Economics
- Russia invasion delays recovery. Uncertainty and higher prices weigh on the economy.
- Price increases continue. Energy and food prices are drivers. Several months of stagflation loom.
- Central banks are forced to reverse course. Monetary policy is tightened, in Europe however, only moderately so far.
Equities
- Recession worries dominate stock markets, even if hard economic data is still surprisingly positive.
- Analysts have slightly reduced profit expectations. However, they still expect positive growth for 2022 and 2023.
- Investor outlook and sentiment have been clouded noticeably. Positive news could provide upward pressure.
Bonds
- Safegovernment bonds with tailwinds amid rising recession fears. Flattening of the yield curve.
- Risk premiums on corporate bonds continue to rise. Emerging market bonds with widening spreads.
- We are underweight bonds and remain cautiously positioned on credit risk. Short duration.
Alternative investments / commodities
- Oil embargo is imminent. However, supply is already tight. Prices and volatility are likely to remain elevated.
- Gold benefits from all kinds of uncertainties. Rising real yields slow it down, but are less dangerous with a restrictive Fed.
- Industrial metals are temporarily weaker due to lockdowns in China. Long-term supply shortage remains unaffected.
Currencies
- The ECB remains hesitant. The euro will therefore probably remain under pressure until the ECB changes its key interest rate.
- The exchange rate had fallen to below 1.04 US dollars per euro. Last week there was now a recovery to 1.07.
- After initial gains at the beginning of the war, the yen has dropped significantly. The BoJ is stuck in a low interest rate trap.