Why International Stocks May Continue To Outperform In 2017

When asked how he was able to be such a successful hitter, baseball great Willie Keeler famously responded “I hit them where they ain’t!” In other words, he saw an opening that others weren’t watching, and he aimed for it. Applied to investing, that same philosophy can sometimes eventually pay off.

For example, consider international stock markets and the fact that they have lagged behind the U.S. stock market for the past five calendar years. The MSCI EAFE index (a major indicator of international stock performance) was negative in 2014 and 2015 and eked out a miniscule 1% return in 2016. (source: MSCI Index (USD) /2017/06/30).These disappointing years for international markets occurred during a relatively strong period for U.S. stocks.

This divergence between the U.S. and international market returns led many U.S. investors to have a “home-team” bias, favoring domestic investment and largely ignoring global opportunities. It’s understandable: who wants to bet on the other team when the home team is doing so well? But when investors take a long-term approach, they often end up benefiting from a market adjustment that can reward areas of the markets that have been lagging

Now, in the second half of 2017, “home-team investors” may now find themselves under-allocated in international stocks. In the first six months of 2017, the MSCI EAFE index is finally outperforming many U.S. indices including the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average.(source: MSCI Index (USD) /2017/06/30).

To continue the baseball analogy, because the European and other global markets have trailed for so long, their market recoveries appear to be in only the fourth or fifth innings, while the U.S. market is seeing a rally that may put us closer to the eighth or ninth innings.

To be sure, the U.S. stock market continues to exhibit strength through strong corporate earnings, a favorable regulatory regime, and hopes of tax reform. But here are three reasons why investors may score higher returns overseas in the second half of 2017:

1. Relative valuation. Investing is a relative value game. Based on their respective earnings, stocks in developed Europe are selling for less than their U.S. counterparts. For example, many major European Union (EU) stock markets trade at a lower “forward-earnings” (projected-earnings) multiple than the U.S. This is especially true if we look at the lofty multiple that the NASDAQ and small-cap Russell 2000 indices carry.
2. Stronger global corporate earnings. Overseas corporations are increasingly posting positive earnings surprises. Many analysts believe this presages an end to the economic malaise plaguing major developed-market economies.(source: cnbc.com/2017/05/15). This belief is supported by an uptick in economic activity and higher gross domestic product (GDP) for many EU economies thus far in 2017. (source: bloomberg.com/news 2017-05-11). In fact, growth in the Eurozone may approach 2.0% in 2018. While this number may not seem noteworthy relative to some other expansions, it would represent a significant improvement over recent years.
3. Continued central bank easing. The European Central Bank (ECB) and Bank of Japan (BOJ) are on a course to continue a more accommodative (lower interest rate) monetary policy. Despite the stronger economic data, the ECB and BOJ will avoid any significant tightening of monetary policy, as that could threaten their economic and stock market recoveries. Furthermore, should the ECB or BOJ tighten monetary policy, it could also strengthen their currencies which, in turn, could hurt their exports. Therefore, we expect the EU and Japan to keep interest rates low. Should the U.S. complain that these Central Banks are deliberately manipulating their currencies by keeping interest rates low, the EU and Japan have only to say that they learned this strategy from the U.S. and that they are just a few years—or a few innings—behind us.

Learn more about Mark Avallone’s recently released book, Countdown To Financial Freedom

Mark Avallone, MBA, CFP®, CRPS®. www.PotomacWealth.com

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This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding any funds or stocks in particular, nor should it be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell a security. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested. Diversification and asset allocation do not guarantee against loss. They are methods used to manage risk.
* Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance.
*The economic forecasts set forth in the presentation may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful.
* Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding any funds or stocks in particular, nor should it be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell a security. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investments will fluctuate and when redeemed may be worth more or less than when originally invested.

About Mark Avallone, MBA, CFP®, CRPS®, AIF®

Mark Avallone is the author of Countdown To Financial Freedom, and founder and President of Potomac Wealth Advisors, LLC a financial advisory firm serving clients through holistic financial planning and wealth management. Avallone writes on a variety of financial topics, and his contributions have appeared in the Wall Street Journal as well as in Forbes where he is a regular contributor. He is a frequent guest on CNBC, the Fox Business Network, and local NBC, CBS, and Fox affiliates in Washington, DC. His insights have also been published in USA Today, U.S. News & World Report, The Washington Post, and other leading publications   Securities and advisory services offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services offered through Potomac Wealth Advisors, LLC or CES Insurance Agency. www.finra.org and www.sipc.com This communication is strictly intended for individuals residing in the states of AZ, CA, CO, DE, DC, FL, GA, MD, MA, MO, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OR, PA, SC, TX, VT, VA. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident outside these states due to various state regulations and registration requirements regarding investment products and services. Potomac Wealth Advisors, LLC, 15245 Shady Grove Rd., Ste 410, Rockville, MD 20850 301-279-2221

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