Not a Time to Change Course

Tuesday 02 May 2023

Global Investment Views, Equity, Fixed income

   

Not a Time to Change Course

May 2023 | We see a deteriorating US economic environment amid the Fed's slowing monetary tightening, rising costs of credit for the real economy, and stubborn core inflation, particularly in Europe. A weak US economy is unlikely to leave Europe untouched. Thus, we suggest maintaining a cautious tilt on risk assets, strengthening hedges, and utilizing the safe haven characteristics of US Treasuries. On the last issue, the Fed is close to the end of its tightening cycle and this may create opportunities in the medium term range of the yield curve.

01 | The broader equity markets have digested the March turmoil, but the disruption continues to be evident in the US regional banking sector, which is not showing signs of recovery.

02 | While we do not see systemic issues, tightening financial conditions are increasing risks to the downside that are not priced into risky assets.

03 | We expect a weak global growth outlook, with a US recession, a weak outlook in Europe, and a rebound in Asia from China's reopening that will not be able to offset US deceleration.

Global Investment Views - May 2023

Important Information

Unless otherwise stated, all information contained in this document is from Amundi Asset Management US (Amundi US) and is as of April 27, 2023. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss. The views expressed regarding market and economic trends are those of the author and not necessarily Amundi US and are subject to change at any time based on market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance that countries, markets or sectors will perform as expected. These views should not be relied upon as investment advice, a security recommendation, or as an indication of trading for any Amundi product. This material does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security, fund units or services. Investment involves risks, including market, political, liquidity and currency risks. Past performance is not a guarantee or indicative of future results. Amundi Asset Management US is the US business of the Amundi Asset Management group of companies.

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April 2023 GIV
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Crisis Memories Return in Vulnerable Markets

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Rally fatigue: dichotomy between markets and economy too wide

The dichotomy between loose financial conditions and tight lending standards for the real economy is striking. Markets remain priced for perfection, despite high uncertainty and divergences on the economic front. Regarding the US, we see deteriorating quarterly dynamics for the second part of the year. For the eurozone, we upgraded our gross domestic product projections for 2023 but our growth expectations remain flat. Inflation is declining slowly, but markets see it falling rapidly. With regard to central banks, we see that the US Federal Reserve is close to the end of tightening, but the European Central Bank is still hawkish. Finally, appetite for emerging markets is returning, but regarding developed markets, caution prevails. Against this fragmented backdrop, we think investors should remain cautious and recognize that uncertainty is high.