(By Ron Rutherford) In one of my recent articles based on the ISM reports, I used lagged linear regressions to derive at a group of stocks that should perform well in a variety of markets and especially well under rising ISM indexes (
picking stocks based on the ISM Manufacturing Index with lagged indicators). This time I want to get back to exploring inflation-based regressions to choose stocks, similar to the article using the
PPI Index. Results from prior regressions on sector returns versus inflation indicators showed that the headline PPI had the highest degree of correlation.
But those regressions did not consider inflation expectations; instead, they only accounted for backward-looking levels of inflation. The University of Michigan Inflation Expectation (MICH) is one such index that takes a survey of consumers based on 1 year forward inflation expectations. Below is a graph of the MICH and CPI headline numbers and core CPI year over year for CPIs. While the MICH index has a low correlation with CPI indicators, inflation expectations could be a stronger predictor of stock movements as current prices are derived from the present state and expectations of the future.
(Click to enlarge)
The first back-test (August 2000 to May 2012) used the 5 lag model as mentioned for the ISM reports. The results showed promise with over an 11% annualized rate of return and over 5% annualized differential return over the flat S&P 1500 index. This did mean higher volatility with bigger draw-downs and much bigger gains. But in an expectation index, it is very unlikely that lags would have to be incorporated to capture delayed effects from events (changes in the index).
The second back-test from August 2000 to May 2012 (results below) used the basic Fama-French 3 factor model with the MICH index as the factor tested against. The results delivered an impressive 12.3% annualized return and 5.2% annualized return over the flat S&P 1500. The model's Sharpe ratio vs. S&P 1500 flat-weighted was at a healthy 0.46, and the simple Sharpe ratio was 0.32 during the back-test period. The mean monthly return was 1.29% vs. 0.91% for the S&P 1500 flat, and median monthly return was 1.52% vs. 0.57% for the S&P 1500 flat. Stock picks below, divided by Sabrient's Strong Buy and Buy ratings, are based on results of the MICH index for April 2012 and rebalanced on June 13, 2012.
Strong Buys:
- Deluxe Corporation (DLX)
- Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (WYN)
- Discover Financial Services (DFS)
Buys:
- Concur Technologies, Inc. (CNQR)
- Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS)
- Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (HLX)
- Snyder's-Lance, Inc. (LNCE)
- Newfield Exploration Company (NFX)
- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NSC)
- Smithfield Foods, Inc. (SFD)
- Safeway Inc. (SWY)
- Universal Health Services, Inc., (UHS)
- The Western Union Company (WU)
- Health Management Associates, Inc. (HMA)
- Humana Inc. (HUM)
- Masco Corporation (MAS)
- Myers Industries, Inc. (MYE)
Disclosure: I am long DLX. I am long as part of the Rock Solid Yields (RSY).
Disclaimer: The Macro View newsletter is published solely for informational purposes and is not to be construed as advice or a recommendation to specific individuals. Individuals should take into account their personal financial circumstances in acting on any rankings or stock selections provided by Sabrient. Sabrient makes no representations that the techniques used in its rankings or selections will result in or guarantee profits in trading. Trading involves risk, including possible loss of principal and other losses, and past performance is no indication of future results.