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
July 9, 2020
The S&P 500 Index ended 2Q20 at a level of 3,100, rallying +39 percent off its late-March low of 2,237 and placing it within striking distance of topping its mid-February high of 3,386. The strong gains came on the heels of the Index’s quickest ever -30 percent correction (22 days). The equally sharp stock market rebound has been driven by massive global stimulus, credit market stabilization, promise of a coronavirus vaccine, signs containment efforts were reducing the rate of new infections, short covering, asset rotation, and anticipation of better corporate earnings.
The S&P 500 is now trading at roughly 18 times calendar 2021 projected earnings, below its mid-February pre-COVID next twelve month’s peak of 19.4 times. While not cheap, we believe the recent rebound has brought the S&P 500 Index closer to fair value, as opposed to implying a bubble – particularly when record low interest rates, benign inflation, and elevated equity risk premiums are considered. Further earnings multiple expansion for the overall market is not our base case. Instead, earnings growth (and upward surprises) will be the primary driver of equity gains going forward.
Investor sentiment has swung wildly from euphoria in February, to panic in March, and now back to euphoria. As a result, equity markets are vulnerable to a near-term consolidation on disappointments. A continued surge in new coronavirus cases is likely the largest risk to the V-shaped economic recovery that equity investors appear to be, at least partially, discounting.
For our latest full Global Investment Outlook & Strategy Update, download the .pdf document.
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.
