Market Recap: March 2021

March was another strong month for risk assets, particularly in the U.S. as vaccine manufacturing and distribution ramped up. Loosening COVID restrictions coupled with the new $1.9 trillion stimulus bill supported increased business activity and rising inflation expectations.

Brief Market Recap

Global Equities ended the first quarter with strong returns in March, led by sectors more sensitive to economic growth (i.e., industrials, materials, consumer discretionary). Private sector business activity was strong, led by service providers, however, manufacturing input costs for March recorded its second highest reading on record despite production reportedly held back by supply shortages. Accommodative monetary policy took a backseat on March 11th when President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a $1.9 trillion stimulus program aimed at supporting households and businesses during the transition toward more normal economic activity. 

While an uneven global economic recovery caused some supply chain disruptions, continued government stimulus reinforced further improvement and a generally optimistic tone. The Federal Reserve lifted its core PCE inflation estimate 0.4 percent to 2.2 percent during the first quarter. In our view, a backdrop of steadily rising official inflation data alongside economic growth should be supportive of risk assets.

Economic Growth Accelerated in March

U.S. business activity registered a substantial increase at the end of the first quarter. A rise in new orders contributed to the acceleration amid stronger demand and looser COVID-19 restrictions in some states. Manufacturing output remained strong but was limited by raw material shortages caused by the supply chain disruptions. 

However, the U.S. manufacturing sector registered the sharpest upturn in new business in almost seven years. The confluence of inventory restocking on a global scale amid an ongoing recovery in global supply chains spurred the sharpest increase of input costs in nearly a decade. As mobility increases and personal consumption normalizes, economic growth and modest inflationary pressures should benefit global equities and real assets.

Market Outlook

Positive vaccine developments and faster distribution were a tailwind for risk markets through the first quarter, particularly in the U.S. Those efforts remain a key focus as investors evaluate how further reopening measures will impact certain regions, industries and support more global growth. Despite the optimism and encouraging economic reports, we expect fiscal and monetary policy to remain accommodative in the near-term. The rebound from the March 2020 lows was nothing short of remarkable, but as the Federal Reserve reiterated at the last FOMC meeting, the road to full recovery is a long one. Healthier labor market conditions and higher business activity should benefit risk assets as we head into the spring. We are generally positive about the economic picture, but elevated equity valuations, historically low interest rates and tight spreads warrant some caution and remind us to maintain a diversified portfolio.

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