Global CIO Equity Briefing

Mind the (Recession) Gap

The global economy faces major headwinds. Many earnings estimates have yet to reflect this potential economic deceleration. Yet while markets have become intensely focused on the short-term, select opportunities exist for diversified active managers.

Key takeaways:
  • The global economy faces three headwinds – Europe’s energy crisis, sustained inflation and a slowing China.
  • Corporate earnings estimates do not currently reflect the speed of this economic deceleration.
  • Investors are eager for signs inflation is under control and economic data is no longer worsening.
  • Markets are focused on the short-term more than ever and money once again has a cost.
  • Actively identifying opportunities requires careful and diversified positioning for the long-term.

The European energy crisis

Energy has been this year’s standout driver of inflation. Europe in particular has been most exposed through its reliance on Russian natural gas. Yet recent months have seen energy prices soften, as markets factor in the prospect of weaker economic growth, impressive Ukrainian advances and high inventories. Government interventions to cap prices have also lessened some of the cost impact for both consumers and businesses. 

Even so, in a cold winter, current measures will not avoid the need for some form of either compulsory or voluntary rationing. What’s more, energy prices were already rising in advance of Russia’s invasion. With global oil and gas supplies naturally declining at c. 8% p.a.1 , economies will need to see rapid investment in renewables as well as oil and gas to meet longer-term supply challenges. 

Sustained inflation despite tightening monetary policy

While the US Federal Reserve (Fed) was not the first central bank to raise rates after Covid, it has led the way in terms of the size of its hikes, with far-reaching consequences for global asset valuations. Markets are thus highly focused on continued inflationary pressures. At 8.3%, September’s US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data marked a modest step down from the previous print of 9.1%3 . But with energy, goods and freight prices softening as pandemic supply chain issues ease, labour market and services inflation is increasingly driving upward pricing pressure. This dynamic is starting to embed inflationary expectations, giving the Fed renewed cause to accelerate its firm commitment to tighter monetary policy. Expectations for when the Fed will revert to a more accommodative stance keep being pushed out (Fig.1). 

Fig.1 Expectations for US Rate Cuts Keep Being Pushed Out2
Allianz Global Investors – exclusions overview

However, there are already some signs the Fed’s measures are taking effect. With mortgage rates now over 6%, the substantial US housing market is likely to slow, softening both the economy and broader sentiment. Industrial production is also starting to slow, with US data falling 0.2% month-on-month in August, and the equivalent EU data dropping 2.4% in July4. Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) numbers are similarly weakening (Fig.2). 

Fig.2 Weakening Global Manufacturing5
Allianz Global Investors – exclusions overview

China’s slowing economy

In previous crises – including the great financial crisis (GFC) – China’s economy has provided the necessary growth to offset broader global weakness. However, policies aligned with President Xi’s stated aims of creating a less unequal society, combined with a “zero Covid” approach have seen this growth weaken. The upcoming National Party Congress (NPC) may be the point at which new measures to stimulate the economy directly are announced.

Even so, the NPC is unlikely to be an immediate game changer for China and equity markets, given the complexity of its political processes. Reshuffling government offices takes around six months to implement, with completion only coming after the “Two Sessions” held in March 2023. As a primarily political event, the NPC will be focused on China’s long-term goals. These in effect serve as lead indicators, and will touch on everything from national security to technological self-sufficiency and decarbonisation. However, it will ultimately lead to more decisive policy implementation once both personnel issues and national priorities are settled.

Valuation and earnings

Earnings estimates do not currently reflect the speed of economic deceleration that monetary tightening, sustained inflation and the resulting destruction of demand are delivering. Summer’s relief rally was supported by relatively good Q2 earnings. These were underpinned by a post-pandemic rebound and some inflationary pricing tailwinds while demand remained strong. 

As these factors reverse, analysts must now review margin estimates in light of inventory movements, currencies, commodities, economic slowdown, energy and food shocks, and inflationary pressures. Until we see a realistic revision through an “earnings recession”, this valuation divergence could remain uncorrected. On the positive side, many corporate balance sheets remain in relatively good health, while the global banking system is far more robust than in the GFC. 

Interest rate stabilisation

The current drivers of inflation blend geopolitical tensions, both supply and demand side issues, post-Covid rehabilitation and an accelerated shift in the energy ecosystem. Markets are looking for signs that the sharp tightening of monetary policy can be an effective tool to combat these pressures. Meanwhile, investors are looking for both signs that inflation is under control and economic data is no longer worsening. 

Assessing unintended consequences

The complexity of the current macroeconomic climate is driving divergent monetary and fiscal policies. For example, the varying degree of intensity around tightening has the potential to create a feedback loop from sharp currency moves. This can be seen in recent sharp moves on both the GBP and JPY, given the combination of exogenous factors (to the US) and the strong US dollar.

How do we position in this environment?

Markets are currently volatile, pricing securities by extrapolating highly short-term data. At the same time, many investors are facing a world where money has a cost again. This combination requires careful and diversified positioning. From a style perspective, we see reasons to like both Growth and Value stocks selectively, focusing on high-quality names. Companies with robust balance sheets and strong cash flow generation tend to outperform in challenging macroeconomic conditions. With a view to tail risks, we also analyse corporate sustainability as a key component of our quality assessment. Consequently, we are constructive on Growth stocks expanding profitably or Value stocks with a degree of income support. 

Diversification is key in challenging times. Many investors may turn to a broad portfolio anchored in factor-based strategies, including low volatility. However, the current environment also creates opportunities from a valuation perspective, particularly around thematic strategies. Such strategies invest in many attractive companies with exposure to longer-term drivers that are uncorrelated from the broader economy – such as artificial intelligence, financial inclusion, cyber security and climate change adaptation. Consequently, they may offer greater growth visibility for investors. 

We must therefore assess both the longer-term risks and opportunities from the current disruption. How the world produces and consumes energy will remain a key investment theme, from both an energy transition and a national security perspective. Similarly, the role that China plays as it shifts to Phase 3 of its development will be critical to the global economy for years to come. Finally, the pace at which technology is disrupting every facet of life has not slowed. This so-called Digital Darwinism is generating risks and opportunities across every sector, from healthcare to industrials. It is in this context that we continue to take an active and focused approach. 

 

Equity Indices Performance in USD as of September 30, 2022

Data as of September 30, 2022

Total Return YTD 2022 (%)

Total Return August 2022 (%)

Total Return 3 months(%)

Total Return 12 months (%)

MSCI All Country World

-25.34 -9.53 -6.71 -20.29

MSCI World

-25.14 -9.26 -6.08 -19.29

MSCI Emerging Market

-26.89 -11.67 -11.42 -27.80

MSCI All Country World Small Cap

-26.09 -10.19 -5.15 -24.44

MSCI All Country World Growth

-32.07 -10.46 -5.88 -27.32

MSCI World Value

-18.59 -8.61 -7.49 -13.35

S&P 500

-23.87 -9.21 -4.88 -15.47

NASDAQ

-32.00 -10.44 -3.91 -26.25

Stoxx 600

-29.55 -8.87 -10.31 -25.60

FTSE All Share

-23.87 -9.90 -11.47 -20.77

MSCI Japan

-26.11 -10.22 -7.52 -29.02

MSCI Hong Kong

-19.39 -10.71 -16.97 -22.25

MSCI China A

-29.72 -9.62 -18.96 -27.31

1) https://www.iea.org/reports/the-oil-and-gas-industry-in-energy-transitions
2) Bloomberg as of September 30, 2022. All figures in USD.
3) Bloomberg as of September 30, 2022. All figures in USD.
4) Bloomberg as of September 30, 2022. All figures in USD.
5) IHS Markit as of September 30, 2022.

Please note that this report may be based on manual data uploads and calculations. The methodologies and data sources used may be different from the sources used for official fund documents. This report has been created to the best of our knowledge, effort and available data and is assumed to be correct and reliable at the time of publication. This report has not been externally verified. Please refer to the mandatory periodic statements/reports which are solely binding.

  • Disclosures
    Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against losses.

    These views are updated regularly to reflect changing market conditions and are independent of portfolio construction considerations. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.

    A rating provides no indicator of future performance and is not constant over time. Unless otherwise noted, index returns reflect the reinvestment of income dividends and capital gains, if any, but do not reflect fees, brokerage commissions or other expenses of investing. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

    Investing involves risk. The value of an investment and the income from it will fluctuate and investors may not get back the principal invested. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. This is a marketing communication. It is for informational purposes only. This document does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security and shall not be deemed an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.

    The views and opinions expressed herein, which are subject to change without notice, are those of the issuer or its affiliated companies at the time of publication. Certain data used are derived from various sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy or completeness of the data is not guaranteed and no liability is assumed for any direct or consequential losses arising from their use. The duplication, publication, extraction or transmission of the contents, irrespective of the form, is not permitted.

    This material has not been reviewed by any regulatory authorities. In mainland China, it is for Qualified Domestic Institutional Investors scheme pursuant to applicable rules and regulations and is for information purpose only. This document does not constitute a public offer by virtue of Act Number 26.831 of the Argentine Republic and General Resolution No. 622/2013 of the NSC. This communication’s sole purpose is to inform and does not under any circumstance constitute promotion or publicity of Allianz Global Investors products and/or services in Colombia or to Colombian residents pursuant to part 4 of Decree 2555 of 2010. This communication does not in any way aim to directly or indirectly initiate the purchase of a product or the provision of a service offered by Allianz Global Investors. Via reception of his document, each resident in Colombia acknowledges and accepts to have contacted Allianz Global Investors via their own initiative and that the communication under no circumstances does not arise from any promotional or marketing activities carried out by Allianz Global Investors. Colombian residents accept that accessing any type of social network page of Allianz Global Investors is done under their own responsibility and initiative and are aware that they may access specific information on the products and services of Allianz Global Investors. This communication is strictly private and confidential and may not be reproduced. This communication does not constitute a public offer of securities in Colombia pursuant to the public offer regulation set forth in Decree 2555 of 2010. This communication and the information provided herein should not be considered a solicitation or an offer by Allianz Global Investors or its affiliates to provide any financial products in Brazil, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay. In Australia, this material is presented by Allianz Global Investors Asia Pacific Limited (“AllianzGI AP”) and is intended for the use of investment consultants and other institutional/professional investors only, and is not directed to the public or individual retail investors. AllianzGI AP is not licensed to provide financial services to retail clients in Australia. AllianzGI AP is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian Foreign Financial Service License under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) pursuant to ASIC Class Order (CO 03/1103) with respect to the provision of financial services to wholesale clients only. AllianzGI AP is licensed and regulated by Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission under Hong Kong laws, which differ from Australian laws.

    This document is being distributed by the following Allianz Global Investors companies: Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC, an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; Allianz Global Investors Distributors LLC, distributor registered with FINRA, is affiliated with Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC; Allianz Global Investors GmbH, an investment company in Germany, authorized by the German Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin); Allianz Global Investors (Schweiz) AG; in HK, by Allianz Global Investors Asia Pacific Ltd., licensed by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission; in Singapore, by Allianz Global Investors Singapore Ltd., regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore [Company Registration No. 199907169Z]; in Japan, by Allianz Global Investors Japan Co., Ltd., registered in Japan as a Financial Instruments Business Operator [Registered No. The Director of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Financial Instruments Business Operator), No. 424], Member of Japan Investment Advisers Association, the Investment Trust Association, Japan and Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association; in Taiwan, by Allianz Global Investors Taiwan Ltd., licensed by Financial Supervisory Commission in Taiwan; and in Indonesia, by PT. Allianz Global Investors Asset Management Indonesia licensed by Indonesia Financial Services Authority (OJK).

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