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May 2021 / MARKET OUTLOOK

Global Asset Allocation: May Insights

Discover the latest global market themes

1.   Market Perspective

  • Global economic growth is expected to begin peaking in the coming quarters as the impacts of economic reopening and fiscal stimulus are realised.
  • Global inflation expectations are likely to trend higher as the consumer demand surge is met with signs of supply shortages and as the Fed promises to keep a zero interest rate policy until the labour market rebounds.
  • Asian and European economies should benefit amid the recovery given their higher cyclical exposures, although recent resurgence in coronavirus cases in major Asian economies is a growing concern.
  • Key risks to global markets include the resurgence in coronavirus cases, pace of vaccinations, rising inflation, geopolitical concerns, and potential for higher taxes as countries pivot to funding recovery costs.

2.   Portfolio Positioning

  • We increased our underweight in equities relative to bonds and cash as the risk/reward profile looks less compelling for equities after a strong rebound from March 2020 lows. Equities could be vulnerable to potential setbacks in the recovery, fading policy support and higher taxes.
  • We increased the overweight of euro versus the US dollar. The recent dollar weakness should continue as the US policy stance remains very loose and the European re-opening accelerates in the spring. Europe is also a major beneficiary of the current global manufacturing boom.
  • Within equities, we are further tilting into value globally, based on more attractive relative valuations and expectations for cyclical companies to continue to benefit from the improvement in growth from a recovering global economy—bolstered by fiscal stimulus in the US, increasing commodity prices and higher interest rates.
     

3.   Market Themes

Surprise

As first-quarter earnings season comes to an end, the biggest surprise has been the ‘surprises’ themselves, in terms of how much companies have beat earnings expectations. First-quarter expectations were for a near-20% increase in S&P 500 earnings, but companies have blown past that estimate, approaching a 45% year-over-year gain. Ironically, this was not the first quarter for massive surprises as companies have significantly exceeded expectations throughout most of the pandemic, particularly as many technology companies benefited exponentially early on from the lockdowns. The surprises this quarter, however, have been led by more cyclical companies in the energy and consumer discretionary sectors. While seemingly all positive news, price reaction to earnings beats was muted this quarter, suggesting investors may be rationalising high valuations with a normalisation in future earnings or perhaps the mounting pressure from rising input costs.

Crosscurrents

A renewed surge in coronavirus cases across several emerging markets (EM) countries—including India, Brazil, and Argentina—is weighing heavily on these economies as they struggle with insufficient medical infrastructure and access to vaccines. In addition, higher interest rates, rising inflation, a strengthening US dollar, and moderating growth in China have investors concerned about emerging markets prospects. EM have lagged developed markets (DM) year‑to‑date and with much of the economic recovery appearing priced into many DMs emerging markets may have more room to advance as the global recovery takes hold. With commodity prices still on the rise, expectations for a weaker US dollar, and a continued dovish stance from the Fed, we think emerging markets may be in a strong position to rebound—assuming that they can navigate the crosscurrents.

 

For a region-by-region overview, see the full report (PDF).

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This material is being furnished for general informational and/or marketing purposes only. The material does not constitute or undertake to give advice of any nature, including fiduciary investment advice, nor is it intended to serve as the primary basis for an investment decision. Prospective investors are recommended to seek independent legal, financial and tax advice before making any investment decision. T. Rowe Price group of companies including T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and/or its affiliates receive revenue from T. Rowe Price investment products and services. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The value of an investment and any income from it can go down as well as up. Investors may get back less than the amount invested.

The material does not constitute a distribution, an offer, an invitation, a personal or general recommendation or solicitation to sell or buy any securities in any jurisdiction or to conduct any particular investment activity. The material has not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in any jurisdiction.

Information and opinions presented have been obtained or derived from sources believed to be reliable and current; however, we cannot guarantee the sources' accuracy or completeness. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass. The views contained herein are as of the date noted on the material and are subject to change without notice; these views may differ from those of other T. Rowe Price group companies and/or associates. Under no circumstances should the material, in whole or in part, be copied or redistributed without consent from T. Rowe Price.

The material is not intended for use by persons in jurisdictions which prohibit or restrict the distribution of the material and in certain countries the material is provided upon specific request.  

It is not intended for distribution retail investors in any jurisdiction.

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