Our 2020 vision: sustainable strategies may offer a path through volatile markets
In 2020, we expect markets to pivot between embracing and avoiding risk as they process muted economic growth, low rates and heightened political uncertainty. Consider managing risk actively rather than accepting volatile index returns, and think beyond the benchmark by investing sustainably and adopting thematic approaches.
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Key takeaways
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We think 2020 will be characterised by muted global growth, a slower US economy and continued uncertainty about how monetary policy and politics will move markets. In this environment, investors should aim to keep their portfolios on track by having conviction and actively managing risk – not avoiding it.
Major political developments, including US President Donald Trump’s bid for a second term in office, are on the horizon. This will likely contribute to wide “risk-on/risk-off” movements as sentiment swings between riskier and “safer” asset classes. We expect low beta returns for the overall market, which makes pursuing alpha – in excess of market returns – all the more important.
Risk-on/risk-off pattern is more visible again
Source: Allianz Global Investors Economics & Strategy; Bloomberg; Refinitiv; HSBC. Data as at 25 Oct 2019. Risk-on/risk-off index = average correlation between risky assets + average correlation between safe assets – average correlation between risky and safe assets (rolling 180-day correlations).
Central banks will remain a major market driver in 2020, even as their efforts to spark economic growth become less effective and today’s ultra-low interest rates provide less room for manoeuvre. Rates have been negative in Europe and Japan for some time, and the US Federal Reserve (Fed) has resumed cutting rates that were already low. This approach has supported stocks and other financial assets, but it has also artificially inflated their prices – and contributed to wealth inequality – while not restoring enough economic growth. Facing dwindling options, central banks will likely continue offering additional stimulus with limited effect. Governments may need to shoulder some of the burden by increasing spending, reducing taxes or both.
Unless they want to chase index performance in this up-and-down environment, investors will need to address risk in a deeper, more holistic way – for example, by focusing on climate change and other risks that a company may face as it produces its goods and services. Incorporating environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into investment decisions can help manage risks and improve return potential. So can thematic strategies that help investors align their portfolios with their convictions about how powerful long-term shifts – triggered by innovation or regulation – could create investment opportunities.
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There is no guarantee that actively managed investments will outperform the broader market. Investments in alternative assets present the opportunity for significant losses, including losses that exceed the initial amount invested. Some investments in alternative assets have experienced periods of extreme volatility and in general, are not suitable for all investors.
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