So this year has seen the typical post Recession 2008 cycle – a climb, dip and then a climb so far – with last week seeing the first decline since the rally started beginning of June.
With all the issues coming to a head (maybe) in September – what is next for the markets?
If the Fed decides next week not to implement another round of QE it could turn the tables on investors, with emerging markets in the doldrums and UK, European and US equities once again leading the charge.
While some believe the minutes from the latest Federal Reserve policy meeting imply that a large-scale asset-purchasing programme could be on the horizon, the markets are still in the dark about the likelihood of such an event. I personally doubt a QE3 asset purchasing programme is on the cusp of the horizon – but then who ever said governments, treasury functions, etc. had to act rationally?
If the Federal Reserve rejects the ‘printing money’ option and the dollar stabilises, it will create an environment that is not conducive to things like emerging markets and commodities, but it could be hugely bullish for everything else that hasn’t worked well in the last few years. It is plausible that, if these assumptions are correct, European and Japanese equities could stand to benefit.
Looking at relative valuations, they are trading at extremely low prices relative to US equities in historical terms. You could argue the same thing about European equities which are trading back to where they were in March 2009 and US equities are expensive in relative terms.
Government bonds are also out because they are so expensive (some with actual negative yields), and emerging markets – controversially given their heavily tipped status in recent years – could be out in the cold with them.
In the UK, I believe some of the cyclical companies such as house builders and unloved sectors such as media stand to benefit the most from this new environment, as they are priced at huge discounts to the market. Whereas, defensive investments, which last year did their job, and are now at a record premium.
So I am in the process of planning to reposition my clients portfolios for a change. I believe there is a risk currently of reversion here, with some of the areas people really love reverting and de-rating to the downside.
The major issue seen – is QE3 and if Ben Bernanke sanctions an asset buying/money expansion programme – I personally do not think this is necessary, desirable or suitable timing and could well be counterproductive.
Does this mean it won’t happen? Who knows!!!
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