In October 2009 and again last November, I highlighted 5 signs of irrational exuberance. Sure, corporate earnings growth has been impressive, and the stock market appears unstoppable, but that doesn't stop me from worrying that investors aren't displaying the proper restraint in an environment that remains exceptionally uncertain. Here we are in 2011, and I've spotted five more signs that investors are abusing the laughing gas:
1. Gold and silver at new highs. Last Monday, the volume in the iShares Silver Trust
2. Small-cap stocks hit new highs. Last week, the Russell 2000 small-cap index achieved a new all-time high. Small caps have handsomely outperformed large caps in the massive rally that began in March 2009. That has produced some eyebrow-raising valuations, like that of Ariba
Small caps have greater exposure to the U.S. economy than large caps, which generate substantial revenues and profits in higher-growth economies; despite this, small caps are now historically pricey with regard to large caps.
3. The smart money is cashing out. On Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported that private equity behemoth Carlyle Group is preparing an IPO. When successful financiers who make their living buying and selling companies decide to sell their own company, which is more likely: That they feel they will receive less than a fair price for it, or that they believe the market is buoyant enough to support a rich valuation? When Carlyle's rival, the Blackstone Group
4. The VIX is cheap. The VIX index is known as the market's "fear gauge" because it relates to the price investors are willing to pay for protection with options on the S&P 500. Lower VIX values mean investors are paying less for options, i.e., they are less concerned about stock market declines.
On Friday, the VIX closed at 14.75, well below its historical average of 20.36. Yes, we are heading into the summer months, which are typically less volatile than the autumn and spring. Yes, the VIX is based on options that are maturing in a month, so it doesn't look out very far. And yes, the VIX curve is upward sloping, indicating that the market expects the VIX to rise.
As I explain here, however, the current VIX value smacks of stunning complacency in an environment as uncertain as the one we now occupy. For example, the Fed will end its second round of money-printing next month (QE2, as the program is known). Investors who say they know how this will affect markets and the economy are liars or small-fools -- it's a genuine wild card.
(Investors who think the obvious bet is to go long the iPath S&P 500 VIX Short-term Futures ETN
5. The art market is booming. This week, New York auction houses will try to sell $1 billion worth of art and antiquities, with a dozen works priced near $20 million.
Michael Plummer, a principal at Artvest, told The Wall Street Journal last week:
The speed of the art market's recovery is astonishing, but it's a differently revived market. The lesson of the crash was to do your homework. Collectors feel wiser for the experience.
In other words, Michael, it's different this time?
Value: More relevant than ever
I'm neither the boy who cried wolf, nor a prophet of doom -- I'm optimistic regarding the U.S. over the long term, despite the significant challenges ahead. However, in the current context, I see no reason to deviate from the counsel I have been repeating for nearly two years: Be wary of U.S. index funds at present valuations. Favor value-oriented fund managers or, if you pick your own stocks, maintain a keen focus on the valuation of the stocks you own. Finally, I'm no fan of gold or silver. If you want to put your money into an asset with zero yield, I would suggest that increasing your cash allocation is much the superior choice until real asset valuations become more compelling.
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