Not All ETFs Are Suffering From Cliff Anxiety

Why is the budget battle as monumental an issue as it is? Over the last 50 years, the U.S. federal government has spent an average of 20% of its economic output (GDP). It has only averaged 18% of GDP in tax revenue. In other words, for 50 years, our elected politicians have regularly spent more than they had in the coffers.

And that’s not all.

The GDP Gap
Right now, the federal government’s gap between revenue and spending is larger than at any other time in the previous five decades. The U.S. is spending close to 25% of GDP while taking in only 16% of GDP, leaving behind annual deficits in the trillion-dollar range.

Unfortunately for market-watchers, neither Republicans nor Democrats believe in the other side’s prescription for “righting the ship.” In essence, most congressional Republicans genuinely believe that the country suffers from a spending disease; most Democrats honestly feel that increased tax revenue is the key solution for improving the country’s prospects.

Investors, on the other hand, simply want a deal to end the immediate fiscal woes. Similarly, families are perplexed as to why the parties haven’t agreed on a plan to raise some tax revenue and cut some spending simultaneously. How difficult can it be to come up with a “balanced approach.”

Reasonably Sanguine
So far, markets have been reasonably sanguine. It appears that President Obama and Congress may need to do little more than announce that a deal is very close. In that manner, riskier market-based securities would likely accept the verbal confirmation, even if a voted-upon arrangement does not take place until mid-to-late January.

Then again, if rough-n-tumble negotiations do not begin to show progress soon, patience may wear thin. The pressure to take capital gains in 2012 may be overwhelming. And that’s the scenario that investment account owners hope to avoid.

Of course, not all stock ETFs are moving in lock-step with progress (or lack of it) in Washington. There are a number of exchange-traded investments that -- while not immune to across-the-board panic -- are content to move to the beat of their own drum.

ETFs That Are Not Particularly Burdened By “Cliff” Negotiations.

News junkies may well recall that fiscal cliff fears began the evening of the election results. The next day, stocks plummeted in one of the worst showings in 2012. Ever since, the S&P 500 SPDR Trust (SPY) has bounced up, down, around and sideways on each bit of budgetary gossip.

The Emerging Markets
In contrast, there are a number of stock ETFs that have not moved on the daily Boehner-Obama-Reid updates. For example, low-volatility and lesser volatility foreign stock vehicles have been more in tune with China’s pledge to maintain 7.5% GDP growth in 2013. PowerShares Emerging Market Minimum Volatility (EELV) has prospered with its heavy allocation to non-cyclical segments (e.g., 30% Consumer Staples, 28% Utilities, 15% Health Care, etc.) in the developing nations. WisdomTree Hedged Europe Equity (HEDJ) has profited from eliminating currency fluctuations, while concentrating on multinational brand names.

China’s resurgence as a place for investment dollars has also benefited the Asian neighbors. Both the iShares MSCI Singapore Fund (EWS) and the iShares Asia Fund (AIA) have continued to register fresh 52-week highs, in spite of the U.S. government’s tribulations.

Several sector ETFs have also managed to stay “on task.” Defensive stocks via SPDR Select Consumer Staples (XLP) have actually gained considerable ground since the election. Even discretionary stocks via SPDR Select Consumer Discretionary (XLY) are faring nicely, as ultra-low interest rates have bolstered both a desire and an ability to make elective purchases.

Disclosure: Gary Gordon, MS, CFP is the president of Pacific Park Financial, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser with the SEC. Gary Gordon, Pacific Park Financial, Inc, and/or its clients may hold positions in the ETFs, mutual funds, and/or any investment asset mentioned above. The commentary does not constitute individualized investment advice. The opinions offered herein are not personalized recommendations to buy, sell or hold securities. At times, issuers of exchange-traded products compensate Pacific Park Financial, Inc. or its subsidiaries for advertising at the ETF Expert web site. ETF Expert content is created independently of any advertising relationships.