Financial Markets

Financial Market Insight Month in Review – August 2021

Markets have continued to edge upwards over recent weeks while investors remain on high alert for Central Bank signals that the process of unwinding the QE supports which have been in place for a number of years is about to begin. Central bankers are well aware of this state of alert and are being very careful not to make any statements which might hurt financial markets and potentially negatively impact the nascent post covid economic recovery. Following the annual Jackson Hole meeting of central bankers in Wyoming last week, where Jay Powell the Federal Reserve Chairman indicated that they could start tapering their bond buying before the end of the year but that rate rises were some way off, markets took this in their stride, at least for now.

Elsewhere, China continues to heap regulatory pressure on to the big domestic internet players, the most obvious outcome being a 25% fall in the Hang Seng Tech Index year to date. In comparison, non-internet companies are down by around 3%. Many commentators see the tech sector fallback as overdone (annual revenue growth for some of these companies is still of the order of 40%) and see it as a buying opportunity, which it could be but probably not for the faint hearted.

As vaccination rates have increased across developed markets, investors have become increasingly comfortable around the longer-term impact of the pandemic and even seem happy to ignore the potential risks around the emergence of new variants. Some analysts have gone as far as projecting double digit annual returns for the next five years which appears excessive to say the least and may well be an indicator that a market downturn is not far off.

Equity Markets

As major equity markets continued to grow through August, by the order of 2% on average, China remained the outlier, falling in value by around 1% over the month. We continue to hold the view that any market setbacks between now and the end of the year will be short lived as opportunistic money flows into equities to provide support in the event of markets falling back. We are holding to our view that equity markets will finish the year higher than they are today.

Bonds

The statement from the US Federal Reserve Chairman that purchases of bonds under their QE programme will likely tart winding down by the end of the year is not ideal news for bond markets. While a sharp correction is not likely, it is somewhat inevitable that many bond prices will slide between now and year end and that yields will gradually rise. So not a perfect time to be increasing exposure to mainstream bond markets. However, we do not expect large market shifts and we still see good value in niche areas of the bond universe.

Cash

No change in outlook here as negative rates look to be embedded in the banking system for quite some time yet, despite the subtle shifts in bond markets. Long term cash holders are strongly encouraged to consider some of the high yielding lower volatility investment funds available in the market.

Alternatives

For those concerned about the risk in mainstream equity markets from high valuations, it might be worth considering alternative assets. Sectors worth considering might include Private Equity and Infrastructure, both of which are benefitting from favourable environments currently. Example funds include Standard Life Private Equity Trust (trading at a 20% discount to NAV and paying an annual dividend yield of 3%) and GCP Infrastructure (annual dividend yield 6.5%). With current warnings about power shortages in Europe this winter, the renewable energy providers will directly benefit. Example funds include NextEnergy Solar (annual yield 7%) and Greencoat (annual yield 5%).

Investment Outlook

The post covid optimism around economic recovery continues to be the dominant influence driving equity markets. In general, we would see this mood continuing between now and the end of the year, peppered by occasional volatile phases. Longer term, equities will continue to deliver, although as markets continue to rise, a selective approach is likely to produce the best outcome.

Fund in Focus

Our fund for this month is Aberdeen Asian Income Fund  –  Click here to see more details

As always, you should only consider the investment views contained in this Financial Market Insight update in the context of your own attitude to risk and how such choices might impact your Asset Allocation model. Should you wish to discuss your investment portfolio, please contact Harvest Financial Services on 01 2375500 or email justask@harvestfinancial.ie.