Head of Macroeconomic Research
Summary: This is my first macro presentation to clients since the coronavirus outbreak. I think it provides a clear assessment of what have been successfully done by policymakers since early March, what are the challenges lying ahead, and how should investors proceed in this very unusual bear market rally.
If you want, you can also skip the slides and go directly to the conclusion:
We are facing an unprecedented crisis: Almost 100% of businesses are affected the COVID-19 outbreak vs 60% in a « normal » recession.
Our baseline macroeconomic scenario is that we have entered into the worst recession since 1929 that will be followed by a U-shaped recovery. However, there are many downside risks to growth to keep in mind: weak global aggregate demand due to the hysteresis effect, tourism will not get back to normal before 2021-22 (it represents more than 15% of direct GDP contribution in Spain, Portugal and Greece), the risk of solvency is increasing fast in the service sector paving the way to a wave of bankruptcies.
Policymakers will implement new policy innovations to mitigate social discontent (UBI), deal with the increase in debt (MMT, monetization and YCC – Yield Curve Control to limit the appreciation in interest rates) and will also resort to old tools (such as higher taxation).
We are at the beginning of a regime shift back towards the 1950s characterized by “big government” and ultra-loose monetary policy (“lean against the wind” monetary policy). Higher inflation is becoming a real long-term risk that could be amplified by de-globalisation forces, debt monetization and the redirection of value chains.
Governments will stop using nominal GDP and will refer to well-being indicators.
The end of the road
Emboldened by surging crude oil prices, Saudi Arabia makes waves on the international stage, as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman manages to create a World Champions League, after buying the UEFA Champion League franchise.
As the world embraces GLP-1 obesity wonder drugs, the people next in line to get a prescription stop caring about dieting and exercising, figuring that the drug will later solve all of their weight-related health problems.
With the US budget deficit spiraling above 10% of the GDP, the government is desperate to foster demand for US Treasuries. Under intense pressure from the White House, Congress makes income from government bonds tax-free.
After a criminal group deploys the most deceptive AI deepfake ever seen, generative AI becomes a national security threat. With public distrust soaring, governments crack down with harsh new laws, puncturing the AI hype.
To fix the divergence in the global trade and financial system, the largest deficit countries unite to negotiate new world trade terms. For surplus countries, the reset of the global economic model is a painful adjustment.
As discontent with Biden and Trump rises to fever pitch, Robert F. Kennedy Jr sees his support rising inexorably in the polls. On November 5, Kennedy wins the US presidential election, ushering in a new era in US politics.
Stepping up Japan's economic transformation in 2024, PM Kishida brings in a host of populist policies to boost domestic demand. As the GDP growth rate hits 7%, the BoJ is forced to abandons its yield curve control policy.
As people wake up to how little tax Europe’s billionaires are actually paying, the EU Commission implements a wealth tax of 2%. The tax sends shockwaves through Europe's luxury industry, with luxury giant LVMH plunging 40%.
