Why Investors Worry About Stock Market Bubbles
Introduction:
Have you ever noticed that equity investors seem to be perpetually dissatisfied? When stocks are falling, they’re miserable. But even when stocks are rising, they’re still unhappy. This peculiar phenomenon can be explained by loss aversion—a cognitive bias that causes humans to feel more pain from losing money than pleasure from winning the same amount. As a result, as markets climb higher, investor anxiety mounts.
The Potential Bubble:
Given the current record highs and stretched valuations of the market, it’s only natural for investors to question if stocks are in a bubble. However, it’s important to note that stocks never go up in a straight line. In fact, the S&P 500 has been steadily climbing since hitting a low point in late October last year. Savita Subramanian, head of U.S. equity strategy and U.S. quantitative strategy at BofA Global Research, points out that the S&P 500 is statistically expensive on 19 out of 20 metrics tracked and trading at its 95th percentile based on trailing P/E since 1900.
Valuation as a Timing Tool:
Strategists emphasize that valuation should not be used as a timing tool. Subramanian argues that the market may not be as richly valued as it appears at first glance. Moreover, bubbles are not solely financial phenomena but are also deeply rooted in psychology.
Spotting Unhealthy, Runaway Markets:
Nicholas Colas, co-founder of DataTrek Research, has developed a three-point checklist for identifying unhealthy, runaway markets. The first point involves monitoring the market for initial public offerings (IPOs). In 1999, the IPOs saw an average first-day gain of 71%, far exceeding the historical average of 25%. This irrational exuberance was followed by a peak in U.S. equities in March 2000. However, based on the current IPO activity, markets are far from bubble territory, with just 54 IPOs in 2023 and an average first-day gain of 12%.
The second point on Colas’ checklist is hallmark mergers and acquisitions (M&A) deals. M&A activity is driven by CEO and board confidence. When CEOs and senior managers become overconfident and chase hot IPOs, it can be a sign of an overheated market. However, after a slow 2023, M&A activity is now picking up, suggesting that equity markets are not yet in bubble territory.
The third point involves identifying unsustainable price increases. Colas uses a simple rule of thumb: if the S&P 500 or Nasdaq Composite doubles in three years or less, it indicates that speculation, rather than fundamentals, is driving the gains. Currently, the Nasdaq Composite, the frothiest equity market, has only risen by 40% over the past year.
Conclusion:
While concerns about a potential stock market bubble are valid, it’s important to consider various factors beyond valuation. Loss aversion and psychological biases play a significant role in investor behavior. By analyzing IPO activity, M&A deals, and unsustainable price increases, investors can gain a deeper understanding of market conditions. As always, it’s crucial to make investment decisions based on careful analysis and a long-term perspective.
