In an environment set up to be a lost decade for many traditional asset classes, a potentially compelling option is moving from a 60/40 to a 50/30/20 portfolio allocation model to integrate a fund like the Catalyst/Millburn Hedge Strategy Fund (MBXIX), which has generated positive returns in both bull and bear markets.
As we enter the second half of the year, many questions remain regarding the trajectory of financial markets and the economy. Our stance on stagflation (or "recession-inflation") remains steadfast. Drawing parallels to the mid-1970s, structurally, we are in a stagflation environment amid 41-year high supply-side inflation (driven by soaring oil prices and food prices), slowing GDP, and the eventual unravelment of the tight labor market.
Robert Kiyosaki recently tweeted, “The best time to prepare for a crash is before the crash. The biggest crash in world history is coming. The good news is the best time to get rich is during a crash. The bad news is the next crash will be a long one.”
The discretionary sector struggled as did all growth and quality-oriented areas of the market in 2022. That was a classic re-set and a raging opportunity to add exposure.
The Institute for Supply Management’s monthly survey of purchasing managers came in below expectations for August, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report indicated that nonfarm payrolls expanded by only 142,000 jobs during the month (against expectations of 161,000 jobs).