Asia
Chinese PPI deflation will likely continue to ease going forward. There are non-trivial odds that the PPI deflation may turn positive. Our models predict a sharp upturn in China's profit cycle. Meanwhile, Anti-corruption investigation cases have dropped substantially since the beginning of the year, a sign that the Communist Party may be reorienting priorities to boost economic growth.
These general themes - along with our assessment that markets were overestimating downside price risk and underestimating upside risks arising from supply destruction and geopolitical instability - supported the best-performing strategic recommendations we made last quarter.
Gold seems to be leading global share prices. Gold prices have rolled over since March 10. Hence, odds are that the U.S. dollar is about to bottom, and that global and EM stocks, as well as commodities prices, are about to relapse. We recommend two new trades in central Europe: Go long central European banks / short euro area banks and buy 10-year Polish domestic bonds.
Chinese GDP growth may have picked up slightly in the first quarter, and growth numbers will likely continue to exceed expectations in the coming months. The market is overly bearish on China's earnings outlook, and may be on the verge of reassessment. Stay positive on H shares.
We are sending you the Q2 <i>Global Investment Strategy Outlook</i>, which discusses the ten predictions we expect to drive global financial markets throughout the rest of the year.
Risk assets are stuck in a range driven by the Fed feedback loop. But the current rally may continue for another quarter or two.
There are a number of warning signs that the global and EM equity bounce is unsustainable. The latest episode of housing recovery in China will prove temporary due to still-large imbalances. Overweight Indian stocks: the credit cycle in India is less vulnerable compared to other EMs. However, the outlook for Indian equities in absolute terms is not bullish.
The RMB has moderated considerably since mid-last year, which should lead to improved capacity utilization and easing PPI deflation. There is a strengthening case for an upswing in China's profit cycle, driven by falling interest rates and a weaker RMB, while investors are ill-prepared for any positive earnings surprises.
Renewed strength in the U.S. equity market sponsored by another round of global monetary easing has revived the debate about whether it is finally time to transition out of our <i>alpha</i>-generating defensive portfolio strategy. This <i>Special Report</i> examines the critical factors shaping this investment decision.
In this <i>Special Report</i>, we present a detailed discussion on the outlook for Australian credit markets. Our conclusion is that investors should begin increasing exposure to Australian spread product.