Global CIO Commentary by Scott Minerd
Last week, after writing my most recent commentary about market complacency, I was surprised that the latest Federal Reserve minutes revealed that the Federal Open Market Committee is also concerned investors are growing too complacent, raising the prospect of excessive risk taking. That followed remarks from Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William Dudley that low market volatility has made him nervous. Fed Chair Janet Yellen reinforced that view in her latest testimony to Congress, saying investors reaching for yield could increase the risk of market problems, and that some valuations, particularly lower-rated corporate debt, are stretched.
#Fed may tolerate lower unemployment than implied by economic models before normalizing interest rates.
It is commendable that the Fed is acknowledging complacency and trying to remind investors of the uncertain path ahead; but perhaps the largest contributor to the rise in risk taking has been the Federal Reserve itself. The Fed is far from alone in fueling complacency, as central bankers around the world have continued to provide easy money to prop up overleveraged economies with large structural imbalances. The Bank for International Settlements has summed the situation up saying that global central bank policies have reduced price swings and market volatility, encouraging greater risk taking.
The Fed and other central banks are to be commended for having avoided a global financial meltdown by pumping up economic activity through cheap money and inflated asset prices, but this approach is not without risks. Now, with unemployment falling to 6.1 percent, the U.S. economy is building a strong head of steam. Despite that, Dr. Yellen has dismissed as “noise” the possible signs of building U.S. inflation, notably evident in Consumer Price Index data showing inflation running at 2.1 percent. That “noise” may well be an alarm bell that the complacency created, and even promoted, by central bankers could eventually result in unintended adverse consequences in the coming years. As policymakers globally contemplate the source of today’s market complacency, I am reminded of the words of 17th century English poet and cleric John Donne: “Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.”
Low Realized Volatility Reflects Widespread Market Complacency
The past few years of central bank-induced liquidity have calmed markets to a degree that is nearly unprecedented in the last 25 years. From equities to fixed income to currency markets, volatility is near historically low levels. The last time such complacency was seen was the summer of 2007, suggesting investors should not be lulled by the current market calm, and instead prepare for choppier days ahead.
ANNUALIZED REALIZED VOLATILITY BY ASSET CLASS

Source: Bloomberg, Guggenheim Investments. Data as of 7/16/2014. Volatility refers to annualized 30-day standard deviation. Volatility of the 10-Year U.S. Treasury is yield volatility. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 23 Emerging Markets countries. The S&P 500 is a market-weighted stock market index comprised of the stocks of 500 U.S. corporations; the index is owned and maintained by Standard & Poor’s. The S&P GSCI® is recognized as a leading measure of general price movements and inflation in the world economy. The DXY is measured against major foreign currencies. The Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index represents securities that are SEC-registered, taxable, and dollar denominated and covers the U.S. investment grade fixed rate bond market, with index components for government and corporate securities, mortgage pass-through securities, and asset-backed securities.
Guggenheim Investments represents the investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC ("Guggenheim"). Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC is an affiliate of Guggenheim.
Read a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) carefully before investing. It contains the investment objective, risks charges, expenses and the other information, which should be considered carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus and summary prospectus (if available) click here or call 800.820.0888.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.
*Assets under management is as of 03.31.2022 and includes leverage of $20.0bn. Guggenheim Investments represents the following affiliated investment management businesses of Guggenheim Partners, LLC: Guggenheim Partners Investment Management, LLC, Security Investors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC, Guggenheim Funds Investment Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Advisors, LLC, Guggenheim Corporate Funding, LLC, Guggenheim Partners Europe Limited, Guggenheim Partners Fund Management (Europe) Limited, Guggenheim Partners Japan Limited, GS GAMMA Advisors, LLC, and Guggenheim Partners India Management. Securities offered through Guggenheim Funds Distributors, LLC.
This is not an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities herein. GCIF 2019 and GCIF 2016 T are closed for new investments.
©
Guggenheim Investments. All rights reserved.
Research our firm with FINRA Broker Check.
• Not FDIC Insured • No Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value
This website is directed to and intended for use by citizens or residents of the United States of America only. The material provided on this website is not intended as a recommendation or as investment advice of any kind, including in connection with rollovers, transfers, and distributions. Such material is not provided in a fiduciary capacity, may not be relied upon for or in connection with the making of investment decisions, and does not constitute a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. All content has been provided for informational or educational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal or tax advice and/or a legal opinion. Always consult a financial, tax and/or legal professional regarding your specific situation. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.