10 Reasons to Stay Invested in Equities

2022年11月7日
8 min read

Equity investors have sustained significant losses this year and are facing a long list of new uncertainties. But despite recent market disruptions, there are still good reasons to stay invested in stocks as an integral part of a long-term investment plan—and good ways to reduce the risks that come with investing in equities.

1. Equity markets generally rise over time.

It can be unnerving to ride the roller coaster of market volatility, and there are still formidable risks ahead. But the facts speak for themselves: equities have historically paid off for patient investors in the form of long-term price appreciation. In fact, trying to get in and out of the market can be costlier than sticking it out through challenging times, which we address in point #10 . While the S&P 500—the standard bearer of US large-cap equity performance—has experienced periodic bouts of volatility throughout history, the long-term upward trend is clear (Display).

US Equities: A Steady Upward March
The S&P 500 has risen from the 1920s through the present, despite short-term volatility.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Through September 30, 2022 
Source: Bloomberg and AllianceBernstein (AB) 

2. For long-term investors, equities are still the best way to grow capital.

Fixed-income allocations are a foundational component of a diversified investment strategy and can provide ballast when equity markets take a turn for the worse. Over an extended period, however, stocks still provide more attractive long-term growth potential. In fact, looking at rolling 10-year periods from 1990 to present, large-cap stocks outperformed US investment-grade bonds roughly 80% of the time, while large-cap global stocks outperformed global investment-grade bonds more than three-quarters of the time (Display).

Stocks Have Outperformed Over Time
Since 1990, US stocks have outperformed bonds 80% of the time, while global stocks have outperformed bonds 77% of the time.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. 
US equities represented by S&P 500 Total Return, US bonds represented by Bloomberg US Aggregate Bond Total Return USD, global equities represented by MSCI World Total Return USD, global bonds represented by Bloomberg Global Aggregate Bond Total Return USD. 
February 1, 1990, through September 30, 2022
Source: Bloomberg, Morningstar, S&P and AB 

3. Interest rates are still relatively low, while stocks appear reasonably priced.

Although interest rates have risen sharply over the past two years, they’re quite low from a historical perspective (Display). And while higher rates could put the brakes on economic growth, we believe there’s little risk that rates will climb to the highs seen in the early 1980s. Currently, fed funds futures imply that the fed funds rate will top out slightly above 5% by mid-2023. Even in the context of higher rates, however, the earnings yield of stocks exceeds both its own long-term average and the 10-year Treasury yield (Display). Translation: we believe stocks still look reasonably priced relative to bonds.

Interest Rates Still Low from a Historical Standpoint
10-Year Treasury Yield (Percent)
While interest rates have risen of late, they are still below levels seen since the 1960s.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. 
Through September 30, 2022 
Source: Bloomberg and AB 

Stocks Reasonably Priced Relative to Bonds
The S&P 500 earnings yield (EPS as percentage of share price) is still above the 10-year Treasury yield.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. 
Earnings yield denotes a company's earnings per share (EPS) expressed as a percentage of its current share price. Calculated using trailing 12-month diluted EPS from continuing operations. 
Through September 30, 2022 
Source: Bloomberg, S&P and AB 

4. Despite pressure on valuations, earnings have held up so far.

While multiples have taken a hit over the past year, corporate earnings have held up relatively well, suggesting that the valuation excesses of the past bull market are undergoing a correction—particularly among unprofitable technology companies. To be sure, disappointments have begun to surface in third-quarter earnings reports, with strong results in the energy sector masking downgrades in other sectors. Ultimately, though, we believe a less-speculative environment could lend greater importance to company fundamentals. Active management can help uncover companies with strong cash flows, earnings and margin resiliency that are not only able to withstand market disruptions but are also positioned to outperform in a recovery.

5. Earnings declines in high-inflation environments have historically been mild.

Given the exceedingly tight labor market, analysts differ on whether the US economy is technically experiencing a recession. Still, concerns are mounting that tighter monetary policy could eventually trigger a US recession. Europe is also vulnerable to recession, given the region’s acute energy crisis. The silver lining is that peak-to-trough declines in corporate earnings during inflation-fueled recessions have historically been mild. In particular, during three inflationary periods covering 1990, 2001 and 2007, earnings declined just 15.3% from peak to trough. By comparison, earnings fell by nearly 45% during low-inflation recessions.1

6. A focus on quality companies can help buffer against the effects of inflation.

Rising inflation has the potential to erode the real value of investment returns. Fortunately, investors have a number of solutions they can put to use, including a diversified real-asset strategy. But one of the most effective approaches is to seek out quality companies with a wide economic moat, secular growth potential and strong pricing power—all of which can result in earnings resilience, even during inflationary periods. High-quality stocks can be found in a diverse range of sectors and industries, and include growth companies, as well those more sensitive to economic cycles.

7. Stocks have historically performed well in periods of moderate inflation.

This isn’t the first time investors have faced rising prices. Fortunately, the historical record is encouraging. Moderately high inflation has generally supported equity multiples, and equities have delivered solid returns during periods of moderate inflation for more than seven decades. So, if inflation ultimately settles down below 4%, we believe stocks should do well.

8. Today’s light positioning in equities could provide future technical support.

Because market sentiment around equities has turned negative, many investors have maintained a relatively light allocation in stocks, which has put a damper on investment returns. So far in 2022, globally distributed equity funds have seen significant outflows, with nearly consistent outflows from equity funds since June 2022. If investors detect that inflation is peaking and consumer sentiment improves, flows could reverse course, providing equities with much-needed technical support.

9. US stock buybacks have continued at a breakneck pace.

Continuing a trend that began after passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, US companies are repurchasing shares at a breakneck pace. In 2021 alone, S&P 500 firms bought back a record $882 billion of stock. Through August 2022, that figure has exceeded $500 billion. In addition to showing confidence in a company’s growth prospects, buybacks can support asset values by boosting a company’s earnings per share. As part of a broader capital return strategy that may also include dividends, stock buybacks can provide an additional layer of support against equity volatility.

10. Staying the course is a proven strategy.

During periods of market turbulence, it can be tempting for investors to reduce equity exposure as the market is selling off. However, attempting to time the markets is a flawed strategy, as investors tend to react by selling after stocks have already fallen in value, thereby locking in losses. Conversely, it’s easy to miss the full benefit of a recovery if you don’t get in at just the right time.

Looking back two decades from October 1, 2002, through September 30, 2022, the MSCI World Total Return delivered an annualized return of 8.65%. Absent the five best market days of that period, however, its annualized return would have dropped 197 basis points to 6.68%. In dollar terms, sitting out those five days would have cut the total gain by $161 for each initial $100 invested over the 20-year period (Display).

Sitting on the Sidelines Can Hurt Returns
From $100, the MSCI World Index TR would have generated $161 less over a 20-year period absent the five best market days.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. 
Through September 30, 2022
Source: Morningstar, MSCI and AB 

It may seem hard to stay in the market when losses are mounting and uncertainty looms, but based on historical experience through multiple market crises, staying the course can be an effective route to benefit from a market recovery.

1.Source: Credit Suisse, “U.S. Equity Strategy: CS Guide to Recessions,” August 17, 2022

The views expressed herein do not constitute research, investment advice or trade recommendations and do not necessarily represent the views of all AB portfolio-management teams. Views are subject to revision over time.

MSCI makes no express or implied warranties or representations, and shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any MSCI data contained herein.

Investment involves risk. The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this publication. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this publication. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor's personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer of solicitation for the purchase or sale of, any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates. This presentation is issued by AllianceBernstein Hong Kong Limited (聯博香港有限公司) and has not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission.


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