Jurrien Timmer Revises Market Outlook Following Stock Price Decline

Timmer presented a chart illustrating the average returns of the S&P 500 during different stages of presidential terms.

Jurrien Timmer, Fidelity's director of global macro, has revised his market outlook following a widespread decline in stock prices. In a presentation on Monday, Timmer presented a chart showcasing the average returns of the S&P 500 during various stages of presidential terms.

The data indicates that the index is largely following historical trends, suggesting that the current downturn could be concluding by mid-year.

While cautioning against placing too much emphasis on this pattern, Timmer observed that the cycle's mid-term year (2022) has played out as expected, considering the strong performance of the S&P 500 during the first year of the presidential cycle and the unfolding macroeconomic backdrop.

"Perhaps we're nearing the end of this presidential cycle pattern, at least for this time around," Timmer stated.

Currently in the "fifth year" of the presidential cycle, which typically sees declines in the first half and a rally in the second half, Timmer anticipates the market to experience a mild, extended correction. He highlighted that the presidential cycle's fifth year usually witnesses a decline in the first half and a rally in the second half, leading to a mild, extended correction.

Moreover, Timmer provided a closer look at 26 S&P 500 corrections dating back to 1906, noting that the ongoing pullback closely resembles the 2018 market dip both in terms of magnitude and speed.

"We're currently tracking the 2018 correction closely, which serves as a useful benchmark for the present downturn," he added.

Examining the average lows reached during S&P 500 corrections, Timmer predicts that the index might bottom out near the 4,900 level. This prediction aligns with the lows reached by the Nasdaq 100 last week. After a brief recovery last week, he noted that markets remain in a 10% correction, leaving them in a no-man's-land where the next phase could see either a rise or fall.