Geopolitics
The lack of inflation makes a Fed rate hike before December unlikely. In the interim, the continued flow of liquidity could sustain the high-risk rally.
Xi Jinping has not overthrown China's consensual leadership model; The Communist Party is highly vulnerable to the emerging middle class; Factional struggles will re-emerge before the 2017 Party Congress; Economic structural reform is constrained by a host of factors; Geopolitical tail risks will remain elevated.
The populist backlash, if left unchecked, could spiral out of control, leading to severe losses for investors. Concerns about lax financial regulation, rising inequality, unfettered globalization, and fiscal austerity are understandable. Addressing these grievances will hurt corporate profits short-term, but could lead to a more resilient economy longer-term. Investors should position for modestly higher inflation and steepening yield curves. Near-term, equities are technically overbought, but will benefit from the shift to more stimulative fiscal and monetary policies.
In lieu of our regular report, we are publishing a <i>Special Report</i> titled "Five Myths About Chinese Politics" authored by our <i>Geopolitical Strategy</i> team, offering insight on the Chinese leadership and the political situation.
With 88 days to go until the U.S. presidential election our client meetings are starting to steer towards "all Trump, all the time." In this report we present evidence that Trump's electability is correlated with the chief global safe haven, the 10-year Treasury. Markets may be overreacting, however. Trump has a chance, but Clinton is the clear favorite. We also bust five myths about China's political system, in a continuation of our coverage of rising geopolitical risks in East Asia.
With 88 days to go until the U.S. presidential election our client meetings are starting to steer towards "all Trump, all the time." In this report we present evidence that Trump's electability is correlated with the chief global safe haven, the 10-year Treasury. Markets may be overreacting, however. Trump has a chance, but Clinton is the clear favorite. We also bust five myths about China's political system, in a continuation of our coverage of rising geopolitical risks in East Asia.
This week's <i>Special Report</i> written by <i>Geopolitical Strategy's</i> Managing Editor Marko Papic discusses the "bull market" in terrorism and the limited impact on risk assets from terrorist attacks. The rise in attacks will not necessarily lead to anti-establishment politicians taking power.
The recent rally in risk assets is walking a very fine line. If the Fed turns more hawkish, or U.S. growth slows, it could fall over.
A collection of 10 important charts to monitor closely through the summer months.
The 35-year bond bull market is coming to an end and the downward sloping trend channel for yields is changing to flat. Asset allocators should trim duration and fixed income exposure.