| KEY MARKET MOVEMENTS (% change) | |||||||
| 1WK | 1MO | 3MO | YTD | 1YR | 3YR | 5YR | |
| FTSE All Share | -0.35 | 0.82 | 4.03 | 15.00 | 29.86 | 5.76 | 5.27 |
| Euro Stoxx 50 | 0.20 | 1.13 | 3.56 | 20.72 | 35.41 | 12.79 | 9.76 |
| S&P 500 | 1.66 | 3.49 | 4.42 | 22.38 | 33.53 | 20.26 | 18.41 |
| Japan Topix | -1.07 | -1.34 | 5.91 | 13.01 | 26.09 | 8.17 | 10.39 |
| MSCI Asia Pac. | 1.58 | 2.97 | -3.03 | -0.01 | 13.15 | 13.82 | 11.25 |
| MSCI Emerg. Mkts. | 0.75 | 2.58 | -1.89 | 2.06 | 16.42 | 12.43 | 10.08 |
| Jo’burg All Shares | 0.12 | 6.22 | 1.83 | 17.38 | 27.54 | 12.59 | 8.97 |
| UK Gov’t Bonds | -0.33 | -3.39 | -4.66 | -7.73 | -6.26 | 2.80 | 1.58 |
| US Gov’t Bonds | -0.37 | -1.94 | -1.74 | -3.08 | -2.87 | 4.91 | 2.25 |
| Global Corp. Bonds | -0.42 | -1.84 | -1.57 | -1.41 | 1.18 | 6.56 | 4.26 |
| Emerg. Mkt. Local | -1.04 | -2.47 | -2.88 | -7.02 | -0.89 | 3.92 | 2.49 |
Figures in the respective local currencies as at the end of trading on 22/10/2021.
From an economic standpoint, the week of 18 October brought signs of regained momentum in both the US and UK on the back of encouraging forward-looking flash purchasing managers’ index (PMI) data. The IHS Markit US composite PMI rose to 57.3, up from 55.0 in September, and the IHS Markit/CIPS UK composite PMI rose to a three-month high of 56.8 in October, versus 54.9 for the previous month. These numbers were in contrast to the fall in flash Eurozone composite PMI to 54.3, a six-month low and a continuation of the trend of slowing growth in the region, although activity remains firmly in growth territory.
The flash PMI data comes at a time when the Bank of England has been keen to signal a rise in interest rates to safeguard against inflationary expectations, with markets pricing in a hike at the next meeting on 4 November 2021.
And although not an immediate indicator of inflationary risk, it is worth noting that September’s lower than expected UK consumer price index figure of 3.1% does not include the recent rise in oil prices and the knock-on impact on the country’s highest ever petrol prices – the implications for which are being closely scrutinised.
Despite this economic uncertainty, we’re seeing strong Q3 earnings figures coming through, with around 85% of the companies that have reported beating expectations with above-trend earnings growth.
Finally, as economies continue to edge into recovery mode after the pandemic, there was positive news on vaccine boosters, as a study conducted by two labs found a booster dose of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine was 95.6% effective against symptoms of the disease.
With a strong start to Q3 earnings season underway, we saw a broadly positive period for riskier assets, with developed and emerging markets (+1%) matching the returns of growth and value stocks over the previous 30-day period. Taking an industry focus, cyclical sectors outperformed, with real estate (+3%) leading the way. Oil continues its upward trajectory towards a multi-year high. Fixed income yields are also shifting upwards, due to a mix of the ‘risk on’ tone in markets, the spectre of inflation and central bank rhetoric around rising interest rates.
| ECONOMICS | ||
| Latest | Consensus Forecast | |
| UK GDP (QoQ) | 5.5 | – |
| UK PMI | 56.8 | – |
| UK CPI (YoY) | 3.1 | – |
| EU GDP (QoQ) | 2.1 | 2.1 |
| EU PMI | 54.3 | – |
| EU CPI (YoY) | 3.4 | – |
| US GDP (QoQ) | 6.7 | 2.8 |
| US PMI | 61.9 | 61.3 |
| US CPI (YoY) | 5.4 | – |
Looking across our portfolios, we continue to see a supportive environment for equities. However, with some signs of growth moderating, our preference remains for domestic developed markets – specifically pan-Europe – where economies are reopening and valuations are not stretched on a relative basis.
We also continue to see a less conducive environment for fixed income assets, where starting yields are at historically low levels and inflation poses a clear threat to mid to longer-duration positioning. And real assets remain attractive, in our view, as an alternative to fixed income given they offer some protection against inflation – protection which is positively correlated given yields typically rise as interest rates do. Infrastructure is of particular interest, given current valuations and the sector’s recovery potential.
27 Oct • UK Autumn Budget | 28 Oct • EU Consumer Confidence | 28 Oct • US Q3 QoQ GDP (advance estimate)
We regularly publish investment updates, as well as host quarterly webinars to explain what’s happening in financial markets or how you can manage your wealth. Just submit your email address to receive the updates in your inbox.
Clients of Nedbank Private Wealth can get in touch with their private banker directly to understand how their portfolios are responding to market events, or call +44 (0)1624 645000 to speak to our client services team.
If you would like to find out more about how we manage clients’ investments, please contact us on the same number as above. Or you can get in touch using the links to the forms towards the end of this page.
Sources: Nedbank Private Wealth and (1) Bloomberg; (2) Reuters; and (3) IHS Markit.
The value of investments can fall, as well as rise, and you might not get back the original amount invested. Exchange rate changes affect the value of investments. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future returns. Any individual investment or security mentioned may be included in clients’ portfolios and is referenced for illustrative purposes only, not as a recommendation, not least as it may not be suitable. You should always seek professional advice before making any investment decisions.
If you are interested in becoming a client, please complete the form via the ‘become a client’ button below. Alternatively, if you are already a client, or if you have a question about how we help clients in particular circumstances, please use the ‘contact us’ button.
We will get back to you as soon as we can during office hours, which are Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm (UK time), except for UK public holidays.
Copyright Nedbank Limited 2023.
Thank you for your interest in Nedbank Private Wealth. Please call us on +44 (0)1624 645000 or complete the requested information and one of our team will get back to you soon. We look forward to speaking with you. Please note: If you are an EU resident, we are unfortunately unable to offer our services to you at present.
* Required fields
This is the Nedbank Private Wealth International website. You can access Nedbank Private Wealth South Africa by clicking on the link or using the toggle in the header.
This website is accessible worldwide. We cannot guarantee that the website or the information contained within it complies with, or is appropriate for use in, all jurisdictions. The purpose of this website is to provide information about Nedbank Private Wealth, our products and services, and how we aim to help our clients. Not all products and services referred to in this website are available in all jurisdictions. The information contained in the website is not intended to, and does not constitute, any offer by us to sell, nor it is intended to be an invitation or solicitation to buy, any product or service, and must not be relied on in connection with any investment or other decision. More information is available in the legal notices section of this website. This message will only be displayed once.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience on our website. We recently updated our privacy policy and our cookies policy to ensure you understand how we protect your personal information. Please note that in order to stop cookies being downloaded, you will need to change your browser settings, which we explain in our cookies policy.
