Macro view: hard landing ahead?
Macro view: hard landing ahead?
Ariel Bezalel and Harry Richards, investment managers of the Jupiter Dynamic Bond strategy, outline their macro thesis and current view of markets.
“Financial markets are tightening up and they are going to do some of the work for us”, said Federal Reserve governor Christopher Waller, in a sign that the tide is beginning to turn in the Fed’s rhetoric about the future path of interest rate policy.
While the minutes from a recent FOMC meeting still speak of “proceeding” with current policy, the committee twice stresses that they must do so “carefully”. We would argue they should have been more careful before now.
Central banks, guided as they are by their main KPIs of managing inflation and unemployment, are having their policy action dictated by two of the most lagging indicators it is possible to find. It is the equivalent of driving a car while looking in the rear-view mirror. But if we look at the latest leading indicators to get a view of the road ahead, we can see a range of factors pointing towards recession.
While the minutes from a recent FOMC meeting still speak of “proceeding” with current policy, the committee twice stresses that they must do so “carefully”. We would argue they should have been more careful before now.
Central banks, guided as they are by their main KPIs of managing inflation and unemployment, are having their policy action dictated by two of the most lagging indicators it is possible to find. It is the equivalent of driving a car while looking in the rear-view mirror. But if we look at the latest leading indicators to get a view of the road ahead, we can see a range of factors pointing towards recession.
Our macro thesis
-
Hard landing
for the US economy driven by monetary contraction and tighter lending standards. -
Recessionary forces
fuelled by depletion in household savings and slack in the job market. -
End of the tightening cycle
as the rolling over of growth and wages create room for central banks to act.
Monetary policy acts with “long and variable lags”, and while US GDP numbers and spot job market data (e.g., unemployment) have been fairly solid up until now, there are cracks starting to appear as Manufacturing remains weak and Services PMIs are now starting to follow.
Consumer spending has been a key supportive factor in the last quarters as excess savings get re-absorbed into the economy, but (see chart below) savings buffers have now been depleted for the large majority of households. In such an environment, it is hard to see how consumer momentum can keep contributing to robust growth – especially with the resumption of student debt repayments in Q4.
Consumer spending has been a key supportive factor in the last quarters as excess savings get re-absorbed into the economy, but (see chart below) savings buffers have now been depleted for the large majority of households. In such an environment, it is hard to see how consumer momentum can keep contributing to robust growth – especially with the resumption of student debt repayments in Q4.
Source: Federal Reserve, Bloomberg calculations, as at September 2023. Note: March 2020 = 100
While the job market remains strong on the surface, we are starting to see some change in trends. The unemployment rate continues to trend upwards, coming in higher than consensus for September at 3.8%. Similarly, the decrease in quit rates and the increase in permanent job losses signal some loosening in the jobs market, while trends in temporary employees and overtime hours point to additional slack ahead.
Furthermore, it seems that many market participants have stopped focusing on the state of the US banking system. As the chart below shows, there is still a chasm between deposit costs for commercial banks and the yields offered by simple money market instruments, with deposit uncertainty or lower profitability a very likely consequence. Recent trends in bank assets and commercial and industrial loans, now in contractionary territory, clearly show the consequences of tighter credit standards in action. This should be a further headwind for the broad economy and the job market moving forward.
Source: Bloomberg, as at 30.09.23
On a more positive note, we see clear progress in the disinflation path across many major economies, with trends in supply chains and commodity markets showing that further disinflation is in the pipeline. Recent trends in energy markets and especially crude prices are something we are closely monitoring, especially in relation to the current instability in the Middle East. The combined effect of a stronger dollar, higher fuel prices in a moment of lower excess savings and as student loan repayments start once again looks to us a toxic cocktail for the US consumer. It is worth noting that any rise in oil prices at this juncture will simply divert spending from other areas of the economy.
In such an environment, we think that the next 6 to 12 months should provide central banks across the globe with reasons (or perhaps the need) to be less hawkish. Developed markets central banks look still fairly data dependent, but looking at emerging markets we already see some rate cuts. Brazil and Chile already started their rate cutting cycle, as has Hungary. These are the same central banks that first started hiking two years ago and may be a good leading indicator for developed markets.
Finally, China is the elephant in the room. Although August data showed some improvement, the data remains sluggish. We do not believe that current support measures enacted by the government will prove sufficient to solve the structural imbalances within the housing market where 20-30% of GDP is from construction. Chinese property is the biggest asset class in the world. Piecemeal measures announced thus far are unlikely to have much long-lasting effect.
In such an environment, we think that the next 6 to 12 months should provide central banks across the globe with reasons (or perhaps the need) to be less hawkish. Developed markets central banks look still fairly data dependent, but looking at emerging markets we already see some rate cuts. Brazil and Chile already started their rate cutting cycle, as has Hungary. These are the same central banks that first started hiking two years ago and may be a good leading indicator for developed markets.
Finally, China is the elephant in the room. Although August data showed some improvement, the data remains sluggish. We do not believe that current support measures enacted by the government will prove sufficient to solve the structural imbalances within the housing market where 20-30% of GDP is from construction. Chinese property is the biggest asset class in the world. Piecemeal measures announced thus far are unlikely to have much long-lasting effect.
An enticing investment opportunity
Market participants would perhaps be wise to remember that changes in monetary policy can be slow to manifest themselves. However, history suggests when the impact is felt it can be dramatic and quick.
An environment in which inflation rolls over, growth falters, and the employment picture worsens is one in which continued hawkish policy from the Federal Reserve will rapidly become untenable and cuts will follow. In our view this lays the foundation for an extremely promising investment environment for fixed income.
We have a high level of conviction in our macro view, but of course we know that nothing is guaranteed and there are factors which could de-rail the world from this path. The world is an unpredictable and volatile place, as we all see ample evidence of every day. Whatever fate throws at bond markets, however, the vast breadth of fixed income asset classes available means we have confidence that a flexible and dynamic global bond portfolio should have the tools at its disposal to meet that challenge. The investment opportunity in fixed income, as we see it, is an enticing one.
An environment in which inflation rolls over, growth falters, and the employment picture worsens is one in which continued hawkish policy from the Federal Reserve will rapidly become untenable and cuts will follow. In our view this lays the foundation for an extremely promising investment environment for fixed income.
We have a high level of conviction in our macro view, but of course we know that nothing is guaranteed and there are factors which could de-rail the world from this path. The world is an unpredictable and volatile place, as we all see ample evidence of every day. Whatever fate throws at bond markets, however, the vast breadth of fixed income asset classes available means we have confidence that a flexible and dynamic global bond portfolio should have the tools at its disposal to meet that challenge. The investment opportunity in fixed income, as we see it, is an enticing one.
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For a more detailed explanation of risks, please refer to the “Risk Factors” section of the prospectus.
Sub investment grade bonds – The Fund may invest a significant portion of its assets in securities which are those rated below investment grade by a credit rating agency. They are considered to have a greater risk of loss of capital or failing to meet their income payment obligations than higher rather investment grade bonds.
Interest Rate Risk – The Fund can invest in assets whose value is sensitive to changes in interest rates (for example bonds) meaning that the value of these investments may fluctuate significantly with movement in interest rates e.g. the value of a bond tends to decrease when interest rates rise.
Credit risk – The issuer of a bond or a similar investment within the Fund may not pay income or repay capital to the Fund when due.
Pricing risk – Price movements in financial assets mean the value of assets can fall as well as rise, with this risk typically amplified in more volatile market conditions.
Contingent convertible bonds – the Fund may invest in contingent convertible bonds. These instruments may experience material losses based on certain trigger events. Specifically these triggers may result in a partial of total loss of value, or the investments may be converted into equity, both of which are likely to entail significant losses.
Derivative risk – The Fund may use derivatives to generate returns and/or to reduce costs and the overall risk of the Fund. Using derivatives can involve a higher level of risk. A small movement in the price of an underlying investment may result in a disproportionately large movement in the price of the derivative investment.
Counterparty Risk – The risk of losses due to the default of a counterparty e.g. on a derivatives contract or a custodian that is safeguarding the Fund’s assets.
Charges from capital – Some or all of the Fund’s charges are taken from capital. Should there not be sufficient capital growth in the Fund this may cause capital erosion.
For a more detailed explanation of risks, please refer to the “Risk Factors” section of the prospectus.
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This document is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. Market and exchange rate movements can cause the value of an investment to fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than originally invested. Initial charges are likely to have a greater proportionate effect on returns if investments are liquidated in the shorter term.
Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Company/ Holding/Stock examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation to buy or sell. Quoted yields are not a guide or guarantee for the expected level of distributions to be received. The yield may fluctuate significantly during times of extreme market and economic volatility. Awards /and Ratings should not be taken as a recommendation. The views expressed are those of the Fund Manager(s) / author(s) at the time of writing/preparation, are not necessarily those of Jupiter as a whole and may be subject to change. This is particularly true during periods of rapidly changing market circumstances. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information provided but no assurance or warranties are given.
This is not an invitation to subscribe for shares in the Jupiter Global Fund (the Company), or any other fund managed by Jupiter Asset Management Limited or Jupiter Asset Management International S.A.. The Company is a UCITS fund incorporated as a Société Anonyme in Luxembourg and organised as a Société d’Investissement à Capital Variable (SICAV).
This information is only directed at persons residing in jurisdictions where the Company and its shares are authorised for distribution or where no such authorisation is required.
The sub fund(s) may be subject to various other risk factors, please refer to the latest sales prospectus for further information.
Prospective purchasers of shares of the sub fund(s) of the Company should inform themselves as to the legal requirements, exchange control regulations and applicable taxes in the countries of their respective citizenship, residence or domicile. Subscriptions can only be made on the basis of the latest sales prospectus and the Key Information Document (KID) (for investors in the EU) or Key Investor Information Document (KIID) (for investors in the UK), accompanied by the most recent audited annual report and semi-annual report. These documents are available for download from www.jupiteram.com or can be obtained free of charge upon request from any of:
EU/EEA countries in which the Company is registered for distribution: Unless otherwise specified in this document, Citibank Europe plc, Luxembourg Branch (the Company’s Depositary and Administrator) is responsible for processing subscription, repurchase and redemption orders and making other payments to Shareholders. Citibank Europe plc, Luxembourg Branch, 31 Z.A. Bourmicht, L-8070 Bertrange, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, email: [email protected].
The following information and documents are available from www.eifs.lu/jupiteram: Information on how orders (subscription, repurchase and redemption) can be made and how repurchase and redemption proceeds are paid; Information and access to procedures and arrangements related to investors’ rights and complaints handling; Information in relation to the tasks performed by the Company in a durable medium; The latest sales prospectus, the articles of association, the annual and semi-annual reports and the Key Investor Information documents. The Management Company may terminate marketing arrangements. Information on sustainability-related aspects are available from jupiteram.com. France: CACEIS Bank France (Centralising Agent), 1/3 Place Valhubert, 75013 Paris, France. Italy: Allfunds Bank, S.A.U., Milan Branch, Via Bocchetto 6, 20123 Milano, Italy. CACEIS Bank, Italy Branch Via Piazza Cavour 2,20121 Milano, Italy. Société Générale Securities Services, Via Benigno Crespi 19, 20159 Milano, Italy. The sub-fund has been registered with the Commissione Nazionale per le Società e la Borsa (CONSOB) for the offer in Italy to retail investors. Luxembourg: the Company’s registered office: 31 Z.A. Bourmicht L-8070 Bertrange, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. Spain: Allfunds Bank, C/ La Estafeta 6, Edificio 3, 28109 Alcobendas, Madrid, Spain. For the purposes of distribution in Spain, the Company is registered with the Spanish Securities Markets Commission – Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (“CNMV”) under registration number 1253, where complete information, including a copy of the marketing memorandum, is available from the Company authorised distributors. Subscriptions should be made through a locally authorised distributor. The net asset value is available on www.jupiteram.com. Switzerland: Copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Prospectus, KIDs and the annual and semi-annual reports of the Company may be obtained free of charge from the Company’s representative and paying agent in Switzerland, BNP Paribas Securities Services, Paris, Zurich branch, Selnaustrasse 16, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland. United Kingdom: Jupiter Asset Management Limited (the Investment Manager and UK Facilities Agent), registered address: The Zig Zag Building, 70 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6SQ, United Kingdom, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Issued by Jupiter Asset Management International S.A. (JAMI, the Management Company and Facilities Agent), registered address: 5, Rue Heienhaff, Senningerberg L-1736, Luxembourg which is authorised and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier.
No part of this document may be reproduced in any manner without the prior permission of JAMI.