All eyes will be on the US Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee meeting this week, where the US central bank is expected to announce the start of the tapering of its asset purchase programme.
We anticipate that the Fed will formally announce the start of a tapering of its monthly asset purchase programme, which should end by mid-2022.
While this will signal the beginning of the end of ultra-loose monetary policy enacted due to the pandemic, Fed officials are expected to stress that the first interest rate hike is some distance away. With a gradual pace of exit from Quantitative Easing, or QE, we believe that conditions remain broadly supportive for risk assets. Moreover, the US 10-year real interest rate remains firmly in negative territory at around -1%, which will continue to be supportive of risk assets.
That said, we do expect the Fed to signal that the pickup in inflation has been more persistent than anticipated, due to factors such as supply chain disruptions and higher energy prices, and will likely keep inflation above its 2% target well into 2022.
The global upward pressures on prices have become a point of concern for other central banks. The Bank of Canada unexpectedly announced the end of its QE and brought forward the guidance on rate hikes last week, while the Bank of England looks set to raise interest rates by the end of the year.
Concerns over inflation have resulted in a bear flattening of the US Treasury yield curve with the US front-end rates moving higher as markets price in a more aggressive pace of rate hikes, while long-end rates drifted lower under the shadow of stagflationary concerns.
We believe that inflation will remain within a manageable range, given the Fed’s average inflation targeting framework, but caution that this remains a key tail risk for investors and needs to be monitored carefully.
Our forecast for inflation is consistent with an outlook for elevated prices in the US. Price increases in the key contributors so far this year such as cars and housing have been largely supply-driven. The tail risk is that we may see a spillover effect into further increases in services costs, wages, and consumers’ long-term inflation expectations. Core personal consumption expenditure (PCE) inflation came in at 3.6% Year-on-Year in the month of September, and we expect it to rise further into the end of this year to above 4%, before trending down towards the Fed’s target next year.
All considered, we see a moderately risk-on stance in our asset allocation strategy to be optimal. We continue to hold an overweight position in US equities, which we believe will benefit from a healthy corporate earnings outlook.
We are midway through the latest earnings season, where more than 50% of companies in US, Europe and Japan have reported their third-quarter earnings.
Earnings have been healthy, with all three markets delivering above-consensus performances, although by a smaller magnitude compared to the previous two quarters. Over 80% of US companies that have reported showed above expectations earnings per share (EPS). In Europe this was around 70%, and around 50% for Japanese companies. Earnings growth in 3Q21 remained high given the relatively easy comparables this time last year; EPS grew by ~34%, ~44% and ~27% for US, Europe, and Japan respectively.
On a market-weighted basis, ~64% of the S&P500 index beat estimates, underscoring the strength of the recovery of US consumers and the US economy. Notably, tech remained an earnings leader, with 100% of the information technology and communication services companies that have reported to-date showing above-consensus results.
Nonetheless we are watchful of how companies are dealing with the very same issues that are on the radar of policymakers, such as input costs, and the state of the labour market and global supply chains.
For instance, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the ongoing supply constraints would negatively affect its 4Q21 performance, more than the USD6 billion hit to revenue that it saw in 3Q21.
Similarly, the management of Amazon guided next quarter’s earnings lower, noting that it expects to face additional costs (~USD4 billion) in costs related to labour and inflation in the upcoming peak holiday season as it continued to face labour shortages.
We continue to hold a neutral stance in Asia ex. Japan equities, particularly as the latest economic data from China reaffirm our view for near to medium term economic headwinds.
China’s latest official manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) showed that manufacturing output continued to contract in October.
The index came in at a below-consensus reading of 49.2, below the threshold of 50 indicating growth, and lower than September’s reading of 49.6.
The sub-indices for output and new orders slid further while export orders showed a small uptick, suggesting that domestic demand continued to weaken, in contrast to external demand.
The continued power rationing and increases in input costs had been key drivers as well. China’s producer price index (PPI) reached the highest reading since 2016 of 61.1. The services PMI similarly moved lower, from 53.2 in September to 52.4 in October. The overall composite PMI therefore moved lower to 50.8 from 51.7 previously. The Chinese economy is clearly still slowing at the start of 4Q21.
The continued weakness is consistent with the muted picture of financial conditions in China. Total social financing (TSF) grew by 10% YoY for the month of September (versus 10.3% YoY in August), the slowest since 2006. The biggest contributors to the slowdown in credit growth came from consumer loans, especially in the medium- and long-term household loans, i.e. mortgages, reflecting the still-tight credit environment on the property sector.
Short-term household loans were growing slower as well. Corporate loans were also growing at a slower pace, despite an uptick in the short-term loans and commercial paper segment.
While China’s economic outlook appears subdued, we believe that the risk of significant economic downside, particularly in light of concerns of contagion from Evergrande’s debt issues, are contained.
Latest developments signal that policy makers are moving to manage expectations more strongly. For instance, during a press conference in mid-October, PBOC officials responded to market concerns on the impact of the recent turmoils of Evergrande in terms of potential spillovers to the property and banking sectors, and indicated that the spillovers to the wider financial sector were “controllable” and that it would urge property developers to fulfill their obligations on their offshore US-dollar denominated bonds.
Disclaimers and Disclosures
This material is prepared by Bank of Singapore Limited (Co Reg. No.: 197700866R) (the “Bank”) and is distributed in Singapore by the Bank.
This material does not provide individually tailored investment advice. This material has been prepared for and is intended for general circulation. The contents of this material does not take into account the specific investment objectives, investment experience, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. You should independently evaluate the contents of this material, and consider the suitability of any product discussed in this material, taking into account your own specific investment objectives, investment experience, financial situation and particular needs. If in doubt about the contents of this material or the suitability of any product discussed in this material, you should obtain independent financial advice from your own financial or other professional advisers, taking into account your specific investment objectives, investment experience, financial situation and particular needs, before making a commitment to purchase any product.
This material is not and should not be construed, by itself, as an offer or a solicitation to deal in any product or to enter into any legal relations. You should contact your own licensed representative directly if you are interested in buying or selling any product discussed in this material.
This material is not intended for distribution, publication or use by any person in any jurisdiction outside Singapore, Hong Kong or such other jurisdiction as the Bank may determine in its absolute discretion, where such distribution, publication or use would be contrary to applicable law or would subject the Bank or its related corporations, connected persons, associated persons or affiliates (collectively “Affiliates”) to any licensing, registration or other requirements in such jurisdiction.
The Bank and its Affiliates may have issued other reports, analyses, or other documents expressing views different from the contents of this material, and may provide other advice or make investment decisions that are contrary to the views expressed in this material, and all views expressed in all reports, analyses and documents are subject to change without notice. The Bank and its Affiliates reserve the right to act upon or use the contents of this material at any time, including before its publication.
The author of this material may have discussed the information or views contained in this material with others within or outside the Bank, and the author or such other Bank employees may have already acted on the basis of such information or views (including communicating such information or views to other customers of the Bank).
The Bank, its employees (including those with whom the author may have consulted in the preparation of this material))and discretionary accounts managed by the Bank may have long or short positions (including positions that may be different from or opposing to the views in this material or may be otherwise interested in any of the product(s) (including derivatives thereof) discussed in material, may have acquired such positions at prices and market conditions that are no longer available, may from time to time deal in such product(s) and may have interests different from or adverse to your interests.
Analyst Declaration
The analyst(s) who prepared this material certifies that the opinions contained herein accurately and exclusively reflect his or her views about the securities of the company(ies) and that he or she has taken reasonable care to maintain independence and objectivity in respect of the opinions herein.
The analyst(s) who prepared this material and his/her associates do not have financial interests in the company(ies). Financial interests refer to investments in securities, warrants and/or other derivatives. The analyst(s) receives compensation based on the overall revenues of Bank of Singapore Limited, and no part of his or her compensation was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the inclusion of specific recommendations or views in this material. The reporting line of the analyst(s) is separate from and independent of the business solicitation or marketing departments of Bank of Singapore Limited.
The analyst(s) and his/her associates confirm that they do not serve as directors or officers of the company(ies) and the company(ies)or other third parties have not provided or agreed to provide any compensation or other benefits to the analyst(s) in connection with this material.
An “associate” is defined as (i) the spouse, parent or step-parent, or any minor child (natural or adopted) or minor step-child, or any sibling or step-sibling of the analyst; (ii) the trustee of a trust of which the analyst, his spouse, parent or step-parent, minor child (natural or adopted) or minor step-child, or sibling or step-sibling is a beneficiary or discretionary object; or (iii) another person accustomed or obliged to act in accordance with the directions or instructions of the analyst.
Conflict of Interest Declaration
The Bank is a licensed bank regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in Singapore. Bank of Singapore Limited, Hong Kong Branch (incorporated in Singapore with limited liability), is an Authorized Institution as defined in the Banking Ordinance of Hong Kong (Cap 155), regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in Hong Kong and a Registered Institution as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance of Hong Kong (Cap.571) regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong. The Bank, its employees and discretionary accounts managed by its Singapore Office/Hong Kong Office may have long or short positions or may be otherwise interested in any of the investment products (including derivatives thereof) referred to in this document and may from time to time dispose of any such investment products. The Bank forms part of the OCBC Group (being for this purpose Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (“OCBC Bank”) and its subsidiaries, related and affiliated companies). OCBC Group, their respective directors and/or employees (collectively “Related Persons”) may have interests in the investment products or the issuers mentioned herein. Such interests include effecting transactions in such investment products, and providing broking, investment banking and other financial services to such issuers. OCBC Group and its Related Persons may also be related to, and receive fees from, providers of such investment products. There may be conflicts of interest between OCBC Bank, the Bank, OCBC Investment Research Private Limited, OCBC Securities Private Limited or other members of the OCBC Group and any of the persons or entities mentioned in this report of which the Bank and its analyst(s) are not aware due to OCBC Bank’s Chinese Wall arrangement.
The Bank adheres to a group policy (as revised and updated from time to time) that provides how entities in the OCBC Group manage or eliminate any actual or potential conflicts of interest which may impact the impartiality of research reports issued by any research analyst in the OCBC Group.
If this material pertains to an offer, it may only be offered (i) in Hong Kong, to qualified Private Banking Customers and Professional Investors (as defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance); (ii) in Singapore, to Accredited Investors (as defined under the Securities and Futures Act 2001); and (iii) in the Dubai International Financial Center, to Professional Clients (as defined under the Dubai Financial Services Authority rules). No other persons may act on the contents of the material.
Other Disclosures
Singapore
Where this material relates to structured deposits, this clause applies:
The product is a structured deposit. Structured deposits are not insured by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation. Unlike traditional deposits, structured deposits have an investment element and returns may vary. You may wish to seek independent advice from a financial adviser before making a commitment to purchase this product. In the event that you choose not to seek independent advice from a financial adviser, you should carefully consider whether this product is suitable for you.
Where this material relates to dual currency investments, this clause applies:
The product is a dual currency investment. A dual currency investment product (“DCI”) is a derivative product or structured product with derivatives embedded in it. A DCI involves a currency option which confers on the deposit-taking institution the right to repay the principal sum at maturity in either the base or alternate currency. Part or all of the interest earned on this investment represents the premium on this option.
By purchasing this DCI, you are giving the issuer of this product the right to repay you at a future date in an alternate currency that is different from the currency in which your initial investment was made, regardless of whether you wish to be repaid in this currency at that time. DCIs are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations which may affect the return of your investment. Exchange controls may also be applicable to the currencies your investment is linked to. You may incur a loss on your principal sum in comparison with the base amount initially invested. You may wish to seek advice from a financial adviser before making a commitment to purchase this product. In the event that you choose not to seek advice from a financial adviser, you should carefully consider whether this product is suitable for you.
Hong Kong
This document has not been delivered for registration to the Registrar of Companies in Hong Kong and its contents have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong. Accordingly: (i) the shares/notes may not be offered or sold in Hong Kong by means of any document other than to persons who are "Professional Investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) of Hong Kong and the Securities and Futures (Professional Investor) Rules made thereunder or in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32) of Hong Kong or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance; and (ii) no person may issue any invitation, advertisement or other document relating to the shares/notes whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to the shares/notes which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "Professional Investors" within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance and the Securities and Futures (Professional Investor) Rules made thereunder.
The product may involve derivatives. Do not invest in it unless you fully understand and are willing to assume the risks associated with it. If you have any doubt, you should seek independent professional financial, tax and/or legal advice as you deem necessary.
Where this material relates to a Complex Product, this clause applies:
Warning Statement and Information about Complex Product
(Applicable to accounts managed by Hong Kong Relationship Manager)
Where this material relates to a Complex Product – funds and ETFs, this clause applies additionally:
Where this material relates to a Complex Product (Options and its variants, Swap and its variants, Accumulator and its variants, Reverse Accumulator and its variants, Forwards), this clause applies additionally:
Where this material relates to a Loss Absorption Product, this clause applies:
Warning Statement and Information about Loss Absorption Products
(Applicable to accounts managed by Hong Kong Relationship Manager)
Before you invest in any Loss Absorption Product (as defined by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority), please read and ensure that you understand the features of a Loss Absorption Product, which may generally have the following features:
Where this material relates to a certificate of deposit, this clause applies:
It is not a protected deposit and is not protected by the Deposit Protection Scheme in Hong Kong.
Where this material relates to a structured deposit, this clause applies:
It is not a protected deposit and is not protected by the Deposit Protection Scheme in Hong Kong.
Where this material relates to a structured product, this clause applies:
This is a structured product which involves derivatives. Do not invest in it unless you fully understand and are willing to assume the risks associated with it. If you are in any doubt about the risks involved in the product, you may clarify with the intermediary or seek independent professional advice.
Dubai International Financial Center
Where this material relates to structured products and bonds, this clause applies:
The Distributor represents and agrees that it has not offered and will not offer the product to any person in the Dubai International Financial Centre unless such offer is an “Exempt Offer” in accordance with the Market Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (the “DFSA”).
The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers.
The DFSA has not approved the Information Memorandum or taken steps to verify the information set out in it, and has no responsibility for it.
The product to which this document relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions in respect of their resale. Prospective purchasers of the products offered should conduct their own due diligence on the products.
Please make sure that you understand the contents of the relevant offering documents (including but not limited to the Information Memorandum or Offering Circular) and the terms set out in this document. If you do not understand the contents of the relevant offering documents and the terms set out in this document, you should consult an authorised financial adviser as you deem necessary, before you decide whether or not to invest.
Where this material relates to a fund, this clause applies:
This Fund is not subject to any form of regulation or approval by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any Prospectus or other documents in connection with this Fund. Accordingly, the DFSA has not approved the Prospectus or any other associated documents nor taken any steps to verify the information set out in the Prospectus, and has no responsibility for it. The Units to which this Fund relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers should conduct their own due diligence on the Units. If you do not understand the contents of this document you should consult an authorized financial adviser. Please note that this offer is intended for only Professional Clients and is not directed at Retail Clients.
These are also available for inspection, during normal business hours, at the following location:
Bank of Singapore
Office 30-34 Level 28
Central Park Tower
DIFC, Dubai
U.A.E
Cross Border Disclaimer and Disclosures
Refer to https://www.bankofsingapore.com/Disclaimers_and_Disclosures.html for cross-border marketing disclaimers and disclosures.