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Figure 1: US asset class performance in different regimes (Source: Pictet Asset Management) 

Based on current inflation figures and forecasts, we are now in a regime of high inflation and high economic activity. In this environment one would still consider equities, corporate debt (especially high yield), property and infrastructure as sectors that will have revenue linked to inflation, which should reduce the impact of future cash flows being eroded by inflation and keep values up.

Where is inflation and where it may go?

We continue to see inflation rising in developed markets along with pockets of inflation in some emerging markets.

One reason for this is the continued mismatch in supply and demand – the combination of increased demand from economies reopening and the pandemic induced supply chain disruption has led to rising costs which companies have begun to pass onto consumers. 

An increase in energy prices (especially given the low-price base coming into the pandemic) has also been an inflationary pressure. We do not see this structural change however, as commodity prices historically go through peaks and troughs in line with supply and demand requirements.

Moving forward the outlook is that inflation is expected to remain high but that the growth rate in inflation will fall in 2022 (see Figure 2.). This has been a consistent view over the last six months and is based on that we expect to see a normalisation as economies reopen, furlough schemes end and that supply disruptions will improve.

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Figure 2: Inflation forecasts of major economies (Source: FRED) 

What next? 

It wasn’t that long ago when investors were concerned about deflation and stagnating productivity. Fast forward to the present day and the biggest risks we now perceive are policy mistakes from Central Banks. 

To date Central Banks have been extremely measured in the way they communicate potential policy actions to the market. 

Federal Reserve Chair Powell, for example, when announcing the potential tapering of asset purchase was clear to state that if economic conditions deteriorate then the Federal Reserve would not hesitate to step in. To date this has provided a degree of assurance for investors, but for now the conversation turns to interest rates and will Central Banks raise them or not. 

In the US we have seen a more hawkish tone from the Federal Reserve and based on the latest Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting we now have 9 of 18 Fed Officials expecting a rate rise in 2022 and 17 of 18 expecting a rate rise by 2023. 

The direction of the Federal Reserve is clear, but we still see a wide range of forecasts on what any interest rate rise will be. The most hawkish forecasts expect rates to rise to 0.75% in 2022 and 1.75% by 2023 and the more dovish who see rates staying at the lower bound and this is reflected in current market uncertainty.

Turning to the BoE though we see a different strategy being discussed. Whereas the Federal Reserve are looking to taper first and raise rates later, the BoE have been looking at perhaps increasing rates in two increments to 0.50%, with the first-rate rise occurring as soon as December. Raising rates to 0.25% would still mean rates are low by historical standards, but it’s the market interpretation that needs to be considered and what further tightening from the BoE would mean. 

Market Update

UK

A tight labour market, continued disruption to supply chains and increasing energy costs has seen inflation continue to rise. This has led to the Bank of England’s (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey supported by new Chief Economist Huw Pill to express concerns about inflation being above the banks 2% target and that an interest rate rise may occur as soon as this year. 

US

Markets were supported by the news that Congress had approved an increase to the Government’s borrowing limit which alleviated immediate concerns that the US would default – the increase of $480bn however is only temporary and further talks are expected in December. 

Economic data coming out of the US in September was mixed. Average hourly earnings were higher than forecasted increasing 0.6% and weekly jobless claims fell more than expected, however nonfarm payroll was well below expectations (500,000) at 194,000.

Europe

The ECB have announced that they will begin to reduce their asset purchase program, although there are mixed views coming from policy officials on the inflation outlook. ECB President Lagarde has expressed a desire to not overreact to what may be transitory supply chain disruption and increases to energy prices, however Chief Economist Lane believes that inflation will hit 2% by 2025 in the Eurozone and that the EU is experiencing more persistent inflation.

China

The fallout of Evergrande and the wider condition of the property sector remains a focus for investors. There are several key bond payments due from Chinese property companies due in the coming weeks and any default is likely to cause further volatility in equity markets as the property sector accounts for around a quarter of the Chinese economy. 

If you would like to discuss your investment portfolio then please contact your TPO adviser or arrange a free consultation.

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Note: This Market update is for general information only, does not constitute individual advice and should not be used to inform financial decisions.

Investment returns are not guaranteed, and you may get back less than originally invested; past performance is not a guide to future returns.