While the S&P 500 Index had no appreciation in 2011, it did produce a total return of 2.1%, all of which were generated from dividends.  However, most major stock indices incurred negative total returns in 2011.  In particular, international markets were down sharply due to the economic problems in Europe.  Small company stocks and emerging market securities suffered as investors shifted from higher to lower risk assets.  U.S. markets enjoyed a strong recovery in the fourth quarter, as fears of a recession receded due to better-than-expected economic performance and strong corporate earnings.  Gross domestic product (GDP), unemployment, and housing statistics each showed signs of improvement. 

Ironically, even though the S&P 500 Index had no change in value for the year, it was one of the most volatile years on record.  It was like a roller coaster with numerous drops, dips, and inversions that ended up at the same place it started – but left most of its riders nauseous.  From its high point on April 29 to its lowest level on October 4, the S&P 500 declined 19.4%.  The headlines in the summer and fall regarding U.S. and foreign debt problems caused markets to be extremely skittish.  Since August 1, the S&P 500 Index closed more than 2% lower or higher than its previous day’s closing price on 32% of all trading days.  It moved more than 3% from its previous day’s close on 11% of all trading days.

More so than in most years, economic circumstances were being dictated by politicians and bureaucrats rather than market forces, both in the U.S. and overseas.  The actions and inactions by Congress, the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and politicians across Europe created an extreme level of uncertainty for investors.  Uncertainty usually equates to risk and greater market volatility.

While negative for stocks, this heightened sense of risk was positive for the U.S. government bond market.  As investors looked to escape foreign bonds and the volatile stock market, they moved money into U.S. government bonds.  This occurred despite a downgrading of the U.S. credit rating, the lack of a solution to U.S. fiscal problems, and the ever expanding federal deficit.  Demand for government bonds pushed down the interest rate on the 10-year Treasury Bond to 1.88% at year end from 3.30% at the end of 2010.  The BarCap U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, the broadest benchmark of the U.S. bond market, produced a total return of 7.8% in 2011. 

In the preceding table, which summarizes equity performance and appears in each quarterly letter, the MSCI Emerging Market Index has been added.  Emerging markets, which include China, Brazil, India, and Russia have grown significantly over the past two decades.  These four countries now rank as the second, sixth, ninth and eleventh largest economies in the world according to the International Monetary Fund.  In 2011, Brazil passed the United Kingdom to move into sixth place.  According to MSCI, the market value of emerging market equities grew from 1% of global market value in 1988 to 14% in 2010.   Over this time frame, emerging markets have produced significantly higher returns for investors than developed markets, however, this performance has been accompanied by a higher level of price volatility.  Despite a very poor performance in 2011, emerging markets offer investors excellent long-term appreciation potential as emerging economies continue to grow at a rate that is significantly higher than developed markets.

There are a number of factors that should contribute to positive stock market performance in 2012.  Stocks are cheap by historical standards, corporate earnings are at record levels and are expected to increase, corporate balance sheets are in great shape, and stocks’ dividend yields compare favorably with interest from bonds.  However, these factors are primarily offset by serious fiscal problems facing the governments of most developed countries.  In addition, many investors have lost interest in equities due to their underperformance during the past ten years.

It is likely that it will take a while for the global economy to regain its momentum.  However, in many respects, corporations have adjusted their business models to deal with this new reality and have prospered in a difficult environment.  In this regard, investors with patience, investment discipline, and a long-term perspective are likely to be rewarded as the economy gradually recovers and confidence returns to equity investing.

John D. Frankola, CFA