Market Returns

The latest data releases confirm that the Chinese economy regained its footing. In the near term, growth figures should continue to surprise to the upside. Earnings preannouncements by Chinese listed firms show a significant acceleration in earnings in the second quarter from a year ago, while the market continues to expect sharp earnings contractions for Chinese companies.

Developed Market bond yields are too low relative to improving global growth and the strong recovery in risk assets post-Brexit. Reduce portfolio duration to below-benchmark.

Forecast is diverging from strategy for equities. Intermediate-term positives allow for a blowoff to the upside. But we do not expect the rally to have staying power over a 6-12 month horizon.

Over the past 12 months, the yen surged, powered by global deflationary fears. Japanese monetary conditions massively tightened, causing additional yen strength, creating a vicious circle. Policymakers will respond, but markets are likely to be disappointed. Nonetheless, global factors could temporarily move against the yen. Buy NOK/JPY and AUD/JPY. The BoE will move next month. The BoC will stand pat for the foreseeable future.

The perception that central banks have turned even more dovish has pushed down global bond yields, while also giving stocks a lift. Looking out, bond yields are likely to edge higher as investors begin to focus more on the outcome of easing measures: Higher inflation. As long as yields rise gingerly and in the context of firming economic growth, global equities will remain reasonably well supported. Equity investors should favor the euro area, Japan, and China.

Commodity speculation provides liquidity to hedgers, allows price discovery, and offers access to an asset class that typically produces returns that are not correlated with stock or bond returns.

Given that the seemingly unthinkable can actually happen, we reassess how financial markets price uncertainty, and whether the current pricing is correct.

Signs that the median voter is moving to the left are everywhere. Markets will cheer the move as it means more government spending. In the long term, it depends if policymakers stop at fiscal stimulus. In this <i>Monthly Report</i>, BCA's <i>Geopolitical Strategy</i> reviews prospects for "Bremorse," latest in the U.S. election, Italian political crisis, tensions in South China Sea, and the long-term future of Europe.

The breakout in the S&P 500 could boost flows to EM, and momentum could overwhelm fundamentals for several weeks. Nevertheless, U.S. interest rate expectations will rise and it, along with weak EM profits, will cap upside in EM risk assets. Take profits on our short EM stocks/long 30-year U.S. Treasurys position. Reduce short exposure to EM currencies by closing the currency trades where the long side is partially against the yen.

Long-time subscriber Mr. X recently visited our office to discuss three issues: Brexit, the outlook for China and the seeming contraction between the performance of equity and bond markets. This <i>Special Report</i> is a transcript of our conversation and, not surprisingly, the broad conclusions supported a cautious investment strategy.