- Weekly update
- 5 minute read
A good week for
- Equities, which recovered broadly.
- European government bonds, which rose on supportive ECB news.
A bad week for
- Bonds in the UK and US, which weakened c. -0.6% in local terms.
- The US dollar, which weakened c. -0.3% on a trade weighted basis.
EU economy
Last week the European Central Bank announced plans to increase the rate of asset purchases in the second quarter, in a bid to keep financial conditions favourable. The Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP) is a QE-type facility, whereby European central banks purchase European bonds in order to keep the yield on European bonds low. The ECB’s announcement is in response to a rise in European bond yields so far this year. In part, this is a spill-over from the rise in US bond yields, but the outlook for European growth remains less favourable. European vaccination programmes are progressing more slowly than in the US, fiscal stimulus is less accommodative and the average unemployment rate is significantly higher. These factors combined make a period of stronger inflation in Europe less likely.
UK economy
The UK economy shrank by -2.9% in January, when lockdowns were in full swing. This is a stronger outcome than expected, suggesting that companies are adapting to social restrictions and finding ways to continue to do business. Note that the November lockdown, when schools remained open, resulted in a -2.3% decline. In April 2020, when the pandemic first hit and construction was also closed, GDP fell by -18.3%. This January’s print was also boosted by government expenditure on “test and trace” and vaccination programmes, which now account for c. 2.5% of GDP. Elsewhere, trade data shows that UK exports to the EU fell by c. 40%, reflecting the unwinding of pre-Brexit stockpiling and the impact of new barriers to trade.
US inflation
With markets fixated on the chance that the US Federal Reserve will be forced to tighten monetary policy, US inflation data is the subject of almost forensic interest. February saw prices increase by 0.4%, or 1.7% on a year-on-year basis, an acceleration from January. Much of the increase was due to a large increase in motor fuel, due to higher oil prices, which is often transitory. The price of groceries also accelerated, though restaurant price inflation slowed, as reopening allows businesses to spread running costs across more customers. Rents are a large component of the core inflation basket and these edged higher, though this may not be a sustained trend. Inflation is likely to accelerate further but the Fed has emphasised that labour market tightness will be the trigger for higher interest rates.
US economy
Joe Biden’s $1.9trn pandemic relief bill was passed into law last week. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) extends a number of expiring support measures, including unemployment benefits, and also sees eligible households receive $1,400 cheques as early as this week. The package coincides with the US economy beginning to reopen, with Texas withdrawing all social restrictions on Monday, though cases in the state remain elevated. As restrictions are lifted, confidence may determine consumer behaviour. The US Centre for Disease Control released guidance for vaccinated individuals last week. The guidelines recommend that small gatherings are safe in a home setting, but still urge caution in public and avoiding inter-state travel.
China economy
As China’s National People’s Congress draws to a close, investors are taking stock of new policy announcements and what they mean for the global economy. Overall, policies have been more pro-growth than many analysts expected. As well as committing to an “above 6 per cent” GDP growth target for 2021, the party agreed to add 11m to the urban workforce in 2021. Financial controls will also be less strict than expected – the budget deficit will remain above 3% of GDP in 2021 and bond issuance will be limited relatively modestly. Consumption and investment will also benefit from stimulus measures, with support likely for the auto sector.
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Important information
The information contained in this document is believed to be correct but cannot be guaranteed. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The value of investments and the income from them may fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. An investor may not get back the original amount invested. Opinions constitute our judgment as at the date shown and are subject to change without notice. This document is not intended as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell securities, nor does it constitute a personal recommendation. Where links to third party websites are provided, Close Brothers Asset Management accepts no responsibility for the content of such websites nor the services, products or items offered through such websites.