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Friday 05 January 2024
Global Investment Views, Equity, Fixed income
January 2024 | The rapid retreat in fixed income yields caused by falling inflation and dovish central banks has affected valuations, but bonds are still a good diversifier as we enter a slowdown. However, we may see some uptick in yields (owing to inflation). The recent equities rally is largely based on easing financial conditions and expectations of a soft or no landing next year. There is a disconnect between valuations in some segments and their earnings potential, which raises risks of deratings.
01 | Inflation is declining, but it's too soon to declare victory; US core inflation is displaying stickiness.
02 | US and Europe are weakening; Labor markets are loosening, and consumers' views of worsening job security adds to our forecasts of a mild US recession in H1.
03 | Currently, markets are ignoring the long-term US debt sustainability issues and are driven by the Fed policy outlook.
Important Information
Unless otherwise stated, all information contained in this document is from Amundi Asset Management as of January 1, 2024 . Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. The views expressed regarding market and economic trends are those of the [author] and not necessarily Amundi Asset Management and are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance that countries, markets or sectors will perform as expected. These views should not be relied upon as investment advice, a security recommendation, or as an indication of trading for any Amundi product or service. This material does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security, fund units or services. Investment involves risks, including market, political, liquidity and currency risks. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Amundi US is the US business of Amundi Asset Management.
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In addition to central banks' policies and inflation trends, we believe domestic politics and their impact on international relations will be important determinants of financial markets and economic direction. Our economic outlook is relatively robust, but valuations are tight in some areas of risk assets, allowing us to stay slightly positive on equities overall. However, we reduced our stance slightly in developed market equities and believe investors should consider building protection in some areas here. In bonds, we are constructive on US duration and core Europe, while we maintain our cautious stance on Japan. In corporate credit, EU investment grade is our favorite area.
In developed markets, we move to neutral from positive on Japan and we see scope for rebalancing in favor of the UK, European small caps and the US. While the US is displaying strong earnings, we believe Europe should benefit from the moderately resilient economic environment and rate cuts. In government bonds, we are positive on the US and core Europe, along with Italy. In credit, valuations in Euro investment grade appear attractive. We also look for selective opportunities across emerging markets and see oil as providing protection from geopolitical risks.
Recent inflation and growth data from the US indicates continued strength in the economy, leading Amundi and various institutions including the International Monetary Fund, to revise US growth forecasts upward. We believe current strong momentum will continue into Q2, but expect a deceleration in H2. Inflation data also points to stickier prices, with upside risks, especially around oil, from the recent geopolitical escalation, opening a difficult phase for central banks. We expect fewer rate cuts but higher uncertainty around policy actions.
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