A Late Cycle With a Greater Focus on Inflation

Wednesday 11 May 2022

Cross Asset

   

A Late Cycle With a Greater Focus on Inflation

May 2022 | We are witnessing significant divergences in the economic outlook (we have revised down the EU and Chinese economic outlooks vs. that for the more resilient US economy) and in market performances. From an investment standpoint, while investors should maintain a neutral risk stance, there is room to play these divergences across the different asset classes. As the great asset repricing unfolds, investors should be ready to adjust their allocations to deal with inflation.

01 |  This Month's Topic: The shift to an inflationary late cycle has been confirmed with greater conviction and a focus on higher inflation (and rates). Economic momentum is still decelerating at a global level but with tentative signs of stabilization. **

02 | Thematic Global Views: Macron's victory in the French presidential election provides continuity but lacks political support. Although Emmanuel Macron provides stability from an economic and a geopolitical standpoint, his narrower electoral base might be an issue in implementing his reform agenda.

03 | Thematic: The Fed wants to tighten financing conditions to slow demand, as the US economy is running hot. However, the ECB is stuck in an impossible situation: Eurozone inflation is primarily driven by higher energy costs, and a central bank has few "tools" to fight cost-driven inflation without hurting growth.

May Cross Asset - Late Cyce with Fous on Inflation

Important Information

Unless otherwise stated, all information contained in this document is from Amundi Asset Management US (Amundi US) and is as of May 11, 2022. 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.

Other news

March 2024 Cross Asset
03/15/2024 Cross Asset

Six questions concerning the weakness behind US resiliency

 In January we had some upside surprises, encompassing import prices, producer prices, both the headline and core Consumer Price Index, and the Personal Consumption Expenditure deflator. We think prices were in part boosted by seasonal factors which are not fully accounted for in the usual seasonal adjustment. The weakness in January retail sales and a downward revision of November and December readings signal, in our opinion, a potential downshift in consumer spending. Credit card and auto loan delinquency rates continue to rise according to the New York Fed report; consumption so far has been supported by the depletion of excess savings but US households have also taken on more debt, and some of those loans are becoming delinquent, especially credit card and auto loans, which are now above pre-COVID levels.

February 2024 Cross Asset
02/13/2024 Cross Asset

Japan equity: top performer in 2023; remains attractive option for 2024

Three key arguments support the Japanese market: (1) A recovery in profits (2) A strong incentive from the Tokyo Stock Exchange for companies to improve their capital efficiency and (3) The shift out of deflation is boosting a market rerating. The risks to these positive arguments are mostly linked to the yen. A strong comeback by the yen, should global equity volatility increase sufficiently in 2024 to encourage the unwinding of carry trades, would weigh on the performance of Japan's equities in local currency It would penalize profits and, everything else being equal, slow the process of increasing inflation, weighing on valuations at the same time.

January 24 Cross Asset
01/17/2024 Cross Asset

Europe: time for fiscal consolidation

The US Federal Reserve has indicated that its "Higher for longer" narrative is over. The Fed does not want to restrict the economy longer than necessary, and is attentive to the impact of higher rates on growth. It is now back to the point where both mandates (price stability and maximum sustainable employment) are important. Despite recent positive developments, Christine Lagarde said the European Central Bank (ECB) shouldn't lower its guard as inflation tumbles, admitting that "we did not discuss a rate cut at all." The divergence between the Fed and the ECB is particularly notable given the eurozone's recent weaker economic performance and more rapid disinflation compared to the US..