Sit Investment Associates provides quality investment management expertise in domestic and international growth equities and fixed income. Investment management services are offered across four channels: Separate Accounts, Private Investment Funds, Collective Investment Funds, and Mutual Funds. We take pride in serving as a true extension of our clients’ operations, providing highly individualized service in an increasingly challenging economic and financial environment.
We view investing as the practice of applying a consistent philosophy and decision-making process over meaningful time periods. In fact, the firm’s success is built on long-term client relationships, which in turn are built on a foundation of trust, commitment, understanding, and expertise.
The firm is owned by its seasoned investment professionals, who work hands-on in every aspect of the investment process and client service. We are 100 percent committed to achieving clients’ investment objectives, because our clients’ success results in our success.
Sit Investment Associates – Current Operations
During this disruption, we have three primary goals: 1) Do what we can to protect the health and well-being of our colleagues and their families, 2) Continue to research and actively manage investment portfolios pursuant to our client’s objectives, and 3) Serve our clients by staying focused on their long-term goals.
Operationally, we have implemented our work from home procedures to accommodate the need of certain colleagues to be at home and to do our part to support the virus mitigation efforts. Our associates are returning to work in accordance with government health and safety guidelines. We are fully operational – effectively making investment decisions, executing and settling trades, maintaining client account records, and communicating with clients.
Please call us if you have any questions.
Thank you for investing with Sit Investment Associates.
Market Commentary
The introduction of massive government stimulus and a steady deceleration in the pace of overall new confirmed cases of coronavirus contributed to a strong rally in stocks from late March through April, as equity investors looked through a continued deterioration in the near-term economic outlook. The +12.8% S&P 500® gain in April was the best monthly return since January 1987. Current equity investor enthusiasm is pinned on anticipation that within the next 6-12 months the coronavirus outbreak is contained, more resources will be available to deal with the pandemic, and economic conditions are improving. Under such a scenario, pent-up demand, inventory restocking, and stimulus measures will likely spur a bounce in economic activity in the second half of 2020 and into 2021. Nonetheless, as many states planning to reopen in the coming days/weeks have yet to satisfy White House guidelines for doing so (i.e., achieved a steady reduction in case counts/new infections over the prior 14-day period), there is a heightened risk of a “second wave” in the pandemic. Even with a wholesale end to restrictions, we believe the economy may recover in fits and starts, leading to sustained financial market volatility and investor preference for high-quality growth stocks.
In terms of the economic outlook, we now estimate real GDP will contract about -4.5% in 2020, versus our pre-pandemic expectation of +2.0% growth, but acknowledge considerable unknowns that limit a high degree of precision. Economic data will remain gloomy near term, and some industries – notably travel, dining, and entertainment – will feel the effects of the virus long after it is contained. Given the -4.8% seasonally-adjusted annualized decline in first quarter 2020 real GDP and our expectation for a -25% decrease in the second quarter, a sharp “technical” recession is inevitable. However, absent a reintroduction of restrictions, we also project GDP will increase +5% in the third quarter and +10% in the fourth quarter. The anticipated recovery in economic activity in the second half is supported by unprecedented federal stimulus which is estimated to represent nearly 35% of GDP.
Sit Investment Associates will continue to operate at the highest level during this outbreak, and we invite you to contact us with questions or concerns. You can reach us at 612-332-3223 or email us at info@sitinvest.com. We will continue to post updates about market and economic developments on our website at www.sitinvest.com.