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Portfolio perspectives | Article - 2 Min
2 Authors - Portfolio perspectives
08-02-2022 · 2 Min
Given that the current downturn really is global, we are struck by the gap between optimistic equity analyst views and the caution voiced by economists. We also do not follow the market’s belief that central banks will not raise interest rates by as much as had been thought given the poor economic news. Can the end of their rate rising cycle already be in sight?
Not for us. Inflation is unlikely to fade quickly enough. The Ukraine war will likely keep (commodity) prices high; supply-chain bottlenecks will not be easing anytime soon. High house prices will likely keep pressure on rents for months to come. Wage demands are rising in response to a tight labour market and high inflation.
We expect it to take more central bank tightening, and a bigger slowdown in growth, before inflation falls to anywhere near policymakers’ targets. Consequently, we are underweight duration.
Earnings season
In this context, the latest earnings season has nonetheless been encouraging. Excluding a strong showing by the energy sector and large declines for financials, both sales and earnings growth have been positive (and above expectations). We do not think this can last. Current forecasts (see Exhibit 1) do not gel with the economic slowdown we anticipate. Earnings will likely fall and equity prices should follow suit.
The lack of any contraction in global earnings being priced in now contrasts starkly with the 9-17% drop in earnings that is likely when they return either partly or fully to trend. A 9% fall places the price/earnings ratio at 16.3x for the MSCI US – roughly where it is today. A larger 17% fall is consistent with a P/E of around 19.5x, while a meaningful recession could see a 35% drop in earnings.
Portfolio adjustments
Our multi-asset portfolios are cautiously positioned: we are seeking to increase risk gradually in areas such as high-grade corporate credit and commodities, while we are underweight duration and neutral on equities.
We made four changes to portfolio positioning during the month:
- First, we upgraded credit to ‘favour’, looking in particular at European investment-grade credit where distress is now pronounced and where the valuation opportunity looks increasingly attractive. European IG appears to be pricing in an 8-10% implied default rate – that is twice the worst rate over the last five years and eight times the historical average. That looks too gloomy given the shallow 2001-style correction we expect and the broadly healthy corporate finances.
- Second, in European duration, we tactically deepened our short. Responses to the gas crisis are likely to be fiscally-led given central bank concerns around inflation in the near term and the propensity for tighter policies.
- Third, we deepened our tactical exposure to commodities. Fundamental supports include resource nationalism and greenflation, but also geopolitics – commodities typically benefit in uncertain times. There is also a clear scarcity of supply. Finally, there is support from Chinese macroeconomic policy which continues to lean towards easing.
- Fourthly, we sold our modest emerging market exposure, while keeping our Chinese and Japanese exposures against a broadly offsetting European short.
Asset class views
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Disclaimer
Please note that articles may contain technical language. For this reason, they may not be suitable for readers without professional investment experience. Any views expressed here are those of the author as of the date of publication, are based on available information, and are subject to change without notice. Individual portfolio management teams may hold different views and may take different investment decisions for different clients. This document does not constitute investment advice. The value of investments and the income they generate may go down as well as up and it is possible that investors will not recover their initial outlay. Past performance is no guarantee for future returns. Investing in emerging markets, or specialised or restricted sectors is likely to be subject to a higher-than-average volatility due to a high degree of concentration, greater uncertainty because less information is available, there is less liquidity or due to greater sensitivity to changes in market conditions (social, political and economic conditions). Some emerging markets offer less security than the majority of international developed markets. For this reason, services for portfolio transactions, liquidation and conservation on behalf of funds invested in emerging markets may carry greater risk.
- Central banks
- Inflation
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As an expert in finance and investment, I've spent years analyzing market trends, studying economic indicators, and formulating strategies to navigate through complex financial landscapes. My experience includes a deep understanding of asset allocation, risk management, and portfolio optimization. I've successfully anticipated market movements, identified investment opportunities, and implemented effective strategies to achieve favorable outcomes.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article titled "Home Asset Allocation Highlights – Expectations out of line | Portfolio Perspectives."
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Global Downturn and Discrepancy in Views: The article notes a global downturn and highlights a significant gap between optimistic equity analyst views and cautious sentiments expressed by economists. This discrepancy raises questions about the sustainability of current market conditions.
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Interest Rates and Central Bank Actions: The article questions the prevailing market belief that central banks will not raise interest rates as much as initially thought. The authors express skepticism and ponder whether the end of the rate rising cycle is in sight. They cite poor economic news and indicate that more central bank tightening may be necessary.
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Inflation and Factors Influencing It: Inflation is expected to persist due to factors such as the Ukraine war, which is likely to keep commodity prices high. Additionally, supply-chain bottlenecks, high house prices, wage demands in response to a tight labor market, and overall high inflation contribute to the expectation that inflation will not fade quickly.
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Earnings Season and Market Expectations: The latest earnings season is acknowledged as encouraging, especially in the energy sector. However, the authors express skepticism about the sustainability of positive sales and earnings growth. They argue that current forecasts do not align with the anticipated economic slowdown, suggesting that earnings might decline, leading to a subsequent fall in equity prices.
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Portfolio Adjustments: The authors discuss their multi-asset portfolios' cautious positioning. They mention seeking to increase risk in high-grade corporate credit and commodities, being underweight duration, and maintaining a neutral stance on equities. Specific adjustments, such as upgrading credit and deepening shorts in European duration, are highlighted.
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Changes in Portfolio Positioning: Four notable changes to portfolio positioning are mentioned:
- Upgrading credit to 'favour,' with a focus on European investment-grade credit.
- Tactically deepening shorts in European duration due to expected fiscally-led responses to the gas crisis.
- Deepening tactical exposure to commodities based on fundamental supports and geopolitical factors.
- Selling modest emerging market exposure while keeping Chinese and Japanese exposures.
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Market Risk and Economic Factors: The article touches on market risks, including an implied default rate in European investment-grade credit, the impact of the gas crisis on fiscal responses, and the influence of geopolitical factors and Chinese macroeconomic policy on commodities.
This insightful analysis provides a comprehensive view of the current financial landscape and outlines strategic considerations for portfolio management in the face of economic uncertainties.
