Summary: In contrast to emerging real economy destruction, the week begins on a positive note, as COVID-19 case growth appear to be slowing in most developed world countries. At the time of writing US futures are making a beeline for limit up and Asian indices firmly green, ASX 200 +4.33%, Nikkei 225 +4.44%, KOSPI +3.75%, Hang Seng +2.29%.
Italy, the new hotspot Spain and the UK have all reported a decline in the daily death toll, from a humanitarian perspective this is great news. President Trump also appears to have dialled back the severity of his warning, at the latest COVID-19 White House presser stated the outbreak was perhaps “levelling off”. "We see light at the end of the tunnel. Things are happening," Trump said, however we would still caution that the road ahead (or tunnel) is long and winding. A levelling off of cases could be more akin to the end of the beginning, rather than the beginning of the end as the real economy effects play out.
When it comes to the real economy effects and second order impacts of the COVID-19 containment measures, these show no sign of levelling off making the days exuberance look rife with complacency. This as Japan moves to declare a state of emergency April 7, Singapore locks down once again and pockets of emerging markets stresses show little sign of abating. The pressure of dollar strength and funding squeeze continues, although swapped lines have helped and dollar borrowing premiums have lessened. The sharp devaluation across multiple EM currencies may eventuate unintended economic dislocations that have capacity to spark risk whilst sentiment remains fragile. Flexible exchange rates will absorb the economic shock to a point before presenting secondary consequences.
The market is trying to get back to the pre-Covid and pre-war times, but that model is broken. A new dawn is here and the financial world needs to adapt.
Steen Jakobsen,
Chief Investment Officer
A political switch in China towards less tough control of its people and companies may kick things back into gear.
Redmond Wong,
Market Strategist
While the economic situation in Europe may not be as bad as feared, there's still a plethora of things to fix.
Chris Dembik,
Head of Macroeconomic Research
As the world turns increasingly bipolar, equity markets face harsh times as they transition into the new reality.
Peter Garnry,
Head of Equity Strategy
New alliances and collaborations outside of China may lead to prosperous times in Asia.
Charu Chanana,
Market Strategist
For years, it was thought that the balanced portfolio was a thing of the past. But recent developments may have changed that.
Peter Siks,
Investment Coach
Following a dramatic and volatile 2022 with good returns, a lot of this year's commodity performance may be driven by Chinese politics.
Ole S. Hansen,
Head of Commodity Strategy
2023 could be a tough year for currencies but EUR and JPY may have some upside.
John J. Hardy,
Head of FX Strategy
The commodity-heavy Australian market may have a good start to 2023, as the Chinese focus on growth signals demand for Aussie resources.
Jessica Amir,
Market Strategist
From a near-perfect environment for speculative assets before 2022 to the opposite, crypto faces fundamental challenges.
Mads Eberhardt,
Cryptocurrency Analyst
