Latest from Patrik Schowitz
The divergence of rising stock markets from economic realities and political tensions can be expected to narrow in the coming year, on signs of a modest rebound in global manufacturing and a reduction of geopolitical risks.
The divergence of rising stock markets from economic realities and political tensions can be expected to narrow in the coming year, on signs of a modest rebound in global manufacturing and a reduction of geopolitical risks.
While economic growth is important, investor returns depend on more than that. In China’s case, the deepening and opening up of its financial markets are factors that will boost returns – and help it escape the middle-income trap.
While economic growth is important, investor returns depend on more than that. In China’s case, the deepening and opening up of its financial markets are factors that will boost returns – and help it escape the middle-income trap.
Recent positive developments in some of the major issues weighing on markets, from the US-China trade war to Hong Kong’s protests, offer a welcome respite. But economic fundamentals remain weak and policymakers’ toolboxes are limited.
Recent positive developments in some of the major issues weighing on markets, from the US-China trade war to Hong Kong’s protests, offer a welcome respite. But economic fundamentals remain weak and policymakers’ toolboxes are limited.
Normally falling bond yields are a sign of conditions that bring down equity markets. That’s not the case at the moment, but failure to resolve the trade dispute could end equities’ winning streak.
Normally falling bond yields are a sign of conditions that bring down equity markets. That’s not the case at the moment, but failure to resolve the trade dispute could end equities’ winning streak.
While China’s boost to the property sector in 2016 translated into an increase in commodity imports from emerging Asia, this year’s infrastructure-focused stimulus is unlikely to have the same effect. Meanwhile, trade war headwinds are likely to hit exports from the region.
While China’s boost to the property sector in 2016 translated into an increase in commodity imports from emerging Asia, this year’s infrastructure-focused stimulus is unlikely to have the same effect. Meanwhile, trade war headwinds are likely to hit exports from the region.
A close look at the Shanghai benchmark index reveals investors were already less bullish before the latest trade war flare-up. Chinese investor sentiment is also closely linked to whether the central bank will take further stimulus measures.
A close look at the Shanghai benchmark index reveals investors were already less bullish before the latest trade war flare-up. Chinese investor sentiment is also closely linked to whether the central bank will take further stimulus measures.
Despite a recent surge, stock markets are roughly where they were before last year’s drop-off. Investors should watch what companies are saying about global conditions to anticipate what’s next.
Despite a recent surge, stock markets are roughly where they were before last year’s drop-off. Investors should watch what companies are saying about global conditions to anticipate what’s next.
While markets’ optimistic response to progress on a US-China trade deal and Chinese economic stimulus seems sensible, expectations that the Fed will continue its leniency in this cycle may be overblown.
While markets’ optimistic response to progress on a US-China trade deal and Chinese economic stimulus seems sensible, expectations that the Fed will continue its leniency in this cycle may be overblown.
Despite the gloom of a slowdown as the impact of a trade war with the US hits, the raft of policy measures Beijing is taking is boosting market optimism. The strong rally in the stock market may well signal the economic cycle is ready to turn.
Despite the gloom of a slowdown as the impact of a trade war with the US hits, the raft of policy measures Beijing is taking is boosting market optimism. The strong rally in the stock market may well signal the economic cycle is ready to turn.
If investors are looking for something to bank on amid market chaos, take the projected profit growth coming out of US companies, then add 3 to 4 percentage points
If investors are looking for something to bank on amid market chaos, take the projected profit growth coming out of US companies, then add 3 to 4 percentage points
Weak stimulus measures by the government and debt concerns mean China’s economy is likely to get worse before it gets better.
Weak stimulus measures by the government and debt concerns mean China’s economy is likely to get worse before it gets better.
While conditions in the US remain stable, the economies of China, Japan and Europe are struggling. US success, however, means the Federal Reserve looks set to continue tightening rates to prevent inflation.
While conditions in the US remain stable, the economies of China, Japan and Europe are struggling. US success, however, means the Federal Reserve looks set to continue tightening rates to prevent inflation.
Recent news may be pushing investors away from China and emerging markets, but long-term growth trends mean now may well be a good time to buy.
Recent news may be pushing investors away from China and emerging markets, but long-term growth trends mean now may well be a good time to buy.
With the US and China digging in for a prolonged trade fight and central banks tightening monetary policy, caution is needed and investors should cast a prudent eye over their portfolios and consider longer duration bonds.
With the US and China digging in for a prolonged trade fight and central banks tightening monetary policy, caution is needed and investors should cast a prudent eye over their portfolios and consider longer duration bonds.
As bad as the news has been for emerging markets, particularly Turkey, Argentina and South Africa, there’s little risk of a total meltdown among Asia’s emerging economies, where fundamentals look sound.
As bad as the news has been for emerging markets, particularly Turkey, Argentina and South Africa, there’s little risk of a total meltdown among Asia’s emerging economies, where fundamentals look sound.
Current valuations amid a solid growth environment, particularly reflected in strong corporate earnings in the US, make equities attractive.
Current valuations amid a solid growth environment, particularly reflected in strong corporate earnings in the US, make equities attractive.
The US is in the late phase of its economic cycle, leaving investors wondering when a downturn will come. However, this phase can last years and the decline is likely to be gradual, giving them opportunities to get out in time
The US is in the late phase of its economic cycle, leaving investors wondering when a downturn will come. However, this phase can last years and the decline is likely to be gradual, giving them opportunities to get out in time