Equities

The signs of an approaching recession are starting to emerge. We will turn tactically defensive once they all fall into place.

Looking at economic activity, global monetary policy seems restrictive, however, the behavior of financial markets tells a different story. What gives?

China is trying to export its way out of its economic slowdown while the US has already formed a hawkish consensus on foreign policy and trade. Investors should take cover as global financial markets are underrating the new phase of the trade war, which will escalate from here.

The RMB 500 billion program is small, as it is equivalent to only 4% of property developers' total funding from the past 12 months. This will preclude a recovery in property construction this year. Corporate profits will determine the path of China’s share prices on a cyclical time horizon. Deflation in China will persist for now, which will depress corporate profits even if volumes grow modestly.