—as inflation, we believe, comes down further. Meanwhile, interest rate stabilization should help support stock valuations. And while rates may be the most impactful driver of stock valuations, corporate profits are moving into a sweet spot. Stocks look fully valued at current interest rates, but if rates ease as we expect, we see upside to a year-end 2024 fair-value target range of 4,850 to 4,950. This is based on a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of near 19.5 and our 2025 S&P 500 earnings per share (EPS) estimate of $250. Thus, we believe stocks could provide mid-to-high single digit returns in 2024. Risks include a potential widening conflict in the Middle East or Europe, an increase in U.S.-China tensions, and reacceleration in inflation that pushes interest rates higher.

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Commodities Overview

With renewed expectations that the Chinese economy could be supported by a broad fiscal package, coupled with forecasts that many global central banks have completed their respective rate-hiking campaigns, the economic backdrop should remain constructive for oil demand. A potential widening of the Middle East conflict could send prices sharply higher amid tight stockpiles of crude and OPEC+ production cuts. However, should the global economy slow materially more than projected, crude demand may be somewhat offset. A more aggressive fiscal package from China, targeted for infrastructure spending, is a possible catalyst for industrial metals. Precious metals, especially gold, have seen prices rise amid heightened geopolitical and currency risk, and will garner further support in 2024 if the markets continue to consider those risks.

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Bonds Overview

The move higher in yields in 2023 was unrelenting, rising alongside a U.S. economy that continued to outperform expectations. With a still-resilient economy to-date, we think Treasury yields could stay relatively high in the near-term, although rates may subside a bit versus the 2023 volatility we have witnessed. Issuance of Treasury securities to fund budget deficits and the potential for the Bank of Japan (BOJ) to finally end its aggressively loose monetary policies in 2024 could keep some upward pressure on yields. However, the big move in yields may have already taken place, and with a potential directional change in interest rates likely coming in 2024, we believe bonds offer compelling value.

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Alternative Investments Overview

After the strong recovery of the equity markets this year and the continued rise of short-term yields, markets have started to calibrate for the new market era. This new direction includes greater dispersion and volatility amid continued decoupling of global economic and policy actions, slowing economic activity, and rising geopolitical risks. All of this adds up to an environment that’s conducive for strategies that are nimble, can generate excess returns from both top-down macroeconomic forecasts as well as bottom-up fundamental analysis, have limited stock market sensitivity, and benefit from the rise in volatility. In our view, this could be an opportunity to own global macro hedge fund strategies as well as select private credit and infrastructure investments.

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Currencies Overview

The U.S. dollar staged a strong comeback over the second half of 2023. Capital usually goes where it is treated best, and global capital was enticed back to the U.S. on clearer prospects of economic growth and higher rates of return. The dollar remains quite overvalued, however, on a purchasing power parity basis against currencies like the yen, euro, and British pound. But unless global markets witness a more persistent shift toward synchronized global growth, a scenario we are not expecting, foreign currencies as a whole will likely struggle to meaningfully outpace the dollar. Meanwhile, the clear risk for the euro heading into 2024 is that the European Central Bank (ECB) will be forced to aggressively reverse its current tighter policy stance.

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Disclosure

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 or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Any economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and are subject to change.

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.

All index data from FactSet.

All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy

For a list of descriptions of the indexes and economic terms referenced, please visit our website at lplresearch.com/definitions

This research material has been prepared by LPL Financial LLC.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. To the extent you are receiving investment advice from a separately registered independent investment advisor that is not an LPL affiliate, please note LPL makes no representation with respect to such entity.

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