Quarterly Market Outlook: April 2022

The invasion of Ukraine has altered the geopolitical equilibrium with significant uncertainty and disruption in global trade, energy, and diplomatic fronts. History shows that markets react with resiliency to geopolitical shocks unless the probability of recession rises significantly.

This type of environment is full of dilemmas for monetary policy. On the one hand, rising long-dated inflation expectations give the central banks a greater incentive to tighten quickly. On the other hand, rapidly tightening financial conditions increase the risk that interest rates may move too aggressively and push the economy into recession. Investors should factor in a rising interest rate environment and evaluate duration risk in their portfolios as central banks switch their focus to fighting inflation.

Positive corporate earnings, above-trend growth and still accommodative financial conditions continue to support positioning in risk assets. However, recessionary risks have increased and investors should pay more attention to building well-diversified portfolios that are more resilient to a backdrop of rising inflation. In the current state of high volatility, it is important to remain vigilant, focus on the medium and long term, maximize portfolio diversification, and keep the portfolios aligned to each investor's risk profile.

01. Markets recover from geopolitical shocks

The invasion of Ukraine represents a geopolitical change of enormous magnitude and creates numerous sources of uncertainty (war, energy, inflation, trade, etc.). However, history shows us that in the face of events of similar magnitude, financial markets usually experience rapid recoveries. The exceptions to this rule are realized when there is a change from geopolitical to economic uncertainty. Investors should focus on economic fundamentals rather than being distracted with market noise.

02. Central banks pivot towards tightening

Tight labor markets and rising inflation are forcing developed central banks to pivot towards tightening monetary policy. We expect the Fed and Bank of England to accelerate this hiking cycle (the European Central Bank lagging behind) in order to position rates in restrictive territory sooner rather than later in order to suppress persistent inflation. Tightening cycles tend to be favorable for equity investors (and challenging for fixed income investors), while monetary conditions are still accommodative and economic growth is above trend.

03. Late cycle investing playbook requires focus on inflation

Investors should not focus on the geopolitical noise and concentrate on evaluating whether the deterioration in leading indicators and financial conditions remain at moderate levels. We continue to reinforce the need to boost inflation protection in portfolios. Increasing the exposure to real assets, searching for alternative strategies or flexible investment solutions in fixed income (in order to diversify from duration risk) are to be considered. Investors should boost diversification, focus on companies with pricing power and look for opportunities in geographies and sectors with active managers.

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