Ellen Ward

The World In A Week - Surprises on the Downside, Right Side, and Left Side

Written by Ilaria Massei

Last week was generally positive for Fixed Income and Equities in the US, with the Bloomberg U.S. Treasury 20+ Years Index delivering +3.4%, while the tech-heavy NASDAQ 100 Index returned +3.5%, in US dollar terms. This was partly due to the annual inflation rate, released last Wednesday, which surprised on the downside at 3.3%, raising hopes of an imminent interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve (Fed). The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food and energy prices, also surprised on the downside, easing to 3.4%. Although the Fed maintained the interest rate unchanged at this June’s meeting, comments from Fed President Jerome Powell have reiterated that a first cut in September remains possible, should data over the summer continue to moderate. However, the dot plot graphic, which presents Fed officials' expectations for interest rates, has shown that expectations have shifted from three rate cuts this year to just one.

In both Europe and the UK, electoral turmoil has been a drag last week on Equities with the MSCI Europe Ex-UK falling by -3.5% and the FTSE All Share returning -1.3%, in GBP terms. Last weekend’s EU elections signalled a shift in preferences towards right-wing parties, and a major political shock came from French President Emmanuel Macron, who decided to call a snap election three years earlier than expected, following his party's defeat by Le Pen’s National Rally.  This gamble was not well received by markets and French equities endured a particularly tough week.

In China, the annual inflation rate released last Wednesday came in below expectations at 0.3%, slightly below forecasts and the annual Producer Price Index, a leading indicator of inflation, printed at -1.4%. These numbers reiterate that consumer confidence is still weak and slow to recover, despite numerous measures from Beijing to support the economy and markets over the past year. The government has sent a clear signal of its aim to stabilise and support the property sector, a significant component of China’s economy. However, such initiatives can be challenging to implement and will likely take time to materialise.

Any opinions stated are honestly held but are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon.  

The information contained in this document is not to be regarded as an offer to buy or sell, or the solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, any investments or products.  

The content of this document is for information only. It is advisable that you discuss your personal financial circumstances with a financial adviser before undertaking any investments.  

All the data contained in the communication is believed to be reliable but may be inaccurate or incomplete. Unless otherwise specified all information is produced as of 17th June 2024. 

© 2024 YOU Asset Management. All rights reserved. 

by Ellen Ward

The World In A Week - The starting gun gets fired

Written by Chris Ayton

Last week was a positive week for both bonds and equities, supported by technology-related earnings results in the US as well as the starting gun being fired on interest rate reductions by major central banks.  The MSCI All Country World Index rose +1.2% over the week. Within global fixed income markets, the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Index rose +0.4% in sterling hedged terms, with longer-dated bonds, which are more sensitive to interest rate reductions, posting some of the strongest returns.

In the US, a prominent index that tracks factory activity declined more than expected highlighting weakened activity in housing, construction and capital investment.  The market took this as a sign of potential economic slowdown and a data point that could provide further scope for the Federal Reserve to start to cut interest rates, although this view was later tempered by some stronger than expected labour market data.  The US equity market (S&P 500 +1.4% over the week in GBP terms) was also supported by continued strength in US chip maker, Nvidia, as it unveiled its next generation of Artificial Intelligence chips ahead of schedule. In the process, Nvidia’s market capitalisation surpassed $3 trillion, overtaking Apple to become the world’s second-largest listed company. Incredibly, one third of the S&P 500 Index’s +13% return in 2024 has come solely from Nvidia’s meteoric rise.

In Europe, financial news was led by the European Central Bank (ECB) reducing its benchmark interest rate by 0.25%, its first cut in over 5 years. However, ECB President, Christine Lagarde, said further rate cuts would be dependent on inflationary pressures easing further, something that will not be aided by recent data indicating upticks in both inflation and wages in Europe.  Nevertheless, the MSCI Europe ex-UK Index was up +1.3% for the week in GBP terms.

News in Asia was dominated by a surprise election result in India.  Based on exit polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP Party was expected to extend its existing parliamentary majority. However, on the contrary, they lost their overall majority. Although Mr. Modi will remain in power, his BJP party are going to have to rely on the support of an alliance of other smaller like-minded parties in order to pass further groundbreaking and business friendly economic, land and labour reforms that India requires in order to support its drive to become Asia’s new manufacturing powerhouse.

Any opinions stated are honestly held but are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon.  

The information contained in this document is not to be regarded as an offer to buy or sell, or the solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, any investments or products.  

The content of this document is for information only. It is advisable that you discuss your personal financial circumstances with a financial adviser before undertaking any investments.  

All the data contained in the communication is believed to be reliable but may be inaccurate or incomplete. Unless otherwise specified all information is produced as of 10^th June 2024. 

© 2024 YOU Asset Management. All rights reserved. 

by Ellen Ward

The World In A Week - It is never too early to remind ourselves of good practices

Written by Shane Balkham

The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to cut interest rates this week.  It is worth noting that both Europe and the US have experienced similar inflation dynamics since the pandemic.  What is different though, is the way inflation has become politicised in the US, while in Europe it is seen as a central bank issue.  As inflation has come down in Europe, the ECB has given a consistent narrative of following the data and, with inflation seemingly under control, we should see the cutting cycle commence.

In the US the inflation situation has become a lot more political, with attempts from opposition parties to directly blame the government for price moves.  This puts undue pressure on the Federal Reserve not to make any rate cuts until the US presidential election is over.  From the latest minutes of the Federal Reserve Open Market committee meeting, there was confirmation that the first-quarter US inflation data had increased the committee’s concerns about the pace and sustainability of lower inflation.  This has dampened the odds of a nearer-term interest rate cut; the expectations for the 12^th June, 31^st July, and 18^th September meetings are for nothing more than a holding pattern, waiting for data to corroborate a weakening labour market and consistent fall in inflation.

Noise surrounding the US election is increasing, as Donald Trump was found guilty of all 34 counts of falsifying business records.  The Democrats took this as an opportunity to escalate campaigning, targeting Trump directly.  In response, Trump’s campaign claimed that it had shattered its own fundraising record since the conviction on Thursday, raising a staggering $52m in online donations.  In a time of headline-grabbing rhetoric, it is a timely reminder that this should not be a signal to change your long-term investment plans.

In the UK, the Bank of England confirmed last week that due to the announcement of the general election on the 4^th July, there would be no press conferences or statements issued until after the election.  The Monetary Policy Committee’s meeting on 20^th June will still go ahead, with minutes issued, but no further narrative will be given to the markets.

While most equity markets ended the week in negative territory, Japan was an exception, as the Bank of Japan Deputy Governor signalled the end of the battle against inflation was in sight and that wages would likely continue to rise.  We remain positive on Japanese equities and continue to be overweight relative to our long-term Strategic Asset Allocation.

Any opinions stated are honestly held but are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon.  

The information contained in this document is not to be regarded as an offer to buy or sell, or the solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, any investments or products.  

The content of this document is for information only. It is advisable that you discuss your personal financial circumstances with a financial adviser before undertaking any investments.  

All the data contained in the communication is believed to be reliable but may be inaccurate or incomplete. Unless otherwise specified all information is produced as of 3^rd June 2024. 

© 2024 YOU Asset Management. All rights reserved. 

by Ellen Ward

The World In A Week - Is a June rate cut still on the cards for the UK?

Written by Ashwin Gurung

According to official figures from the Office for National Statistics, the UK’s annual headline inflation fell to 2.3% in April, its lowest level since July 2021, down from 3.2% in March. However, this decrease was less than the anticipated 2.1%. Similarly, annual services inflation declined slightly from 6.0% to 5.9%, also falling short of expectations. These outcomes may have reduced the likelihood of the Bank of England (BoE) cutting interest rates as early as June. While inflation is on a downward trend and nearing its target rate, it remains sticky.

During the week, the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a snap general election for July 4^th. Some market participants believe that this development makes a rate cut in June even less likely than before. However, it is important to note that the BoE has independence from the Government in terms of how it carries out its responsibilities i.e., free from political influence, so the general election should have no direct impact on the decision of rates cuts in June.

Similarly, from an investment perspective, we don't expect the upcoming general election to significantly explain the performance of UK stocks. Data has shown that the election's impact is much lower compared to other economic factors such as monetary policy decisions, and their impact on markets is also incredibly difficult to foresee. Whatever the outcome, we remain positive on UK Equities as they continue to benefit from companies reporting positive earnings, implementing stock buy-backs, and higher mergers & acquisitions activity where we have seen numerous UK companies being bid for at premiums to their valuation. UK listed companies are considered to be attractively priced by both domestic and foreign companies.

In the US, market expectations are also leaning towards a delay in anticipated rate cuts due to continued strength in consumption and higher economic growth. The Federal Reserve's minutes from April’s policy meeting also highlighted the worry amongst Fed officials that there has been more limited progress on inflation than hoped. Members expressed a lack of confidence in proceeding with rate cuts given this uncertainty.

On the other hand, Japan is dealing with the opposite challenge of keeping inflation sustained.  In April, Japan’s core inflation (which excludes fresh food) declined for a second consecutive month to 2.2%, while staying above the Bank of Japan’s (BoJ) price target. However, the trend is expected to reverse in the upcoming months as numerous Japanese companies prepare to implement the most substantial wage hikes in over three decades in spring wage negotiations. The BoJ is also optimistic that this will spur both spending and prices, ultimately increasing inflation.

Any opinions stated are honestly held but are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon.  

The information contained in this document is not to be regarded as an offer to buy or sell, or the solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, any investments or products.  

The content of this document is for information only. It is advisable that you discuss your personal financial circumstances with a financial adviser before undertaking any investments.  

All the data contained in the communication is believed to be reliable but may be inaccurate or incomplete. Unless otherwise specified all information is produced as of 28^th May 2024. 

© 2024 YOU Asset Management. All rights reserved. 

by Ellen Ward

The World In A Week - More Pay, Less Work

Written by Dominic Williams

Wage growth in the UK remained persistently strong, with the annual rate of pay growth in average weekly wages, excluding bonuses, unchanged at 6% in the three months through March, slightly higher than the forecast of 5.9%. However, the job market showed signs of softening, with vacancies continuing to fall, unemployment rising and the number of people claiming benefits increasing slightly. These mixed signals are unlikely to resolve the debate among members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), at the Bank of England, regarding interest rates, although traders have slightly increased the probability of a June rate cut to just over 50%. Before the June decision, the members of the MPC will have two additional inflation reports to consider, alongside the mixed labour data. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is set to be released on Wednesday, with forecasters anticipating a large decrease to 2.1% from April's 3.2%.

Annual inflation in the US eased in April to 3.4% from 3.5% in March, in line with forecasts. This data ended a four-month streak of inflation exceeding expectations. The news came a day after the Federal Reserve (the Fed) Chair, Jay Powell, warned that the central bank may need to maintain higher rates for longer. Despite this, traders in the futures market priced in the possibility of the Fed reducing interest rates twice in 2024. Following the data release, the S&P 500 Index climbed, hitting a record high before finishing the week in positive territory, up +0.1% in GBP terms.

At the end of the week, the central government in China unveiled a historic rescue package to stabilise the country’s struggling property sector. The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) lowered the minimum deposit ratio to 15% for first-time buyers and to 25% for second-home purchasers, in addition to reducing mortgage rates by 0.25%. The PBOC also scrapped the nationwide floor level of mortgage rates, allowing cities to set their own rates. Additionally, the PBOC provided RMB 300 billion ($41.5 billion) worth of loans to local governments to directly purchase unsold apartments.

There have been mixed signals regarding the state of China’s economy. China’s industrial production expanded year-on-year by 6.7% in April, exceeding market forecasts of 5.5% and significantly improving from the 4.5% gain recorded the previous month. In contrast, retail sales rose by 2.3% year-on-year in April, missing market forecasts of 3.8%. Nevertheless, markets remained positive, with the MSCI China Index finishing the week up +2.7% in GBP terms.

The mixed signals emerging from China underscore the significance of maintaining a diversified portfolio. While we do not directly hold individual Chinese equity funds in our asset allocation, our exposure to the region is attained through our Global Emerging Markets equity funds, which form a component of our broader diversified portfolio.

Any opinions stated are honestly held but are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon.

The information contained in this document is not to be regarded as an offer to buy or sell, or the solicitation of any offer to buy or sell, any investments or products.

The content of this document is for information only. It is advisable that you discuss your personal financial circumstances with a financial adviser before undertaking any investments.

All the data contained in the communication is believed to be reliable but may be inaccurate or incomplete. Unless otherwise specified all information is produced as of 20^th May 2024.

© 2024 YOU Asset Management. All rights reserved.

by Ellen Ward