Economy
We focus on 3 stress-points in the economy and markets which segue to several high conviction investment recommendations.
President Tsai's inauguration is unlikely to spark an immediate confrontation with the mainland, but heightened political uncertainty is a certainty, and some of the economic benefits that Taiwan gained in recent years from warming ties with China are set to unwind. Remain cautious on Taiwanese equities.
There is a considerable dichotomy between the EM equity universe and EM corporate credit markets. EM credit markets remain mispriced. EM currencies are at risk of renewed depreciation. This will push sovereign and corporate spreads, as well as high-yielding domestic bond yields, higher. Continue underweighting Indonesian stocks, sovereign credit and domestic bonds within their respective benchmarks.
Within an overweight allocation to Euro Area corporates versus U.S. corporates, favor single-B rated Euro Area High-Yield and Euro Area Investment Grade sectors that offer higher duration-adjusted spreads.
Stronger GDP growth will permit the Fed to hike rates once more before year-end, no earlier than September. However, the feedback loop between the Fed and financial conditions will prevent a second rate hike this year.
Stocks whipsawed violently last week. Volatility could intensify if recent whiffs of a domestic economic slowdown proliferate and the Fed still adopts a more hawkish tone.
The next rate hike is unlikely before September, despite the rebound in April retail sales. The dollar could suffer for a time, but the long-term bull market is intact.
Helicopter money is coming, and once deployed, will prove to be much more successful than most people imagine. Stay long Japanese and German inflation swaps. USD/JPY and EUR/USD are ultimately likely to reach 140 and 0.9, respectively, over the next two years. The U.S. economy will remain resilient enough to make helicopter money unnecessary but a strengthening dollar will greatly curtail the ability of the Fed to raise rates. Investors should overweight Treasurys relative to bunds and JGBs. Helicopter money will benefit gold as well as the beleaguered European and Japanese stock markets.
Approaching the referendum on EU membership, what are the prospects for the U.K. economy and financial markets?