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Gary Shilling, A. Gary Shilling & Co.

Portfolio > Economy & Markets

Gary Shilling: Investment Climate 'Unhealthy' for Stocks

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Stocks continue to post strong gains, but the economic and market backdrop indicate investors could encounter rough seas, economist and investment advisor A. Gary Shilling suggested Monday in his monthly Insight newsletter.

“U.S. stocks have been robust, but this may be the calm before the storm,” Shilling wrote.

“The current investment climate is unhealthy. Economic growth has slowed, stocks are expensive, the Fed is unlikely to cut interest rates in the near term and speculation is still rampant and begging to be slashed,” he said.

The U.S. economy appears stable although inflation sits above the Fed’s 2.0% target, while the central bank appears to be in no hurry to push it down, Shilling noted.

The inverted yield curve and declining leading indicators index point to recession, he said, citing other “worrying” signs, including declining money supply growth, rising continuing unemployment claims, quit rates falling faster than new hires and shrinking job openings.

“Housing continues in a funk, and office buildings are a drag on the market. Consumer spending is dropping and households are switching to cheaper house brands while avoiding boats, RVs and other luxuries,” Shilling said.

A key measure for global industrial activity, copper prices, are down from their May peak, he noted.

As for the fixed income market, the advisor wrote, “Treasury notes and bonds look attractive for price appreciation as inflation abates and a possible recession promotes their safe-haven appeal.”

Shilling continues to recommend that investors:

  • Go long the U.S. dollar against other major currencies as the world’s premier safe-haven and as relatively-high interest rates attract foreign money.
  • Go long Treasury bonds, which have rallied since mid-February and should rise further when the Fed eases credit.
  • Avoid speculative stocks such as the Magnificent Seven, AI, SPACs, Nvidia and crypto securities.
  • Switch Asian investments from China to India.
  • Hold extra cash to prepare for later economic and financial market strength.

Pictured: Gary Shilling


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