Investor Alert: Should We Be Worried About Recession?

NYSE: SPY | SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust News, Ratings, and Charts

SPY – Even though the S&P 500 (SPY) is making new highs, there are signs the economy is slowing. In fact, it is possible we could slip into a recession if the Fed does not play its cards right. This creates an interesting cross roads for investors as recession typically results in bear market. Tune in below to Steve Reitmeister’s updated market outlook along with his plan to outperform in the weeks and months ahead. Read on for more…

The S&P 500 (SPY) continues to make new highs…and the rest of the market looks pretty anemic.

This has been the main investment story in 2024. Especially since the April pullback. This replicates much of what we saw in 2023 til the bull run that started in November that finally broadened out to smaller stocks.

This creates a difficult environment for the average investor to get ahead. Let’s discuss why this is happening along with a game plan to navigate our way to a more profitable outcome.

Market Commentary

The economy is slipping. In just 2 weeks’ time the Atlanta Fed’s GDP Now model fell from 3% expected GDP growth for Q3 down to 1.5%.

The weaker than expected ISM Services reading of 48.8 last week vs.53.8 the previous month was a big part of that reduction.

Some would point out the positives in this weakening of the economy in that it further reduces inflationary pressure paving the way to the first Fed rate cut. On the other hand, some investors may wonder if the Fed will overstay their welcome leading to a future recession.

This morning’s increase in the unemployment rate to 4.1% is an interesting data point to consider. That’s because history shows that once the unemployment rate rises 0.4% it will typically go up another 1.5% from there. And that has just taken place.

Many think of this as a good, but by no means perfect, recessionary indicator. Yet others would point out that the Fed is on purpose trying to slow demand in order to tamp down inflation. Even by their own estimates they saw the unemployment rate climbing to this level, or even a notch higher, and yet still stick a soft landing.

I am not particularly worried about a recession at this time. That’s because any further softening of the economy will beget lower inflation…the Fed will see that forming…and then lower rates to spark the economy.

Investors will play on the side of “Don’t Fight the Fed” when that happens keeping share prices aloft even if there are a few bad rounds of economic data.

Right now most signs point to the September 18th Fed meeting as when the first rate cut will take place. Over the past 12 months I have pointed out that investors didn’t appreciate the patience of the Fed and thus I was one of the few who was not surprised on no rate cuts on the books so far.

Yet now I see things lining up for September 18th like the others. Or November 7th at the latest.

Remember that the Fed likes transparency. So, the first thing they will do is provide a shift in their language that opens up the possibility of the rate cut…and then they will follow through on that action.

Powell’s recent comments on seeing notable improvement in the inflation picture (most likely  because of better than expected PCE report) was a step in that more positive direction. Yes, he said more data and patience needed, but he was opening the door wider to the notion of cuts on the way.

Since then, economic data has softened more…and we see Average Hourly Earnings (aka wage inflation) ebbing lower this morning. These are all more facts that will lead the Fed to want to cut rates in coming months.

When those rate cuts arrive, I expect the market to react like it did last November when the Fed’s “dovish tilt” first started. That would be abandoning the safe haven of the Magnificent 7 and other mega cap stocks. Those profits would then be shifted to more Risk On positions.

Like smaller stocks…higher growth stocks…more cyclical stocks that benefit from a pick up in the economy. Or to overly simplify…a reversal of what has been working so far this year.

I like our odds for the POWR Ratings to line us up for ample outperformance in that environment.

Read on below for my favorite POWR Ratings stocks at this time.

What To Do Next?

Discover my current portfolio of 11 stocks packed to the brim with the outperforming benefits found in our exclusive POWR Ratings model. (Nearly 4X better than the S&P 500 going back to 1999)

Plus 2 specialty ETFs that are benefiting from some of the hottest investment trends.

These hand selected picks are all based on my 44 years of investing experience seeing bull markets…bear markets…and everything between.

If you are curious to learn more, and want to see these lucky 13 trades, then please click the link below to get started now.

Steve Reitmeister’s Trading Plan & Top Picks >

Wishing you a world of investment success!


Steve Reitmeister…but everyone calls me Reity (pronounced “Righty”)
CEO, StockNews.com and Editor, Reitmeister Total Return

Want More Great Investing Ideas?

3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year


SPY shares were trading at $553.46 per share on Friday afternoon, up $2.00 (+0.36%). Year-to-date, SPY has gained 17.18%, versus a % rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.


About the Author: Steve Reitmeister


Steve is better known to the StockNews audience as “Reity”. Not only is he the CEO of the firm, but he also shares his 40 years of investment experience in the Reitmeister Total Return portfolio. Learn more about Reity’s background, along with links to his most recent articles and stock picks. More...


More Resources for the Stocks in this Article

TickerPOWR RatingIndustry RankRank in Industry
SPYGet RatingGet RatingGet Rating
.INXGet RatingGet RatingGet Rating
DIAGet RatingGet RatingGet Rating
IWMGet RatingGet RatingGet Rating
QQQGet RatingGet RatingGet Rating

Most Popular Stories on StockNews.com


What Happens After 6,000 for Stocks?

The S&P 500 (SPY) has the petal to the medal after the election and 2nd Fed rate cut. However, stocks are now pressed up against serious resistance at 6,000 which begs the question of what happens next? Investment pro Steve Reitmeister shares his timely market views including a preview of his top 10 stocks. Get the full story below...

3 Streaming Stocks Benefiting from Cord-Cutting Trends

As streaming continues to dominate the digital entertainment landscape, the global streaming market presents a lucrative investment opportunity. So, it could be ideal to invest in fundamentally solid streaming stocks Netflix (NFLX), Walt Disney (DIS), and Roku (ROKU). Read further...

3 Gold Stocks to Buy as Safe-Haven Demand Grows

Gold is a stable investment now due to its role as a safe-haven asset during economic uncertainty, rising demand, industrial use, and growth, bolstered by central bank purchases and interest rate cuts. Therefore, investors should consider investing in top gold stocks such as Newmont (NEM), Barrick Gold (GOLD), and Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM). Read more...

3 AI Stocks Transforming Industries and Driving Future Growth

With rapid digitalization, rapid adoption, and development, as well as surging demand, the AI market is on the rise. Amid this backdrop, investors could buy fundamentally solid AI stocks NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), and Meta Platforms (META) poised for substantial gains. Continue reading...

Stock Investing AFTER the Election

The S&P 500 (SPY) has been stuck under the highs awaiting the election results. The biggest mystery is how soon results will be finalized. The second biggest concern is what the Fed will do at their 11/7 meeting. Steve Reitmeister shares his views on these things along with fresh market outlook and preview of his top 10 stocks to buy now.

Read More Stories

More SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) News View All

Event/Date Symbol News Detail Start Price End Price Change POWR Rating
Loading, please wait...
View All SPY News