SOUTHEAST ASIA: VULNERABLE FOR NOW, BUT RESILIENT OVER THE LONGER TERM

In this market note, Sue Trinh, Senior Macro Strategist, Manulife Investment Management, examines the immediate impact of COVID-19 on markets in Southeast Asia. She also assesses the potential longer-term effects of the outbreak on the region’s economies. Particular attention is paid to GDP growth in Indonesia, India, and the Philippines.

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INVESTING WHEN MARKETS ARE VOLATILE

In times of extreme market volatility, staying calm and thinking long-term are sensible decisions that investors can make to use time to their advantage.

This current market situation is not new to us. We’ve been through other crises before and there are lessons that investors can learn and apply at present times.

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ASIA PACIFIC REITS: LONG-TERM FUNDAMENTALS SHOULD NOT BE OVERSHADOWED BY SHORT-TERM FLUX

The global spread of COVID-19, coupled with a notable deceleration in economic activity, are posing challenges for Asia-Pacific Real Estate Investment Trusts (AP REITs). In this investment note, Hui Min Ng, Portfolio Manager, explains why active bottom-up fundamental research is more important than ever, especially when constantly changing government policies are leading to short-term price dislocations. Furthermore, the defensive properties of the asset class could make it more resilient in an economic downturn.

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FROM CORONAVIRUS TO CREDIT MARKET STRESS

It’s been a rocky week for financial markets, as investors react to policymakers’ response to limit the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. While much of the media’s coverage has focused on the number of infections and the market reaction, our Global Chief Economist Frances Donald believes it’s just as important for investors to keep an eye on one area: the fixed-income space.

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THE FED’S HISTORIC STIMULUS PACKAGE

The Fed sent a jolt through the financial markets on Sunday, 15 March, by cutting interest rates by a full percentage point three days before its scheduled rate-setting meeting. While an imminent rate cut had been expected, the timing of the announcement was a surprise. The decision brings the US interest rate back to the level it was during much of the 2008 global financial crisis (0%–0.25%). Our Global Chief Economist and Global Head of Macroeconomic Strategy Frances Donald takes a closer look.

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EMERGENCY INTEREST-RATES CUTS ARE HERE

The Fed has lowered interest rates by 50 basis points (bps) in its first intermeeting cut since 2008. While an interest-rate cut was widely expected, market reaction suggests investors might have been underwhelmed. Our Global Chief Economist and Head of Macroeconomic Strategy Frances Donald shares her views:
 

  •  The team now expects every major central bank, including the Bank of Canada and the European Central Bank, to ease rates either at or before their next respective rate-setting meetings
  •  In addition, the team believes the Fed will follow up with an additional 25 basis points (bps) interest-rate cut when it next meets on 18 March.
  •  The global economy will likely slow dramatically in Q1, Q2 and possibly Q3.
  •  Lower rates, which act like a tax cut, can boost refinancing activity.
  •  Inventory restocking and the absence of inflation could support growth.

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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: A MATERIAL ECONOMIC REASSESMENT

Mounting concerns that the coronavirus could spread further have sent markets into a tailspin. In this note, our macroeconomic strategy team, led by our Chief Economist Frances Donald, explains why the outbreak could nudge the US Federal Reserve into lowering interest rates sooner than expected. According to the team, a March rate cut isn’t entirely unthinkable.
 

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THOUGHTS FROM MACROSTRATEGY TEAM – CORONAVIRUS: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR INVESTORS?

Financial markets are reeling as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. While the experience with SARS from some years back suggests calm would be restored soon, good sense and logic can remain in short supply in the meantime. Frances Donald (Chief Economist) and Sue Trinh (Asia Strategist) from our macroeconomic strategy team take a closer look.

Key takeaways:

  •  Coronavirus can be seen as an important economic shock, but not a permanent one
  •  Comparisons with SARS may underestimate the potential impact of the current outbreak
  •  Global growth hasn’t bottomed yet: there’s still scope for downside surprises
  •  We believe there’s more scope for interest-rate cuts to be priced into the market in the coming weeks
  •  We believe the current “interruption” could be seen as an opportunity from a more strategic perspective and we continue to expect equities to end the year higher

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GLOBAL RISK-OFF MARKET SENTIMENT PREVAILS

Investors have reacted in a risk-off manner to the uncertainty surrounding the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Endre Pedersen, Chief Investment Officer, Fixed Income (Asia-Pacific), believes that Asian fixed income markets are awaiting further information to assess the economic impact on China and the rest of the region.

Key takeaways:

  •  Gaming sector and tourism-related credits most affected, so far
  •  Asian currencies are generally weaker against the greenback
  •  The trajectory of the virus will drive the market's reaction

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THE IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON CHINESE EQUITIES

Concerns about the economic and financial impact of the coronavirus outbreak have seen some offshore Chinese equities come under pressure. However, Ronald Chan, Chief Investment Officer, Equities, Asia (ex-Japan), believes that if these worries lead to a broad-based correction, then any market decline should be short-lived or contained.

While economic uncertainty could also hurt China’s first-quarter manufacturing and GDP numbers, Chan thinks that the government could introduce further policy easing measures to ensure growth stability. As the viral outbreak may improve with warmer weather in the coming spring, investment sentiment should gradually improve. In the meantime, investors should remain focused on the market’s long-term fundamentals.

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US-CHINA PHASE-ONE TRADE DEAL: THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAILS

On 15 January 2020, the United States and China signed the long-awaited phase-one trade deal. The agreement, which addresses issues ranging from Chinese imports of US goods to currency, came as no surprise to the market, as both sides had been publicly discussing the pact since the middle of December.

In this market note, Sue Trinh, Senior Macro Strategist, Manulife Investment Management, assesses the significant aspects of the deal and notes that the real test will be in implementing the details of the agreement and setting the agenda for the next phase of talks.

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US-CHINA TRADE AGREEMENT, UK ELECTION, FED EASING: STRONGER BASE CASE, BUT RISKS REMAIN

A trio of market-relevant news hit the headlines within the space of 24 hours on Thursday: a trade agreement between Washington and Beijing, a decisive UK vote, and more monetary easing from the US central bank.

Our Global Chief Economist Frances Donald assesses if this will translate into a sunnier outlook for 2020.

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CHINA CREDIT WATCH: FIRST DE FACTO OFFSHORE DEFAULT FOR A CHINESE SOE SINCE 1998

On 25 November 2019, Tewoo Group, a commodity trading company owned by the Tianjin municipal government, revealed a debt restructuring plan for US$1.25 billion of bonds. The programme offers bondholders a choice: suffer losses of up to 64% or accept delayed repayments. The announcement marks the first de facto default for a Chinese state-owned enterprise (SOEs) in the offshore US dollar bond market since 1998.

In this investment note, Fiona Cheung, Head of Credit, Asia, explains the significance of Tewoo’s de facto default and examines the broader implications for investors in Asian credits.

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US interest-rate cut

On 18 September (US time), US interest-rate cut represents a continuation of the global easing cycle. Our Chief Economist and Head of Macroeconomic Strategy Frances Donald takes a magnifying glass to the proceedings and identifies the key themes from the US Federal Reserve (Fed) communications and the problems that the central bank is facing.
 

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US-China trade war: A framework for thinking about new tariffs

In early August, the US government unexpectedly announced tariffs on the remaining US$300 billion of Chinese imports. These levies, which could impact the consumer, were scheduled to begin on 1 September. However, the start date for duties on certain goods was deferred to 15 December in order to mitigate the potential impact on Black Friday and Christmas sales.

This game-changing development alters our earlier, more bullish view of the markets. In addition to our traditional thoughts about the impact of tariffs on the global economy, we are now considering additional factors that create nonlinear headwinds to growth. Furthermore, we now expect the Fed to cut interest rates by 50 basis points in September with the potential for more further reductions down the line.

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Market Note ─ Tariff threat trips the circuit breaker, setting the scene for a 50 basis points Fed rate cut in September

On 1 August, the Trump administration announced a new set of tariffs on the remaining US$300 billion of Chinese goods to be imposed on 1 September. The US-China trade war further escalated on Monday with the US Treasury Department designating China as a currency manipulator and the US dollar/Chinese renminbi (USD/CNY) rose above 7.00. Equity markets plunged around the world. Frances Donald, Chief Economist and Head of Macroeconomic Strategy, explains why this phase of the trade war is different.

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Market Note ─ The Fed’s next chapter: this is no regular interest-rate cut

The US Federal Reserve (Fed) trimmed rates by 25 basis points (bps), as has been widely expected. Frances Donald, Chief Economist and Head of Macroeconomic Strategy, believes that the Fed’s going to cut at least once more, probably in September, and the 2016/2018 hiking cycle is now over. Donald also explains why Wednesday’s interest-rate decision is far more significant than it may initially seem.

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Market Note ─ G20 Meeting Recap: Seven Macro Takeaways

The G20 meetings in Osaka have produced a moderate de-escalation of trade tensions between the US and China. In this market note, our Chief Economist and Head of Macroeconomic Strategy Frances Donald identifies the seven macro takeaways from the meetings.

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The fog of uncertainty has thickened

Generating economic forecasts is never straightforward, and in 2019 the task has become even more challenging. Our Asset Allocation Team believes that three evolving themes will dominate the global economy in the second half of the year: trade tensions, Fed monetary policy, and the impact of China's stimulus. All three issues are shrouded in a fog of uncertainty.

An era of protracted trade tensions now seems likely, shaving growth in China, the US and Europe, and hitting US consumers hard. Meanwhile, investors who are now fixated on the Fed’s next interest-rate cut might be missing two bigger pictures.

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Why China's rising tide may not lift EM boats

Traditionally, an improvement in the outlook for China has inferred there will be important spillover effects on the global economy, particularly emerging markets in Asia. However, our Asset Allocation Team believes that the current Chinese stimulus and resulting stabilisation is different – spillovers into emerging markets in Asia are likely to be more limited and with a longer lag than we have seen in past cycles.

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Investment Note: Sino-US trade tensions enter a new phase

After months of apparent progress in bilateral trade talks, the US unexpectedly raised tariffs on US$200 billion of Chinese imports to 25%, effective 10 May 2019, and added a threat to place tariffs on all Chinese imports. The Chinese government responded by announcing 25% tariffs on US$60 billion of US imports from 1 June 2019. The escalation in tensions between the world’s two biggest economies has left investors wondering what will come next. In this investment note, Ronald Chan, Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of Asian Equities (ex-Japan), lays out a basic roadmap to help investors understand the possible scenarios that could lead to a resolution of the current dispute.

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Market Note: Latest tariff threat could derail a Sino-US trade deal

On Sunday 5 May 2019 (US time), US President Donald Trump signalled his intention to increase tariffs on US$200 billion of Chinese imports from 10% to 25% starting Friday 10 May 2019, while another US$325 billion of untaxed goods could face 25% duties “shortly”. The warning comes ahead of this week’s scheduled talks between the US and China, which market observers still hope will result in the finalising of a trade agreement. In our market note, the investment teams from Manulife Asset Management share their views on this latest development.

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FLIGHT OF THE DOVES

When the US Federal Reserve turned dovish in January by revealing that it would be “patient” before introducing any further interest rate rises, global central banks soon followed suit. While this accommodative monetary stance has helped to extend the Goldilocks environment, it still pays to be wary of the risks that remain.

That’s why it’s essential to be aware and remain agile like a dove. Read the insights from our Asset Allocation’s Macro Strategy Team.

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MAKING SENSE OF THE MARKET REBOUND

The start of this year saw the return of risk-on sentiment as investors welcomed a newly dovish Fed and signs the Chinese economy is over the worst – but geopolitical tensions and the growth outlook are lingering concerns.

Would strengthened stimulus from China and a solid economic growth in the US economy be enough to stabilise global markets? Our Asset Allocation Team shares latest views.

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MARKET NOTE: THE FED STRIKES A DOVISH TONE

Following a two-day meeting, on 30 January (US time) the Federal Reserve put rates rises on hold and said it will be “patient” in determining any future interest-rate moves, as well as signalling flexibility on the path to shrinking its balance sheet. In this market note, Megan E. Greene, our global chief economist at Manulife Asset Management, believes that the Fed has turned overwhelmingly dovish, and outlines what she thinks could happen next.

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MARKET NOTE: UNCERTAINTY AND FLATTENING YIELD CURVE SPARK US MARKET CORRECTION

The flattening yield curve (US Treasury) caught market attention and the US stock market adjusted sharply on Tuesday (US Time) − with the S&P 500 index tumbling more than 3%. In this market note, our investment teams from the US share their latest views.

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2019 OUTLOOK: THE YEAR OF THE PIG - WILL IT FLY?

In the new year, we believe the headwinds that have battered the equity markets in 2018 may subside, with some actually turning into tailwinds. Emerging markets (EM), which bore the brunt of the global equity correction in 2018, may be poised for a rebound as its growth differential with Developed Markets widens.

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MARKET NOTE: CHINA AND THE US AGREE TO HALT NEW TARIFFS FOR 90 DAYS

On 1 December (Argentina Time), China and the US agreed to a ceasefire to keep their trade war from escalating with a promise to halt the imposition of new tariffs for 90 days. In this market note, Ronald Chan, Chief Investment Officer, Equities, Asia (Ex-Japan), believes the markets have probably seen the peak of trade frictions between the two countries. Markets and sectors that have been most impacted should react positively to the outcome in the near-term, in particular, China A-shares, North Asian bourses, and exporters.

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PORTFOLIO INSIGHTS: The compelling case for Asian fixed income

Asia’s fixed income markets today offer investors compelling opportunities that were not available as recent as a decade ago. Indeed, investors are now not only holding sovereign and corporate bonds from developed economies such as Singapore and Korea, but also increasingly in emerging economies such as Indonesia and India. More importantly, China is fast emerging as a key player in the arena.

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WEALTHSTYLES: AMIDST THE VOLATILITY, SOME WORDS OF WISDOM

Volatile markets are nothing new to investors, but there are ways to navigate them properly – learn from the experts and adopt the right mentality for overcoming investment bias.

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A MODERATION IN SINO-US TRADE RELATIONS EXPECTED AFTER US MID-TERM ELECTION RESULTS

On 6 November (US Time), the United States held mid-term elections. Various media reported that the Democrats won a majority of seats in the House of Representatives, while the Republicans maintained their majority in the US Senate. In this market note, Ronald Chan, Chief Investment Officer, Equities, Asia (Ex-Japan), gives his views on how the results of the US mid-term elections will affect the trajectory of US-China trade relations and Asian markets moving forward.

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MARKETS IN THE FALL

Global equity markets fell in early October over interest rate concerns and continued macroeconomic headwinds. Volatility looks likely to continue, but:
   •   The bad news has mostly been discounted.
   •   Some fundamentals remain supportive.
   •   Global growth looks healthy despite some downward revisions.
Stay calm, stay invested. Opportunities remain for those who know where to look in 2019.

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FURTHER THOUGHTS ON THE SELL-OFF IN US EQUITY MARKETS

Market volatility continues in October. A sell-off that started in early October deepened on Wednesday in US equity markets: the Nasdaq lost 4.4%, while the S&P500 was down 3.1%. In this market note, our global investment teams offer their views on this round of sell-off and the future market outlook. Our economists and macro strategists do not see the potential for a recession in the US in the near term.

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MARKET NOTE: OUR THOUGHTS ON THE LATEST GLOBAL MARKETS SELL-OFF

On 10 October 2018, US stocks suffered their worst fall since early February. The sell-off hit broader equity markets in Asia – bourses in Taiwan, South Korea and China registered deep losses on Thursday.

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PHILIPPINE ECONOMY TO BENEFIT FROM SYNCHRONIZED GLOBAL GROWTH MOMENTUM

Manulife Asset Management and Trust Corporation believes that the Philippines is well positioned to reap the benefits of synchronized global growth, and that it will continue to contribute to Asia’s growing economy in 2018.

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"TRADE TANTRUMS" WORRY INVESTORS. HOW SERIOUS ARE THEY?

The recently announced US trade tariffs have raised global trade tensions and created some market uncertainty. We put the ongoing trade tensions in perspective, as we help investors navigate through market volatility..

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INVESTMENT NOTE: IMPLICATIONS OF RECENT MARKET VOLATILITY

Global economic data continues to impress: US consumer confidence and German business sentiment have hit new highs. China’s economy has stabilised, and after the successful 19th Party Congress and visit by US President Donald Trump, the country is focusing on upgrading the economy.

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MARKETS CONTINUE RALLY INTO THE NEW YEAR

Senior Asia Strategist Geoff Lewis examines the key issues that investors should follow in the new year. In particular, he looks at how historic tax reform in the US is likely to boost its economy and have a positive spill over for Asia.

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Positive economic data sets stage for 2018

Global economic data continues to impress: US consumer confidence and German business sentiment have hit new highs. China’s economy has stabilised, and after the successful 19th Party Congress and visit by US President Donald Trump, the country is focusing on upgrading the economy.

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An “Indian Summer” for global markets!

Global markets posted strong performance in September driven primarily by economic fundamentals, with developed markets (DM) taking the lead. China’s markets have performed well ahead of the upcoming 19th Communist Party Congress in October, with low levels of volatility. In this month’s Monthly Macro View, Geoff Lewis leads investors through the latest market developments.

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Fed announces exit from QE: Implications for EM and Asia

On 20 September (US time), the Federal Reserve announced a gradual exit from quantitative easing policies adopted after the Global Financial Crisis. Geoff Lewis, Senior Asia Strategist, Manulife Asset Management believes that the Fed’s exit is a watershed moment, and one that will likely be successfully navigated. For Emerging Markets (EM) and Asia, the decision’s long-term impact should be muted, although there may be short-term hiccups. More importantly for investors, we believe a global base case of low growth, low inflation, and low rates over the next three to five years remains positive for EM and Asian equities and debt.

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Stock markets struggle but stay afloat

It’s been a challenging month defined by political tensions (with North Korea and within the US), and concerns around issues like potential quantitative easing tapering in Europe and a possible debt ceiling crisis in the US. But it’s not all been bad. The global economy remains strong with all 45 OECD-tracked countries set to grow this year.

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Will markets weaken in August?

Will markets weaken in August? There are justified concerns surrounding the strong euro, global economic momentum peaking, and increased volatility on the horizon besides geopolitics and North Korea. Lewis believes the chance of a US market correction is increasing. Even if markets do cool significantly in August or September, it could prove a buying opportunity, as on a 12-month horizon emerging markets’ fundamentals still appear sound.

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Markets in June: A flat end to a stupendous first half

The first half of 2017 has been kind to investors, to say the least; equity returns have far exceeded the modest expectations they held in January.

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India's equity valuations build on fundamentals and rising domestic equity savings

India's equity markets have registered strong performance as the NSE Nifty 50 Index ("Nifty") is up 24% year-to-date (USD), which outstrips both MSCI Asia and MSCI Emerging Markets. Valuations have increased along with the market's rise: the Nifty's current one year forward price to earnings (P/E) ratio is 16.5 times, about 10% higher than its 10 year median.

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Moody's downgrades China and Hong Kong

On 24 May 2017, Moody's Investors Service (Moody's) downgraded China's long-term currency and foreign issuer ratings from Aa3 to A1 (stable outlook) In addition, Hong Kong's soverign rating was downgraded from Aa1 to Aa2 (stable outlook) on the following day. Overall, the price reaction was generally muted, as the downgrade was sidely expected by most market participants, whilst some investors took the opportunity to buy on dips.

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French Presidential Election: A Market-Friendly Outcome, But Issues Remain

The outcome of the French Presidential election will no doubt be greeted by investors with a sigh of relief. Emmanuel Macron, the market's preferred candidate, has won Sunday's vote. In this note, our Head of Europe, Autralasia and Far East (EAFE) Equities David Hussey examines if Mr. Macron's victory could put to bed lingering fears about the outlook for European equities.

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Comment on Fed Rate Hike

Members of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted for 25 basis points rate hike, raising the target range for the federal funds rate (Fed’s benchmark rate) to “0.75% to 1%”. In this investment note, Manulife Asset Management Chief Economist Megan Greene examines why economic data justified a rate hike and its implications for the economy.

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Steady the ship, few surprises at China's NPC Work Report

China's national legislature, the National People's Congress (NPC) held its annual meeting in Beijing on 5 March, the meeting will convene for roughly two weeks. For investors, one of the most important item is Premier Li Keqiang's Work Report (the Work Report).

Although the Work Report did not provide any surprises, Manulife Asset Management Senior Asia Strategist Geoff Lewis thinks it crystalized numerous policies announced earlier: China’s economic transition toward consumption will continue, policy makers will continue to focus on economic stability, while doing more to manage long-term financial risks.

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India Union Budget 2017-2018 and RBI rate decision

On 1 February 2017, India’s Finance Minister presented the government’s 2017-2018 Union Budget to parliament. The budget offers the government’s estimates of the country’s financial health and fiscal priorities for the upcoming year. On 8 February 2017, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced it would keep interest rates on hold. In attached Investment Note— India Union Budget 2017-2018 and RBI rate decision, Manulife Asset Management’s India Equities Specialist Rana Gupta shares his latest views towards the two events.

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