Second Quarter Earnings: Toward a Strong Recovery

Updated on

Second Quarter Earnings: Marching Toward a Strong Recover by Frank Holmes

July 25, 2014

By Frank Holmes
CEO and Chief Investment Officer
U.S. Global Investors

It’s earnings season once again, and though only a quarter of the Russell 1000 has reported so far, the news is just north of positive. All signs indicate that the market has dusted itself off and is back to its cheerful self after a ho-hum first quarter, which was negatively affected by harsh winter weather.

In the chart below, you can see that 73 percent of the companies that have reported as of this writing exceed their earnings per share (EPS) beat rate. The beat rate, as you might know, is the rate at which companies surpass market analysts’ published estimates. The revenue beat rate, meanwhile, sits at 67 percent, a positive surprise above the long-term median of 63 percent.


click to enlarge

Included in these figures are a few of the top-performing companies that we own in our U.S. Global Investors All American Equity Fund (MUTF:GBTFX) and U.S. Global Investors Holmes MacroTrends (MUTF:MEGAX), such as Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Biogen Idec Inc (NASDAQ:BIIB). We’ll discuss these companies later.

So to what do we attribute these welcome tidings?

Two notable indicators are the significant drop in initial unemployment claims and the jump in U.S. and global consumer confidence.

Americans are heading back to work.

According to last week’s data reports, initial unemployment claims fell to their lowest level since 2006, before the Great Recession brought the country to its knees.

Second Quarter Earnings
click to enlarge

Couple this news with the constructive U.S. jobs report, and we’re looking at a return to pre-recession labor-market strength. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 288,000 nonfarm payroll positions were added in June alone, bringing the country’s unemployment rate to a five-year low of 6.1 percent. Data for July is expected next Friday.

Feeling good about letting go of their dough.

Another sign that the economy promises a strong continued recovery is the modest boost in domestic and global consumer confidence levels.

Information and insights company Nielsen announced that its global confidence index has inched up an overall 1 point to close at 97, the highest it’s been since 2007. A 100 mark indicates exceptionally strong consumer optimism.

According to Nielsen, the U.S. jumped 4 points from the previous year to close at 104 points, making it come in at 8th place worldwide. India leads all other nations at 128 points, possibly attributable to the recent election of its new prime minister, Narendra Modi. At 48 points, Portugal trails the pack.
As you can see in the chart below, there’s a 17 percent increase from the same time a year ago in American respondents who feel that now is a good time to spend their money on necessary and discretionary goods and services.

Second Quarter Earnings
click to enlarge

The results of the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index echo the buoyancy of the domestic economy. At 81.3, the index is finally stabilizing at pre-recession levels.

Second Quarter Earnings
click to enlarge

Facebook

Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) had a robust second quarter, reporting revenue of $2.91 billion, an increase of 61 percent from the same time last year. More than $2.6 billion was derived from advertising alone. Mobile advertising specifically represented about 62 percent of advertising revenue, indicating that an increasingly greater number of users are moving away from traditional portals such as desktops and laptops.

The second quarter, in fact, has seen a 7.3 percent increase from the first quarter of mobile daily Facebook users, from 609 million to 654 million.

“We had a good second quarter,” founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg said. “Our community has continued to grow, and we see a lot of opportunity ahead as we connect the rest of the world.”

Apple

The tech giant reported that its quarterly profits rose 12 percent to $7.75 billion, bolstered by its iPhone and Mac sales. Anticipation of an improved, next-generation iPhone, expected to arrive in late September, as well as the tentatively-named iTime smart watch, have also excited consumers both domestically and internationally.

In China, the world’s largest mobile market, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) products unexpectedly outperformed Samsung, the popular South Korean smartphone maker.

“China, honestly, was surprising to us,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said. “We thought it would be strong, but it went well past what we thought. The unit growth was really off the charts across the board.”

Apple’s exceptional performance contrasts dramatically with retail leader Amazon’s reports. Its soon-to-be-released Fire Phone, a competitor to the iPhone, has cost the company a staggering pile of money to design and produce, and yet it has received lukewarm reviews from tech experts and bloggers.

Second Quarter Earnings: Toward a Strong Recovery

Partially as a result of the Fire Phone’s ill receipt, Amazon has posted its most disappointing quarterly loss since 2012. The company, in fact, forecast that its operating losses this quarter will fall within the $410 to $810 million range.

Biogen

The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotechnology company Biogen Idec Inc (NASDAQ:BIIB), a leader in developing treatments for neurological and autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS), reported revenue of $2.4 billion, a 40 percent increase from this time a year ago.

Second Quarter Earnings
click to enlarge

Its blockbuster medication Tecifidera, used to defend against relapsing MS, has generated a jaw-dropping $700 million in 2014 alone—$585 million domestically, $115 overseas. Other runaway Biogen products include Avonex and Tysabri.

Looking forward to a stronger third quarter.

Good news such as this has been a long time coming.

Although many economic experts and pundits hesitate to admit that the U.S. economy has recovered to pre-recession levels, the second quarter has presented the most convincing signals thus far that we’re closer than ever. A greater number of Americans are finding quality employment. Initial unemployment claims are tapering off. Consumer confidence is growing year after year. And with powerful American companies such as Facebook, Apple and Biogen leading the charge, the U.S. has a bright future in store.

Second Quarter Earnings

Index Summary

  • Major market indices finished mixed this week.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.82 percent. The S&P 500 Stock Index edged ahead 0.01 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.39 percent. The Russell 2000 small capitalization index fell 0.60 percent this week.
  • The Hang Seng Composite rose 3.17 percent; Taiwan fell 0.47 percent and the KOSPI advanced 0.71 percent.
  • The 10-year Treasury bond yield fell one basis point to 2.47 percent.

Second Quarter Earnings

All American Equity Fund – GBTFX • Holmes Macro Trends Fund – MEGAX

Domestic Equity Market

The S&P 500 Index finished virtually flat for the week, with surprisingly muted volatility during a big earnings week. Energy stocks led the way with technology and health care not far behind, while consumer discretion, industrials and traditionally interest rate sensitive areas underperformed.

Second Quarter Earnings
click to enlarge

Strengths

  • The energy sector rose by more than 80 basis points as the oil service names posted strong earnings results and pushed the group higher. Cameron International Corporation (NYSE:CAM), FMC Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:FTI) and Halliburton Company (NYSE:HAL) were among the leaders this week. All three companies reported earnings that were well received by the market.
  • The technology sector was strong with Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) the most high profile winner, rising nearly 10 percent as mobile monetization continues to gain traction. Verisign, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSN), Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) were also among the best performers for the week.
  • Intuitive Surgical was the best performer in the S&P 500 this week, rising by 21.37 percent. While earnings results for the quarter were favorable, investors appear to believe the company is hitting an inflection point and moving past some of the issues that had slowed sales and earnings in recent quarters as total procedure growth of 9 percent on a year-over-year basis was very encouraging.

Weaknesses

  • The consumer discretion sector was the worst performer this week. Housing-related stocks were under pressure after a very weak new homes sales report. D.R. Horton, Inc. (NYSE:DHI) fell by more than 9 percent and PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM) fell by nearly four percent. Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) was the worst performer in the sector, falling 10 percent, as the company’s financial results significantly disappointed the market as the company spent aggressively to grow the business and is likely to continue to do so as the company posted a loss for the quarter and is expected to break even next quarter.
  • The industrials sector also underperformed this week. Numerous defense and aerospace companies were among the worst performers, including Precision Castparts Corp. (NYSE:PCP), Rockwell Collins, Inc. (NYSE:COL) and The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA). All three companies
  • reported earnings this week.
  • Xilinx, Inc. (NASDAQ:XLNX) was the worst performer in the S&P 500 this week, falling by more than 13 percent. The company reported earnings this week and reported worse than expected revenues for the quarter and cut third quarter guidance as product inventory levels in China for the ongoing wireless infrastructure build-out remain too high.

Opportunities

  • We remain right in the middle of earnings season and the market has generally been receptive to positive results. Key companies reporting next week include Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), Amgen, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN), American Express Company (NYSE:AXP), Mastercard Inc (NYSE:MA) and The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG).
  • Earnings of oil service companies with offshore exposure have generally been well received. National-Oilwell Varco, Inc. (NYSE:NOV) reports on Tuesday and is a name to watch.
  • The path of least resistance for the market appears higher as this “classic” bull market phase of grinding higher with low volatility remains intact for now.

Threats

  • Volatility has been remarkably low and this bull market has been an abnormally smooth ride. This calmness won’t last forever, with late summer and early fall traditionally having been more volatile periods.
  • At almost 18 times trailing earnings, the S&P 500 is not “cheap.” Valuation may be a headwind for future market gains.
  • Geopolitical tensions are on the rise with the downing of a civilian jetliner in Ukraine, a ground war in Gaza and more Russian sanctions. The market has been able to shrug off these events, so far, but an escalation could be the catalyst for a long awaited correction.

 

Frank Talk Insight for Investors
[thumb]
July 24, 2014
Desperately Seeking a Cheaper Kilowatt Hour
[thumb]
July 21, 2014
The Municipal Bond World, According to John Derrick
[thumb]
July 17, 2014
Domestic and Indian Gold Rally Points to a Strong Second Half
A Blog by Frank Holmes, C.E.O. and Chief Investment Officer

 

U.S. Government Securities Ultra-Short Bond Fund – UGSDX  •  Near-Term Tax Free Fund – NEARX

The Economy and Bond Market

Treasury yields were mixed again this week as the short end of the yield curve rose a few basis points while the long end of the curve declined. The 10-year Treasury yield fell again this week inching closer to 52-week lows. Geopolitical factors drove yields lower last week and mixed economic data didn’t change the picture this week. June new home sales came in well below estimates, totaling just 406,000 (annualized), down 8.1 percent from May. To make matters worse, May’s data was revised significantly lower than originally reported, so June’s data looks really poor. Housing sales should be hitting their stride this time of year and the fact that they appear stuck in the mud implies that yields will stay lower for longer than many currently believe.

Second Quarter Earnings
click to enlarge

Strengths

  • Consumer prices remain well under control, rising 0.3 percent in June and 2.1 percent year-over-year. This is right in line with the Fed’s preferred range of inflation and continues to give the Fed plenty of room to maneuver.
  • Initial jobless claims fell to the lowest levels since 2006, hitting 284,000 last week.
  • Recently, more attention is being paid to China’s purchasing of U.S. Treasuries, which through May totaled $107.2 billion. As the Fed is winding down its purchases, China has been ramping up, somewhat offsetting the Fed’s taper and possibly contributing to the depressed yield levels even as economic information has been more upbeat.

Weaknesses

  • New home sales were unexpectedly very weak, which raises red flags on the true strength of the economy.
  • Brazil’s growth forecasts were cut for the eighth week in a row and economic growth expectations for 2014 have now dipped below 1 percent.
  • The high-yield market has been under pressure recently with $2.5 billion in fund outflows this week, which comes on the back of $1.9 billion last week. There has been talk of a bubble in that part of the market and, while isolated at this point, could spill over into other parts of the market.

Opportunities

  • Geopolitical tensions are on the rise with the downing of a civilian jetliner in Ukraine, a ground war in Gaza and more Russian sanctions. Bonds could benefit from a flight to safety in this environment which is largely what occurred over the past couple of weeks.
  • Next week is action packed with top-tier economic data. ISM manufacturing, second quarter GDP and unemployment are all reported next week. All will be closely watched and each one could be a market mover.
  • With key global central banks back into easy policy mode and inflation trending lower in many parts of the world, the path of least resistance for bond yields is likely down.

Threats

  • The economy has some positive momentum and appears poised to continue to build on that as we move solidly into summer. With the European Central Bank (ECB) and Bank of Japan taking the global lead in easy monetary policy, the Fed may transition to a tighter policy sooner than many expect.
  • While there is a lot of significant economic data out next week, keep an eye on nonfarm payrolls on Friday. If the employment report positively surprises, bonds will likely sell off.
  • St. Louis Fed President James Bullard stated the economy is “closer to normal” than many realize and that the Fed could raise interest rates as soon as the first quarter of 2015.

Second Quarter Earnings

World Precious Minerals Fund – UNWPX • Gold and Precious Metals Fund – USERX

Gold Market

For the week, spot gold closed at $1,307.49, down $3.61 per ounce, or 0.27 percent. Gold stocks, as measured by the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, lost 0.57 percent. The U.S. Trade-Weighted Dollar Index rose 0.64 percent for the week.

Date Event Survey Actual Prior
July 22 U.S. June CPI 2.1% 2.1% 2.1%
July 23 HSBC China July Manufacturing PMI – Preliminary 51.0 52.0 51.7
July 24 Hong Kong June Gold Exports to China 41.0mt 52.3mt
July 25 U.S. June Durable Goods Orders 0.5% 0.7% -0.9%
July 30 U.S. Second Quarter GDP 3.0% -2.9%
July 30 U.S. July FOMC Rate Decision 0.25% 0.25%
Aug 1 U.S. July ISM Manufacturing 56.0 55.3
Aug 1 U.S. July Change in Non-Farm Payrolls 231K 288K

Strengths

  • China’s manufacturing activity expanded at the fastest pace in 18 months in July as new orders surged. The HSBC PMI reading rose to 52.0 from June’s 50.7, in the latest indication that the economy is picking up as government stimulus measures kick in. The increase in industrial activity should translate in higher earnings, and propel a new wave of gold consumption in the world’s biggest gold market.
  • Investors are buying metals from zinc to aluminum at the fastest pace since 2009, betting demand gains will tighten supply. The buying has been made evident by fresh money coming into exchange traded funds backed by metals. Hedge funds are the most bullish on copper in at least eight years, after betting on prices to drop earlier in the year. Zinc, aluminum, and platinum group metals have also seen incremental buying, in what is turning into a very exciting second half for metals.
  • Staying within the broader metals space, zinc prices have climbed to more than two-year highs as falling inventories, together with expectations of reduced mine supplies, spurred investors to stock up ahead of a shortage. One of the biggest beneficiaries has been Trevali Mining Corp (TSE:TV) (OTCMKTS:TREVF), a silver-lead-zinc producer whose zinc-heavy production expansion has sent its shares to new 52-week highs.

Second Quarter Earnings

Weaknesses

  • China gold imports from Hong Kong fell for a fourth month in June amid weaker demand from retailers. The data supports statements from the China Gold Association saying domestic gold demand fell 19 percent in the first half of the year as investors bought fewer bars and coins. Similarly, jewelry demand in China fell 24 percent in the second quarter, according to Chow Tai Fook. The weakness has been attributed to a slowing economy, together with the unwinding of shadow financing deals following fraud investigations. Buying is expected to increase as the government continues its monetary easing program, which has propelled industrial activity back into expansionary territory as of late.
  • Curbs on gold imports are likely to remain in place according to Indian Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The Indian government has announced it is inclined to continue with the measure as a means of controlling the widening current account deficit. The impact on the absolute level of gold imports has been properly documented; however, new data shows that India’s wealthy have been buying real estate as a means of protecting their real wealth from the devaluation risks of paper money. Recently though, gold buying has increased sharply, partly as a result of the crackdown on gold smuggling, which has served to evidence how tight the market is, and how relentless the Indian demand for gold is.
  • Another writedown has been flagged for Newcrest Mining Limited (TSE:NM) (OTCMKTS:NCMGY)’s Lihir mine in Papua New Guinea, the product of a $9 billion takeover that is considered one the worst ever executed. Australia’s largest gold producer has lost almost three-quarters of its market value since buying the Lihir gold mine in 2010, adding a 6 percent drop this week. The mine accounts for roughly 55 percent of the company’s book value but contributes little to no cash flow or profitability.

Opportunities

  • Dundee Precious Metals Inc (TSE:DPM) (OTCMKTS:DPMLF) gathered a lot of talk this week. Further to our mention last week, more positive support for the company’s recently refurbished Tsumeb Smelter has been hitting the wires. The highlight were news by Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer responsible for nearly 10 percent of global output, issuing a warning that its copper deliveries for the remainder of the year would suffer a sizeable reduction due to its roasters and smelters being unable to treat the high arsenic concentrate produced as of late. The Tsumeb smelter is one of two or three smelters in the world capable of treating this type of concentrate, which highlights the importance and strategic value of this asset going forward.
  • Comstock Mining, Inc. (NYSEMKT:LODE) announced its second quarter results this week, highlighting the potential upside for the stock in the second half of the year. Despite the company’s posting of an expected net loss, the company has reached a run rate of 40,000 gold equivalent ounces per year, a level that should allow it to turn a profit toward the end of the year. In addition, the company announced it had been successful at mining through overburden, leading to significantly lower strip ratios going forward. Comstock is one of the new generation of smaller, high grade mines, with high insider ownership; these miners tend to outperform peers where management doesn’t have much skin in the game.
  • After three years of comprehensive environmental and technical studies and analyses, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for Haile gold project owned by Romarco Minerals Inc. (TSE:R). The FEIS included no material changes to the proposed project, which is positive since the EPA originally gave the Draft EIS a favorably high and rarely awarded EC-2 rating. As a result of this news, BMO capital markets upgraded Romarco to “speculative outperform” from “market perform”, with a target price of $1.30 a share.

Threats

  • The cost of borrowing gold for short selling dropped to a 13-month low in London, indicating greater availability of gold for loan. A greater availability of gold for loan suggests lower short term demand for physical metal out of Asia, but also increases the likelihood of short sellers and speculators to increase their bets against gold.
  • America’s dependence on foreign minerals is a choice, according to Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado, chairman of the House Subcommittee on Energy and Resources. Lamborn attacked the Obama administration for supporting pre-emptive vetoes on critical mineral projects, even those that haven’t been proposed. The U.S. is in dire need of a policy that protects pro-mining interests and protects their rights to due process as established by the National Environmental Policy Act, which unfortunately appears unlikely over the next several years.
  • After a $2.6 billion government fine forced it to take its biggest quarterly loss since 2008, Credit Suisse has announced it is leaving the commodities trading business. However, Credit Suisse Group AG (ADR) (NYSE:CS) stated it may keep parts of the business, such as precious metals, an area in which the bank faces serious conflicts of interest as it continue to influence prices and sentiment through its research and coverage.

Second Quarter Earnings

Energy and Natural Resources Market

Second Quarter Earnings

Strengths

  • With China’s Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) coming in higher than expected and new forms of economic stimulus underway, copper is making a comeback. Copper futures rose the most in three weeks as prices are expected to increase due to stronger demand from China. Furthermore, according the London Metal Exchange, copper inventories continued to slump to the lowest level since August 2008. The combined increase in demand and decrease in supply create high prospects for copper prices moving forward. Lundin Mining Corporation (OTCMKTS:LUNMF) (TSE:LUN) gained 3.5 percent this week.
  • Base metals are back in the spotlight. Base metal exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the U.S. attracted new money this year that amounted to 18 percent of their market capitalization. The recent success of base metals is due to improvements in global manufacturing and increases in auto and home sales. Since the end of March, nickel and zinc have jumped 20 percent and 19 percent, respectively, while copper, lead and aluminum have made significant gains as well.
  • Data from the World Steel Association showed that global crude steel production rose 3.1 percent in June from a year ago. Producers have ratcheted up output in response to an improving economic outlook. Driven by China crude steel, output hit 137 million tonnes in June, nearing the record seen in March.

Weaknesses

  • Ecopetrol S.A. (ADR) (NYSE:EC) and Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp. (TSE:PRE) (OTCMKTS:PEGFF) decided to bring an end the STAR pilot, a thermal enhanced oil recovery project that is said to have reserve-doubling or tripling potential. The news comes as a disappointment.
  • Lower prices, rising competition from natural gas, and tighter regulations have severely weakened coal companies’ viability, pushing many to the brink of insolvency. The recent fracking boom has flooded the market with a cheap alternative energy source. As such, the electric-power sector is expected to use 3 percent less coal next year, which will only serve to further depress coal prices.
  • Chinese gold imports continue to fall. For the fourth straight month, imports from Hong Kong have dropped amid declining demand from retailers. Gold demand from China fell 19 percent in the first six months of the year as fewer purchases of bars and coins were made. Net imports totaled 36.4 metric tons, down from 52.3 tons in May and 100.9 tons a year ago.

Opportunities

  • China is set to cancel tax protection for 78 imported steel products. The move, effective July 31, seeks to trim overcapacity and create a fair market according to the China Iron & Steel Association. So far, the steel products being affected by the tax protection are hot rolled sheet, cold rolled sheet, narrow strip, wire rod, section steel and electrical steel.
  • Freeport-McMoRan Inc (NYSE:FCX) has expressed its willingness to accept a hike in royalty payments to the Indonesian government, among other concessions, in exchange for being allowed to restart exports. The world’s third largest copper mine has been unable to supply global markets since the dispute began. The memorandum of understanding, which would also require Freeport to help develop a smelter and pay new export taxes, may be signed imminently.
  • The recent tragedy in Ukraine and unresolved conflict between Israel and Gaza have propped up gold as investors fear escalating geopolitical conflicts. Continued talks of new Russian sanctions and little to no diplomatic progress between Palestine and Israel reveal that the recent global geopolitical threats are still very real. The uncertainty surrounding these events will only serve to maintain gold’s attractiveness as a safe haven.

Threats

  • Despite its fantastic recent rally, zinc is set to stall. Contracts in Shanghai, which are at a record import discount, signal weak demand and too much supply in China. The discount between zinc’s price on the Shanghai Futures Exchange and the delivery price of imported metal on July 11 was the largest seen since February 2010.
  • Government policies aimed at reducing CO2 emissions will result in declining coal production moving forward, according to a Standard & Poor’s report. Coal prices, which are already suffering from competition from cheap natural gas, will be further depressed as a result of increased regulation.
  • Proponents of Colorado’s initiatives 88 and 89, which would ban fracking, confirmed that they have collected more than the state’s required 86,105 signatures. Although a Boulder County judge has negated the ban on the grounds that it is incompatible with state law, the initiatives remain a very real threat to oil and gas companies.

Second Quarter Earnings

China Region Fund – USCOX  •  Emerging Europe Fund – EUROX

Emerging Markets

Strengths

  • Hong Kong was the best-performing country in Asia this week, driven by better than expected flash China Purchasing Managers’ Index, State Council’s indication to lower funding cost for the real economy, and assorted evidence of home mortgage policy loosening in support of the property sector.
  • Financials was the best-performing sector in emerging markets this week, led by Chinese property developers, banks and insurers on the back of pro-growth government policies including the re-launch of mortgage-backed securities, discounting of mortgage rates in top-tier cities, and more anecdotal relaxation in home-purchase restrictions in various locations.
  • Recent data released by the Central Bank of Greece on deposits and outstanding loans show substantial improvement in liquidity conditions for Greek banks. Strong trends in deposits continue, especially from corporate accounts, and reflect the improving macroeconomic performance. More importantly, loan growth appears to have troughed in June, as banks posted the first monthly increase of outstanding balances since 2010. The data supports the view presented last week that showed banks’ relative performance has not yet reflected the sector’s improving fundamentals.

Weaknesses

  • Dubai was the worst-performing emerging market for the week, falling a little over 5 percent following comments by the Saudi Arabian financial markets regulator, which said foreigners would be allowed to invest in listed shares during the first half of 2015. The move has been attributed to the government’s aim to diversify the economy away from hydrocarbons. The opening of the Saudi market to foreigners is expected to divert demand away from Dubai and Qatar, as the market offers greater liquidity, as well as a broader diversity of sectors.
  • Indonesia was the worst-performing country in Southeast Asia markets this week.  Although market-favorite Joko Widodo was declared official winner of the presidential election, uncertainties remain over voting irregularities, coalition politics and cabinet selection.  Investors took profits ahead of the week-long holiday.
  • The health care sector underperformed the emerging market complex for the week, led lower by a number of Indian pharmaceuticals following the introduction of a domestic policy seeking to bring price controls to a number of cardiovascular and diabetes drugs. The provision allows the entire market to be governed by price controls, thus risking long-term profitability of domestic-focused pharmaceutical companies.

Opportunities

  • Greece is offering a buying opportunity in the wake of the recent correction, says Morgan Stanley. According to the bank’s strategists, there are five reasons that support their buy call: (1) Greek equities are oversold relative to emerging markets to the tune of  1.1 standard deviations; (2) Greece is a leveraged play on the eurozone recovery; (3) periphery bond markets, especially Greece, have shown resiliency and remain a pillar of the banking recovery; (4) recent eurozone economic data just ticked higher; and (5) economic data in Greece has continued to improve in recent months despite the correction in equities.
  • Russia’s pain is somebody else’s gain. Emerging market currencies from South Africa’s rand to Turkey’s lira and Indonesia’s rupiah are benefiting from the crisis in Ukraine as investors move funds out of Russia and into other high-yielding currencies. The buying has been particularly positive for the Turkish lira, and Turkey as a whole. Investors are betting on Turkish central bank governor Erdem Basci to continue with interest rate cuts aimed at boosting the local economy. Year-to-date, the Turkish market is the best performing index among major countries, led by exporters and a rebound in banking stocks.

Second Quarter Earnings
click to enlarge

  • Market expectations have surged recently in China for further easing of monetary conditions in the country, including a benchmark interest rate cut for the first time since 2012, to counter a property downturn and achieve the GDP target for the full year.  Historically, interest-rate sensitive and high-beta cyclical sectors benefited most from monetary policy easing, including property, financials and materials

Second Quarter Earnings
click to enlarge

Threats

  • The primary victim of the Malaysian Airlines flight 17 atrocity is the Netherlands, the one country that can single-handedly sanction the Russian economy to quite significant effect. According to trade statistics, the Netherlands is Russia’s main export destination representing 13 percent of all Russian exports. In addition, Dutch investors are the second-largest source of foreign direct investment into the Russian economy, or the largest if you consider Cyprus’ role as an offshore safe house for Russian oligarchs’ assets.

Second Quarter Earnings
click to enlarge

 

Second Quarter Earnings
click to enlarge

  • The downside risks for the Russian economy, and its stock market, are too large to ignore. This week, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s biggest, announced it is reassessing its investments into the country to reflect the changing geopolitical climate. At the end of 2013 the fund held a substantial $3.6 billion in stocks and $4 billion in corporate and government bonds in Russia. In addition, an arbitration court in The Hague will rule next week on a $103 billion damages claim against Russia by the owners of Yukos Oil, Russia’s largest oil producer which was confiscated by Putin a decade ago. A favorable ruling on the claim would leave Russian property abroad at risk of seizure, including assets of Rosneft’ NK OAO (MCX:ROSN) (OTCMKTS:RNFTF), thus affecting Russia’s ability to acquire foreign currency.
  • More than six months after the Second-Child Policy was approved in China, eligible couples have been slow to embrace looser restrictions, based on provincial statistics.  The growth prospect of China’s mass consumer sector such as infant foods and diapers has significantly diminished due to structural migration to e-commerce and rising competition to name brands.

Second Quarter Earnings

Leaders and Laggards

The tables show the weekly, monthly and quarterly performance statistics of major equity and commodity market benchmarks of our family of funds.

Weekly Performance
Index Close Weekly
Change($)
Weekly
Change(%)
DJIA 16,960.57 -139.61 -0.82%
S&P 500 1,978.34 +0.12 +0.01%
S&P Energy 727.81 +5.90 +0.82%
S&P Basic Materials 316.32 +1.10 +0.35%
Nasdaq 4,449.56 +17.42 +0.39%
Russell 2000 1,144.72 -6.89 -0.60%
Hang Seng Composite Index 3,330.51 +102.39 +3.17%
Korean KOSPI Index 2,033.85 +14.43 +0.71%
S&P/TSX Canadian Gold Index 200.79 +0.31 +0.15%
XAU 101.59 -0.39 -0.38%
Gold Futures 1,309.50 -1.50 -0.11%
Oil Futures 101.97 -1.16 -1.12%
Natural Gas Futures 3.78 -0.17 -4.28%
10-Yr Treasury Bond 2.47 -0.02 -0.64%
Monthly Performance
Index Close Monthly
Change($)
Monthly
Change(%)
DJIA 16,960.57 +93.06 +0.55%
S&P 500 1,978.34 +18.81 +0.96%
S&P Energy 727.81 +0.51 +0.07%
S&P Basic Materials 316.32 +2.57 +0.82%
Nasdaq 4,449.56 +69.81 +1.59%
Russell 2000 1,144.72 -37.96 -3.21%
Hang Seng Composite Index 3,330.51 -332.01 -14.83%
Korean KOSPI Index 2,033.85 +52.08 +2.63%
S&P/TSX Canadian Gold Index 200.79 +8.40 +4.37%
XAU 101.59 +3.43 +3.49%
Gold Futures 1,309.50 -13.90 -1.05%
Oil Futures 101.97 -4.53 -4.25%
Natural Gas Futures 3.78 -0.77 -16.93%
10-Yr Treasury Bond 2.47 -0.09 -3.67%
Quarterly Performance
Index Close Quarterly
Change($)
Quarterly
Change(%)
DJIA 16,960.57 +599.11 +3.66%
S&P 500 1,978.34 +114.94 +6.17%
S&P Energy 727.81 +46.19 +6.78%
S&P Basic Materials 316.32 +19.05 +6.41%
Nasdaq 4,449.56 +374.00 +9.18%
Russell 2000 1,144.72 +21.69 +1.93%
Hang Seng Composite Index 3,330.51 +244.60 +7.93%
Korean KOSPI Index 2,033.85 +62.19 +3.15%
S&P/TSX Canadian Gold Index 200.79 +13.56 +7.24%
XAU 101.59 +8.28 +8.87%
Gold Futures 1,309.50 +8.30 +0.64%
Oil Futures 101.97 +1.37 +1.36%
Natural Gas Futures 3.78 -0.87 -18.61%
10-Yr Treasury Bond 2.47 -0.20 -7.40%

Please consider carefully a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses.   For this and other important information, obtain a fund prospectus by visiting www.usfunds.com orby calling 1-800-US-FUNDS (1-800-873-8637).   Read it carefully before investing.  Distributed by U.S. Global Brokerage, Inc.

All opinions expressed and data provided are subject to change without notice. Some of these opinions may not be appropriate to every investor.

Foreign and emerging market investing involves special risks such as currency fluctuation and less public disclosure, as well as economic and political risk. By investing in a specific geographic region, a regional fund’s returns and share price may be more volatile than those of a less concentrated portfolio.

The Emerging Europe Fund invests more than 25 percent of its investments in companies principally engaged in the oil & gas or banking industries. The risk of concentrating investments in this group of industries will make the fund more susceptible to risk in these industries than funds which do not concentrate their investments in an industry and may make the fund’s performance more volatile.

Because the Global Resources Fund concentrates its investments in a specific industry, the fund may be subject to greater risks and fluctuations than a portfolio representing a broader range of industries.

Gold, precious metals, and precious minerals funds may be susceptible to adverse economic, political or regulatory developments due to concentrating in a single theme. The prices of gold, precious metals, and precious minerals are subject to substantial price fluctuations over short periods of time and may be affected by unpredicted international monetary and political policies. We suggest investing no more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your portfolio in these sectors.

Stock markets can be volatile and can fluctuate in response to sector-related or foreign-market developments. For details about these and other risks the Holmes Macro Trends Fund may face, please refer to the fund’s prospectus.

Bond funds are subject to interest-rate risk; their value declines as interest rates rise. Tax-exempt income is federal income tax free. A portion of this income may be subject to state and local income taxes, and if applicable, may subject certain investors to the Alternative Minimum Tax as well. The Near-Term Tax Free Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities that pay taxable interest. Income or fund distributions attributable to capital gains are usually subject to both state and federal income taxes. The Near-Term Tax Free Fund may be exposed to risks related to a concentration of investments in a particular state or geographic area. These investments present risks resulting from changes in economic conditions of the region or issuer.

Investing in real estate securities involves risks including the potential loss of principal resulting from changes in property value, interest rates, taxes and changes in regulatory requirements.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Morningstar Ratings are based on risk-adjusted return. The Morningstar Rating for a fund is derived from a weighted-average of the performance figures associated with its three-, five- and ten-year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics. Past performance does not guarantee future results. For each fund with at least a three-year history, Morningstar calculates a Morningstar Rating based on a Morningstar Risk-Adjusted Return measure that accounts for variation in a fund’s monthly performance (including the effects of sales charges, loads, and redemption fees), placing more emphasis on downward variations and rewarding consistent performance. The top 10% of funds in each category receive 5 stars, the next 22.5% receive 4 stars, the next 35% receive 3 stars, the next 22.5% receive 2 stars and the bottom 10% receive 1 star. (Each share class is counted as a fraction of one fund within this scale and rated separately, which may cause slight variations in the distribution percentages.)

Some link(s) above may be directed to a third-party website(s). U.S. Global Investors does not endorse all information supplied by this/these website(s) and is not responsible for its/their content.

These market comments were compiled using Bloomberg and Reuters financial news.

Fund portfolios are actively managed, and holdings may change daily. Holdings are reported as of the most recent quarter-end. Holdings as a percentage of net assets as of 06/30/2014:

Facebook: All American Equity Fund, 2.27%; Holmes Macro Trends Fund, 2.59%
Apple: All American Equity Fund, 2.75%; Holmes Macro Trends Fund, 2.68%
Biogen Idec: All American Equity Fund, 3.33%; Holmes Macro Trends Fund, 3.34%
Samsung: 0.0%
Amazon.com: 0.0%
Cameron International Corp.: All American Equity Fund, 1.00%
FMC Technologies, Inc.: All American Equity Fund, 1.03%; Holmes Macro Trends Fund, 1.06%
Halliburton: All American Equity Fund, 1.80%; Holmes Macro Trends Fund, 2.05%
VeriSign, Inc.: All American Equity Fund, 0.82%
Yahoo!: 0.0%
Intuitive Surgical:
DR Horton: 0.0%
PulteGroup: 0.0%
Precision Castparts: 0.0%
Rockwell Collins: 0.0%
Boeing: 0.0%
Xilinx: 0.0%
Pfizer, Inc.: All American Equity Fund, 0.82%
Amgen: 0.0%
American Express: 0.0%
MasterCard: 0.0%
Procter & Gamble: 0.0%
National Oilwell Varco: 0.0%
Trevali Mining Corp.: World Precious Minerals Fund, 0.63%
Newcrest Mining Ltd: Gold and Precious Metals Fund, 3.48%
Dundee Precious Metals: Emerging Europe Fund, 1.41%; Global Resources Fund, 0.49%; Gold and Precious Metals Fund, 5.15%; World Precious Minerals Fund, 3.16%
Codelco: 0.0%
Comstock Mining, Inc.: Gold and Precious Metals Fund, 3.57%; World Precious Minerals Fund, 2.12%
Romarco Minerals, Inc.: World Precious Minerals Fund, 1.00%
Lundin Mining Corp.: Global Resources Fund, 1.22%; Gold and Precious Metals Fund, 0.88%; World Precious Minerals Fund, 0.45%
Ecopetrol: 0.0%
Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp.: Global Resources Fund, 1.05%
Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold, Inc.: Global Resources Fund, 0.13%
Yukos Oil: 0.0%
Rosneft: 0.0%

*The above-mentioned indices are not total returns. These returns reflect simple appreciation only and do not reflect dividend reinvestment.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is a price-weighted average of 30 blue chip stocks that are generally leaders in their industry.
The S&P 500 Stock Index is a widely recognized capitalization-weighted index of 500 common stock prices in U.S. companies.
The Nasdaq Composite Index is a capitalization-weighted index of all Nasdaq National Market and SmallCap stocks.
The Russell 2000 Index® is a U.S. equity index measuring the performance of the 2,000 smallest companies in the Russell 3000®, a widely recognized small-cap index.
The Hang Seng Composite Index is a market capitalization-weighted index that comprises the top 200 companies listed on Stock Exchange of Hong Kong, based on average market cap for the 12 months.
The Taiwan Stock Exchange Index is a capitalization-weighted index of all listed common shares traded on the Taiwan Stock Exchange.
The Korea Stock Price Index is a capitalization-weighted index of all common shares and preferred shares on the Korean Stock Exchanges.
The Philadelphia Stock Exchange Gold and Silver Index (XAU) is a capitalization-weighted index that includes the leading companies involved in the mining of gold and silver.
The U.S. Trade Weighted Dollar Index provides a general indication of the international value of the U.S. dollar.
The S&P/TSX Canadian Gold Capped Sector Index is a modified capitalization-weighted index, whose equity weights are capped 25 percent and index constituents are derived from a subset stock pool of S&P/TSX Composite Index stocks.
The S&P 500 Energy Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks the companies in the energy sector as a subset of the S&P 500.
The S&P 500 Materials Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks the companies in the material sector as a subset of the S&P 500.
The S&P 500 Financials Index is a capitalization-weighted index. The index was developed with a base level of 10 for the 1941-43 base period.
The S&P 500 Industrials Index is a Materials Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks the companies in the industrial sector as a subset of the S&P 500.
The S&P 500 Consumer Discretionary Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks the companies in the consumer discretionary sector as a subset of the S&P 500.
The S&P 500 Information Technology Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks the companies in the information technology sector as a subset of the S&P 500.
The S&P 500 Consumer Staples Index is a Materials Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks the companies in the consumer staples sector as a subset of the S&P 500.
The S&P 500 Utilities Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks the companies in the utilities sector as a subset of the S&P 500.
The S&P 500 Healthcare Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks the companies in the healthcare sector as a subset of the S&P 500.
The S&P 500 Telecom Index is a Materials Index is a capitalization-weighted index that tracks the companies in the telecom sector as a subset of the S&P 500.
The NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index is a modified market capitalization weighted index comprised of publicly traded companies involved primarily in the mining for gold and silver.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is one of the most widely recognized price measures for tracking the price of a market basket of goods and services purchased by individuals. The weights of components are based on consumer spending patterns.

Leave a Comment