PERSPECTIVE3-5 min to read

Webinar: Market update and economic outlook

We expect that developed market economies will contract over the coming year. The better news is that markets are pricing in a slowdown – and opportunities are starting to emerge.

20/10/2022

Authors

Caspar Rock
Chief Investment Officer
Kate Leppard
Head of Client Service, UK Wealth Management
Ahmet Feridun
Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Christopher Lewis
Christopher Lewis Head of Investment Strategy

• 2022 has been a challenging year for investors. As of the end of the third quarter, global equities were down 25%, and global bonds were down 20% from the start of the year (both in USD terms). Returns for sterling-based investors have been stronger as a result of currency moves (as sterling has weakened, the value of overseas investments has risen).

• The poor performance has been driven by rapidly rising interest rates as central banks attempt to bring inflation under control. Central bankers are particularly worried about “sticky” inflation – such as wages and housing costs. They are less concerned about inflation resulting from higher food and energy prices.

• Historically, bond markets have tended to deliver positive returns when equity markets have struggled, allowing investors to achieve smoother returns by holding both asset classes. That has not been the case this year. Based on UK data, a portfolio split equally between equities and government bonds would have delivered its worst return in over a century. Over the longer term, however, our data shows that holding both equities and bonds remains compelling.

• UK bond markets and sterling are likely to remain volatile. It is interesting that UK bond markets started to weaken in August, as Liz Truss pulled ahead in the Conservative party leadership contest. The move did not begin with the “mini-budget.” The government had already harmed its credibility with international investors by criticising the Bank of England and firing a well-respected Permanent Secretary to the Treasury. Liz Truss resigned as prime minister shortly after this webinar.

• We expect developed markets economies to head into recession next year. The key question now is how long and how deep these recessions will be.

• We remain cautious on equities in general. Markets are still expecting some growth in corporate profits next year. This looks too optimistic, given that US earnings have on average fallen 13% during recessions. To turn more positive on equities, we want to see expectations for next year’s earnings fall. We would also want to see signs that interest rates are close to a peak. This would probably require weaker labour markets. More positively, we are seeing some attractive opportunities amongst high-quality companies with strong balance sheets and pricing power – especially those benefiting from longer-term trends, such as healthcare and energy transition.

• We recently upgraded our view on fixed income to neutral. We have been buying shorter-dated government bonds and also increasing exposure to credit markets.
• We continue to like commodities. Historically, they have helped to protect portfolios from inflation shocks. They should also benefit from the ongoing energy transition. Low CAPEX in recent years means the supply of many commodities is constrained. However, increased investment in electrification and renewable infrastructure will create significant demand for these materials. The combination of low supply and strong demand should be good for prices.

This article is issued by Cazenove Capital which is part of the Schroders Group and a trading name of Schroder & Co. Limited, 1 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. 

Nothing in this document should be deemed to constitute the provision of financial, investment or other professional advice in any way. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of an investment and the income from it may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount originally invested.

This document may include forward-looking statements that are based upon our current opinions, expectations and projections. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

All data contained within this document is sourced from Cazenove Capital unless otherwise stated.

Authors

Caspar Rock
Chief Investment Officer
Kate Leppard
Head of Client Service, UK Wealth Management
Ahmet Feridun
Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Christopher Lewis
Christopher Lewis Head of Investment Strategy

Topics

The value of your investments and the income received from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back the amount you invested.