Stock Market Signals: Is the US Economy Heading for a Downturn?

The recent equity rotations have been painting a grim picture for the US economic growth outlook. Goldman Sachs' Chief US Equity Strategist David Kostin and his team have downgraded their growth outlook, citing disappointing labor market reports and a shift in the Federal Reserve's focus from inflation to employment. Despite this, the S&P 500 remains near its all-time high, thanks to anticipated interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. But what if this assumption is wrong? What if the market is pricing in too much growth, and the economy is actually heading for a downturn? Kostin's team points out that the repricing of economic growth has historically implied a significant decline in the S&P 500. However, since the market has already priced in the possibility of rate cuts, history may not be the most useful guide for the forward path of equities today. The team has rebalanced their sector-neutral Long (GSTHLDUR) and Short Duration (GSTHDSDUR) baskets, adding stocks that are expected to perform well in a slow-growth environment. But are these stocks truly resilient, or are they simply being propped up by the Fed's easing policies? Investors should be cautious and consider the potential risks of a downturn.