Investment Insights

 

What the Fed’s rate cut tells us about current financial conditions

The Federal Reserve’s 50 bps rate cut demonstrated the power of financial markets at present. As the markets had already priced in a significant probability of a 50 bps reduction, the Fed could have viewed such conditions as a good time to “buy insurance” and implement a half a percentage point cut while the markets were likely to absorb it well.

Less may be more in Japan’s LDP leadership contest

There is one major thing to keep in mind going into Japan’s upcoming leadership contest for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)—the country’s looming general election. The ruling party’s chief concern is to select a candidate who can prevail at this election. This makes the candidacy of an incipient LDP leader more of a marathon than a sprint.

Harnessing Change-Monthly Insights: Asian Equity (August 2024)

We believe that the biggest fundamental change for Asian markets in the medium term is a shift in the interest rates regime, notably that of the US.

On the Ground in Asia-Monthly Insights: Asian Fixed Income (August 2024)

In a positive bond market environment driven by global monetary easing expectations, we favour government bonds from India, Indonesia and the Philippines, where higher yields remain attractive to investors.

Navigating Japan Equities: Monthly Insights From Tokyo (September 2024)

This month we assess why the market is unfazed by Japan’s upcoming leadership change; we also explain how a bid for a prominent Japanese convenience store operator has highlighted how affordable domestic firms now look in the eyes of their foreign counterparts.

New Zealand Fixed Income Monthly (August 2024)

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s rate cut in August appears to constitute a slight easing of the brakes rather than a large change. With the Official Cash Rate at 5.25%, conditions are still restrictive. The first signs of recovery are likely to be seen in improvements in business and consumer confidence, but it will take some time for the impact to filter through to borrowers.

New Zealand Equity Monthly (August 2024)

In August the Reserve Bank of New Zealand lowered interest rates, marking the first change in the Official Cash Rate since May 2023. We expect New Zealand equities to be supported if the central bank maintains an accommodative approach.

Change as the only constant: investing in a world in transition

The Global Equity Team answers the following questions related to the key trends they see emerging: 1)does the AI investment theme still offer significant long-term potential? 2) will the market leadership broaden beyond technology names into other sectors? and 3) what are the main risks and challenges equity investors may face in the remainder of 2024?

If Trump wins: uncertainties and opportunities from an Asian equity perspective

As the November 2024 US presidential elections draw ever closer, we explore the global trade, economic and geopolitical implications from an Asian equity perspective, focusing on the uncertainties and opportunities that could arise if Donald Trump secures a second term in office.

Balancing Act-Monthly Insights: Global Multi-Asset (August 2024)

For August we reduced our overweight on growth assets amid volatility in the markets and maintained a neutral position on defensives. We expect volatility to be quelled, given that the markets have factored in the Fed cutting interest rates in September and with more easing anticipated over the following 12 months.
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