- Weekly update
- 5 minute read
A good week for
- US and emerging market equities, which climbed over +1.5% higher
- Oil and gold prices, boosted by USD weakness
A bad week for
- UK and Japanese equities, which weakened c -0.5%
- The US dollar, which weakened on a trade weighted basis
US politics
Joe Biden was inaugurated as US President last week, drawing Donald Trump’s time in office to a close. Biden wasted little time signing 15 executive orders addressing the pandemic, economic relief, immigration, climate change, and racial equity. Biden is also introducing national rules enforcing social distancing and the wearing of masks on federal property, and has revoked the permit for the Keystone XL oil pipeline. On Monday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi submitted an article of impeachment to the Senate, beginning Trump’s second impeachment trial. Both sides of the Senate seem committed to keeping the trial brief, in order to allow Congress to focus on important issues facing Government. The trial is expected to begin on 8th February, with two thirds of Senators required to endorse the impeachment for Trump to be convicted – meaning a number of Republican Senators would have to support it.
Global economy
January’s economic survey data confirmed that renewed social restrictions across much of the developed world were weighing on the services sector. The services component of the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) survey weakened across the Eurozone, Japan and the UK, with the UK index declining over 10 points. UK manufacturing also suffered, with respondents reporting weaker export demand and longer supply chain delays. The US bucked the trend, with stronger readings for both the services and manufacturing sectors. Panellists reported stronger demand for exports, with domestic sentiment likely buoyed by the prospect of further stimulus. While businesses reported weak demand in the face of pandemic disruption, respondents were broadly optimistic that business conditions would improve once vaccination programmes have been implemented.
UK economy
December’s public sector finance report revealed that net government borrowing increased by £28bn compared with December 2019, with borrowing likely to reach £400bn this fiscal year. The increase is due to high government spending on pandemic relief measures, with the Job Retention Scheme and Self Employment Income Support Scheme costing £10bn in December alone. Costly policies are turning attention to the spring budget, when Chancellor Rishi Sunak will announce a new financial plan. While the government will be keen to get unpopular measures, such as tax hikes, implemented well in advance of an election, the economy may need further near-term support in order to be well placed to recover quickly. An extension to the costly furlough scheme looks likely and one-off payments for those self-isolating have also been rumoured. Revenue may be raised by an increase in corporation tax, but small businesses may need a handout as ONS data indicates many hospitality businesses will not survive a further three months of restrictions.
Italian politics
Italy’s political turmoil continues, with fresh challenges to the government. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced plans to resign in order to avoid defeat in a parliamentary vote on judicial reform. Conte’s ruling coalition broke down when the Italy Alive party, led by former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, withdrew support. This led to a confidence vote in the both houses, which Conte won by a narrow margin. By resigning, Conte is seeking a commission from President Sergio Mattarella to begin talks to form a new coalition, perhaps including Italy Alive. Early elections would be a last resort, and could be seen as risky by investors.
Chinese economy
A bright spot in the global economy, China’s output grew by 6.5% year-on-year (YoY) in the fourth quarter of 2020. Consumption growth rebounded 3.4% YoY, supported by higher disposable incomes but, like other countries, consumption trends remain vulnerable to pandemic restrictions. Goods exports also supported growth, with further US stimulus likely to boost global goods consumption. While China’s growth rates remain attractive, the threat of global sanctions against China remains. Concerns over human rights abuses and government involvement in private enterprise remain reasons for investors to be wary.
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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.