Etikett: China A-shares

2015 From Cyclical to Structural

ETF Securities Logo China Macro Monitor 2015 From Cyclical to Structural2015 From Cyclical to Structural

China Macro Monitor 2015 From Cyclical to Structural

After half a year of spectacular equity market performance to some the clouds of slowing economic growth cast doubt on China’s ability to maintain the rally.

However, that view over-emphasises the correlation between GDP performance and equity market performance. The link between economic and equity market performance has never been straight-forward. Indeed, China may follow a path similar to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan during their early stages of development. That indicates that equity market performance will accelerate during periods of financial market liberalisation rather than periods of strong economic growth.

A number of exogenous events may also prove to be supportive for both China’s domestic equity market and China’s role in the global economy. MSCI is due to evaluate the inclusion of China A-Shares in its Emerging Markets Index this June. The IMF is also due to conduct its five-yearly Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket review this October. Renminbi inclusion discussions could become a catalyst for significant currency market liberalisation and a seismic shift in the role of the Chinese currency in international trade and finance.

We expect reform to remain the focus of policy makers’ agenda this year, with lower economic growth an acceptable by-product of stability. The authorities are unlikely to let growth fall substantially lower however, as that could stoke political unrest and undo the hard work of the reform agenda. We expect some policy easing, primarily in the form of lower interest rates and a reduction the Reserve Requirement Ratio in coming months.

A ROCKY PATH TO STABILITY

Although Chinese GDP growth of 7.4% in 2014 surpassed consensus expectations, it was the lowest reading in 24 years. The outlook for growth is lower still in 2015. Both the World Bank and IMF have downgraded their 2015 China growth forecasts to below 7%t this month. The message from policy makers in China is that sub-7% growth is acceptable, so long as its reform agenda continues apace.

Over the next decade China’s growth model will migrate away from cheap-currency dependent mercantilism and China will become increasingly more capitalist. Market forces will help the allocation of resources1 and the legal framework will be strengthened to improve quality of China’s institutional infrastructure2.
Transition will inevitably involve winners and losers, but society as a whole is likely to benefit from the new model. China will be careful not to move too quickly and aggravate political instability. With that in mind, it is likely that China will stimulate the economy further in 2015 to avoid a marked slowdown, especially in light of a faltering Euro area dampening global demand their good and services.

In spite of economic growth deceleration in H2 2014, the domestic equity market rallied 58%3. That is not unusual and the experiences of Japan, South Korea and Taiwan in their transition paths in earlier decades highlight that this is what we should expect. For example in Japan during the 1960s, a period of financial repression, the stock market underperformed relative to the overall economy. However in the 1980s when economic growth was subdued relative its past, the stock market performed particularly well in an environment of financial market liberalisation. South Korea and Taiwan experienced similar bouts of equity market outperformance during periods of financial market liberalisation, which countered the underperformance during earlier periods of financial repression and relatively stronger growth.

We believe China’s equity market underformance in recent years prior to the opening up of the Hong Kong-Shanghai Connect initiative in November 2014 was a symptom of a lack of market access. The Connect initiative significantly opened up market access. The fact that volumes traded on the Connect have not met expectations is irrelevant. The market has priced Shanghai stocks as internationally accessible now. The eventual opening of a Shenzhen Exchange link4 will give further access to Chinese domestic stocks, which will also become priced-in at some point.

We are likely to see equity market volatility rise. While structural shifts will move the equity market higher, periodic disappointment over growth figures are likely to lead to frequent corrections. This tug-of-war between the structural and cyclical drivers of the market will continue to divide analysts and see volatility remain high. Investors attracted to the recent rally should recognise the need for a significant degree of risk tolerance to weather rising market volatility.
In 2014, it was clear that Chinese equities were cheap by international standards. That is no longer the case. The MSCI China A-Share P/E is now close to the MSCI World P/E. P/Es in 2009 were undesirably high (it was a period of earnings weakness and price optimism in light of policy easing) and so should not be treated as a benchmark for where equity markets should go back to. Trading China on cheapness should be a thing of the past. Investing in China is once again about buying into structural change.

THE GLOBAL STAGE AWAITS

A number of events this year could prove to be a catalyst for further capital market deepening in China.
Firstly in June, MSCI will reconsider whether to include domestic Chinese equities into its emerging markets index. With approximately US$1.5tn benchmarked to MSCI China Emerging Markets Index, even a small allocation of 0.5% to the China A-Share market in the broader index could drive US$7.5bn into the market on the back of index replication by investors.

As a point of reference, the MSCI United Arab Emirates Net TR USD index rose over 90% between the time MSCI announced UAE stocks would enter its Emerging Market Index and actual inclusion (see shaded area of chart). While the Chinese and UAE markets are vastly different in size and composition, we believe the increasing probability of index inclusion will bode well for China A-Shares.

Secondly, in October the International Monetary Fund will review which currencies it will include in its Special Drawing Rights (SDR) currency basket. The SDR is an international reserve asset, created by the IMF in 1969 to supplement its member countries’ official reserves. Its value is based on a basket of four key international currencies, and SDRs can be exchanged for freely usable currencies. If the Renminbi is included in the basket, central banks buying/selling SDRs will have to deliver/receive Renminbi (in proportion to its weight in the basket).

In its last review in 2010 the IMF decided not to widen the currencies in the basket. At the time the IMF noted that China was the third largest exporter of goods and services but felt that the Renminbi was not a freely useable currency. However, they urged that this issue be kept under review. Since then, the Chinese Yuan has become the fifth most used payment currency according to SWIFT5, jumping from seventh position only a year earlier. The Renminbi became the ninth most actively traded currency according to the Bank of International Settlement’s 2013 triennial survey, jumping from 17th position in 2010. Over that period average daily turnover soared from US$34bn in 2010 to US$120bn in 2013.

Significant expansion in RMB offshore clearing centres around the world has helped fuel this trend and access to the currency has never been easier. In 2014, the Yuan-HK Dollar convertibility cap was abolished in recognition of the demand for Renminbi (timed with the opening of the Hong Kong-Shanghai Stock Connect initiative).

While capital and exchange rate controls will continue to hold back the Renminbi from SDR inclusion, we believe the IMF’s review this year will facilitate a road-map for further internationalisation of the currency. With the internationalisation of the Renminbi a stated policy objective we believe that the Chinese authorities will continue to dismantle controls on the currency.

With the Yuan trading very close to the edge of its trading band (see chart on front page), we could see further flexibility in the trading band this year. The recent depreciation against the US Dollar seems to be more about the strength of the US dollar than Yuan weakness, with the nominal effective rate actually having appreciated in December. Indeed there has been no increase in foreign exchange reserves that would occur if the authorities were intervening to depreciate the currency.

POLICY EASING IN 2015

With consumer price inflation weakening and property prices continuing to fall, we expect the Peoples Bank of China (PBoC) to cut interest rates further this year. We also expect the central bank to cut the Reserve Requirement Ratio (the amount of reserves banks need to hold with the central bank), thus improving banks’ ability to lend.
The transition away from shadow banks to the formal banking sector will continue in 2015, increasing pressure on the PBoC to provide liquidity support to banks. On January 22nd the PBoC injected CNY50bn into the banking system through the 7-day repo market. That was one of the many injections the central bank has provided in the past six months (see page 10 for other examples) and we expect the PBoC to maintain a strong hand on facilitating the transition in the financial sector.

1 “The focus of the restructuring of the economic system… is to allow the market [forces] to play a ‘decisive role’ in the allocation of resources”, Third Plenum Communiqué, November 2013
2 ”Comprehensively advancing the rule of law”, Fourth Plenum Communiqué, October 2014
3 MSCI China A-Share, between 30 June 2014 and 31 December 2014
4 Although no formal announcement has been made, Premier Li Keqiang has openly encouraged the opening of an Shenzhen link
5 December 2014

This publication is a monthly report focusing on macro developments in China relevant to investors across asset classes and markets.

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ETF Securities Research team
ETF Securities (UK) Limited
T +44 (0) 207 448 4336
E info@etfsecurities.com

Important Information

This communication has been provided by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority. When being made within Italy, this communication is for the exclusive use of the ”qualified investors” and its circulation among the public is prohibited.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof.Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

This document may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information.ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy or correctness of any information contained herein and any opinions related to product or market activity may change. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data.

The information contained in this communication is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision.

ETFS UK is required by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (”FCA”) to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates.  In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction.No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise.ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.

De bästa ETFerna 2014

De bästa ETFerna 2014

De bästa ETFerna 2014 Haussen fortsatte även under 2014, förstärkt av ekonomiska data och bättre resultat från företagen under hela året. Trots detta såg vi ett antal sättningar i aktiekurserna under året, även om de i allmänhet var ganska korta. Det var framförallt den amerikanska marknaden som steg under året. Se även De sämsta ETFerna 2014.

De breda aktieindexen noterade flera nya rekordnivåer i USA, medan flera europeiska marknaden kämpade för att kunna hålla jämna steg. I allmänhet var det de mer riskfylld marknaderna som noterade utflöden, främst då placerarna ansåg att de inte fick betalt för den risk som en högre volatilitet medförde. Förvånansvärt nog var en av de bästa börshandlade fonderna en som inriktar sig på amerikanska statspapper.

Nedan listar vi 2014 bästa ETer. Observera att denna lista utesluter inverterade- och hävstångsETFer och att mätperioden sträcker sig fram till och med den 23 december.

De bästa börshandlade fonderna 2014

Under 2014 var Global Carbon ETN (GRN) den bästa börshandlade ETNen, mätt i dollar. GRN gav sina innehavare en avkastning på ganska precis 51 procent. Dessutom återfinns flera börshandlade fonder med fokus på Indien på denna lista, varav två med inriktning på det indiska small cap segmentet. Det finns även en konsumentinriktad ETF på listan över 2014 års bästa ETFer. Även biotech och Kina var vinnare under 2014, vi ser flera China A-shares på denna lista.

Utöver aktier hittar vi två stycken ETFer med fokus på amerikanska statspapper, obligationer med längre löptider på listan, 25+ Year Zero Coupon U.S. Treasury Index Fund (ZROZ) och Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV). För en svensk placerare har dessa ETFer dessutom gett en värdeökning i form av valutaeffekterna som under året varit positiva då den amerikanska dollarn har stigit mot så gott som alla andra valutor.

Vidare finner vi två stycken ETFer med fokus på råvaror på listan. De är båda inriktade på kaffe, en råvara som stigit kraftigt som en följd av torka i Brasilien, världens största kaffeproducent. Tabellen nedan listar samtliga börshandlade fonder som visas i grafen ovan

 

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A Turbulent Week for Investors

A Turbulent Week for Investors

ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly A Turbulent Week for Investors

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Highlights

Grains continue to gain on weather disruptions in the US.

Global equities see violent gyrations.

Risk or inflation the driver for Japanese Yen (JPY)?

 

 

Global stocks and oil faced a particularly volatile week as investors digested weaker-than-expected data. The S&P 500 fell 3.4% in the week up to the Thursday 16th, while Brent crude oil fell 6.2% over the same time period. However, on Friday we started to see a partial recovery. The S&P 500 rose 1.2% and Brent gained 2.0% in just one day as central bank statements from James Bullard (US Federal Reserve) and Andrew Haldane (UK Bank of England) put forward the case to keep unconventional, loose monetary policy in place for longer.

Commodities

Grains continue to gain on weather disruptions in the US. Following the previous week’s rise on the back of stellar corn export numbers, rain disrupted the harvesting of grains in the US, leading to further gains. Wheat rose 4.8%, corn gained 2.2% and soybeans increased 2.6%. However, reports of improved weather are likely to cap these gains. Palladium fell 8.2%, dragged lower by the disappointing euro area industrial production and general capitulation in sentiment last week. Nickel, zinc and tin were also casualties of the same phenomenon, falling 7.3%, 5.1% and 4.7% respectively. Brent crude oil fell 6.2%, before staging a partial recovery on Friday. Gold rose 0.9%, as the metal maintained its position as the first port of call in times of turbulence. Futures market net speculative positioning in gold rose for the first time since August 2014

 

Equities

Global equities see violent gyrations. Developed market equities reacted excessively negatively to weaker-than-expected economic data before staging a partial recovery on Friday. The Euro STOXX® Investible Volatility Index jumped 13.9% in just one week. One catalyst to the change in sentiment on Friday was comments from James Bullard, the previously hawkish president of the St Louis Fed, pushing for a delay in ending the asset purchase programme. The FTSE MIB declined 6.7% and the DAX fell 4.7% on the disappointing industrial production data in the euro area. European bourses were weighed down by animosity between euro area members following Greece’s plans to exit its rescue programme early. Not even Chinese equities were immune from the capitulation, with China A-shares declining 1.5% on the back of weak loan growth and inflation data.

Currencies

Risk or inflation the driver for Japanese Yen (JPY)? The unwinding of global risk-on positions last week prompted a JPY rally, but we expect this will be short-lived. Positioning in JPY remains severely negative and last week’s rebound is likely to come unstuck in the near-term as investor fears fade. The minutes of the Bank of England (BoE) meeting will be the main focus for Sterling investors this week. Last month two policymakers surprised the market by voting for a rate hike (7 voted for the status quo). The market has been pushing back expectations for a rate hike from Q2 to Q3 and we expect this trend to continue. A less hawkish Board meeting will likely see the downtrend for Sterling remain in place. After last week’s oil price plunge and subsequent partial recovery, we believe that oil prices will now stabilise, removing the downward pressure on the Canadian dollar and Norwegian Krone.

For more information contact:

ETF Securities Research team
ETF Securities (UK) Limited
T +44 (0) 207 448 4336
E  info@etfsecurities.com

Important Information

General

This communication has been issued and approved for the purpose of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (”FCA”).

Investments may go up or down in value and you may lose some or all of the amount invested.  Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. You should consult an independent investment adviser prior to making any investment in order to determine its suitability to your circumstances.

The information contained in this communication is for your general information only and is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.

This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. Although ETFS UK endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content in this communication, ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee its accuracy or correctness. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data. Where ETFS UK has expressed its own opinions related to product or market activity, these views may change. Neither ETFS UK, nor any affiliate, nor any of their respective, officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or its contents.

ETFS UK is required by the FSA to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction.  No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

Other than as set out above, investors may contact ETFS UK at +44 (0)20 7448 4330 or at retail@etfsecurities.com to obtain copies of prospectuses and related regulatory documentation, including annual reports. Other than as separately indicated, this communication is being made on a ”private placement” basis and is intended solely for the professional / institutional recipient to which it is delivered.

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Securities issued by each of the Issuers are direct, limited recourse obligations of the relevant Issuer alone and are not obligations of or guaranteed by any of UBS AG, Merrill Lynch Commodities Inc. (”MLCI”), Bank of America Corporation (”BAC) or any of their affiliates. UBS AG, MLCI and BAC, Shell Trading Switzerland, Shell Treasury, HSBC Bank USA N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Deutsche Bank AG any of their affiliates or anyone else or any of their affiliates. Each of UBS AG, Merrill Lynch Commodities Inc. (”MLCI”), Bank of America Corporation (”BAC) or any of their affiliates. UBS AG, MLCI and BAC, Shell Trading Switzerland, Shell Treasury, HSBC Bank USA N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Deutsche Bank AG disclaims all and any liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise (save as referred to above) which it might have in respect of this document or its contents otherwise arising in connection herewith.

”Dow Jones,” ”UBS”, DJ-UBS CISM,”, ”DJ-UBS CI-F3SM,” and any related indices or sub-indices are service marks of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (”Dow Jones”), CME Group Index Services LLC (”CME Indexes”), UBS AG (”UBS”) or UBS Securities LLC (”UBS Securities”), as the case may be, and have been licensed for use by the Issuer. The securities issued by CSL although based on components of the Dow Jones UBS Commodity Index 3 month ForwardSM are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Dow Jones, CME Indexes, UBS, UBS Securities or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, and none of Dow Jones, CME Indexes, UBS, UBS Securities, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, makes any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product.

A Temporary Set-Back to Global Recovery

A Temporary Set-Back to Global Recovery

ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly Soft Growth Patch and US Rate Rise Concerns Hit Cyclical Assets A Temporary Set-Back to Global Recovery

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Highlights

Corn prices jumped 6.8% on the back of strong US export sales.
China A-Shares surge following the national ”golden week” holiday.

Buy USD dips.

 

Despite receiving a temporary lift from dovish Federal Reserve policy meeting minutes, most global developed market equity benchmarks declined last week. Poor German economic data added to the woes in Europe weighing heavily on investor sentiment. The US dollar depreciated following the release of the ‘dovish’ Fed minutes and helped sustain modest gains in gold and other commodity sectors. The key exception in the commodity space was energy, where ample supple remains a drag on performance. After last month’s almost universally disappointing economic data releases from China, this week’s release of Chinese loan growth, inflation, and reserve growth will be closely watched.

Commodities

Corn prices jumped 6.8% on the back of strong US export sales. Export sales were given a boost by extremely low prices. A bumper crop expected this year has driven the price of corn to the lowest since 2010. However, the USDA World Agricultural Supply and Demand report released late on Friday, capped gains as production forecasts were raised once again. Coffee continued to rise (up 6.2%) on expectations of a poor Brazilian crop next year. Meanwhile, the current coffee harvest is still underway in Brazil, and erratic weather this year has likely weakened coffee bushes for next year’s crop.

Elsewhere, crude oil prices slid last week amid ample supply. WTI fell 5.7% while Brent lost 3.9%. OPEC’s report released on Friday showed the group’s crude oil production had risen in September to average 30.47 mb/d, up 0.40 mb/d from the previous month. Production from Libya, Iraq, Angola and Nigeria increased, while crude oil output in Saudi Arabia fell.

Equities

China A-Shares surge following the national “golden week” holiday. Last Tuesday was the first trading day on the Chinese stock exchanges after a week of national holiday in the country. The domestic market reopened in a strong note on Tuesday with the MSCI China A Index up 1.3% on that day. The index is now trading at around 12% above its 200dma and 4.3% above its 50dma, reflecting investors’ bullish sentiment over the Chinese economy as growth elsewhere seems gloomy. Last week’s dovish Fed minutes failed to support global equities, with many global equity benchmarks forced to their lowest levels this year, as investor sentiment is being battered by disappointing growth numbers, particularly from the Eurozone. Meanwhile, fears over the global growth outlook have boosted the EURO STOXX 50® Investable Volatility Index, up 1% last week and 15% over the past 3 weeks.

Currencies

Buy USD dips. The USD posted a weekly decline for the first time since July last week, despite a late recovery. Our long held view of USD strength remains and any temporary weakness we view as a buying opportunity. US Federal Reserve voting member Dudley indicated that mid-2015 is ‘about right’ for the first rate hike. As we have noted previously, excess liquidity in the system – a result of the Fed balance sheet expansion – does not preclude rate hikes. Signalling policy tightening via small gradual rate increases will go a long way to keeping price expectations well anchored. Rate increases longside a significant pool of liquidity to aid lending, will support growth at the same time and enhance the credibility of the US Fed. Indeed, the upward momentum of the USD is being fuelled by futures market positioning and the recent equity weakness is contributing to the ‘flight to quality’ bid for the USD.

For more information contact:

ETF Securities Research team
ETF Securities (UK) Limited
T +44 (0) 207 448 4336
E  info@etfsecurities.com

Important Information

General

This communication has been issued and approved for the purpose of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (”FCA”).

Investments may go up or down in value and you may lose some or all of the amount invested.  Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. You should consult an independent investment adviser prior to making any investment in order to determine its suitability to your circumstances.

The information contained in this communication is for your general information only and is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. Historical performance is not an indication of future performance and any investments may go down in value.

This communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information. Although ETFS UK endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content in this communication, ETFS UK does not warrant or guarantee its accuracy or correctness. Any third party data providers used to source the information in this communication make no warranties or representation of any kind relating to such data. Where ETFS UK has expressed its own opinions related to product or market activity, these views may change. Neither ETFS UK, nor any affiliate, nor any of their respective, officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from any use of this publication or its contents.

ETFS UK is required by the FSA to clarify that it is not acting for you in any way in relation to the investment or investment activity to which this communication relates. In particular, ETFS UK will not provide any investment services to you and or advise you on the merits of, or make any recommendation to you in relation to, the terms of any transaction.  No representative of ETFS UK is authorised to behave in any way which would lead you to believe otherwise. ETFS UK is not, therefore, responsible for providing you with the protections afforded to its clients and you should seek your own independent legal, investment and tax or other advice as you see fit.

This document is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, an advertisement or any other step in furtherance of a public offering of shares or securities in the United States or any province or territory thereof. Neither this document nor any copy hereof should be taken, transmitted or distributed (directly or indirectly) into the United States.

Other than as set out above, investors may contact ETFS UK at +44 (0)20 7448 4330 or at retail@etfsecurities.com to obtain copies of prospectuses and related regulatory documentation, including annual reports. Other than as separately indicated, this communication is being made on a ”private placement” basis and is intended solely for the professional / institutional recipient to which it is delivered.

Third Parties

Securities issued by each of the Issuers are direct, limited recourse obligations of the relevant Issuer alone and are not obligations of or guaranteed by any of UBS AG, Merrill Lynch Commodities Inc. (”MLCI”), Bank of America Corporation (”BAC) or any of their affiliates. UBS AG, MLCI and BAC, Shell Trading Switzerland, Shell Treasury, HSBC Bank USA N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Deutsche Bank AG any of their affiliates or anyone else or any of their affiliates. Each of UBS AG, Merrill Lynch Commodities Inc. (”MLCI”), Bank of America Corporation (”BAC) or any of their affiliates. UBS AG, MLCI and BAC, Shell Trading Switzerland, Shell Treasury, HSBC Bank USA N.A., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Deutsche Bank AG disclaims all and any liability whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise (save as referred to above) which it might have in respect of this document or its contents otherwise arising in connection herewith.

”Dow Jones,” ”UBS”, DJ-UBS CISM,”, ”DJ-UBS CI-F3SM,” and any related indices or sub-indices are service marks of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (”Dow Jones”), CME Group Index Services LLC (”CME Indexes”), UBS AG (”UBS”) or UBS Securities LLC (”UBS Securities”), as the case may be, and have been licensed for use by the Issuer. The securities issued by CSL although based on components of the Dow Jones UBS Commodity Index 3 month ForwardSM are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Dow Jones, CME Indexes, UBS, UBS Securities or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, and none of Dow Jones, CME Indexes, UBS, UBS Securities, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, makes any representation regarding the advisability of investing in such product.

Weak Growth Data Hits Equities, but China A Shares Buck the Trend

Weak Growth Data Hits Equities, but China A Shares Buck the Trend

ETFS Multi-Asset Weekly – Weak Growth Data Hits Equities, but China A Shares Buck the Trend

Highlights

  • Cocoa jumps nearly 10% in 2 weeks as Ebola fears grow.
  • China A-Shares buck the global equity trend and continue to rally.
  • Growth fears and volatility weighs on commodity currencies, with further losses expected.

Global equity markets and cyclical metals ended the week lower as US and European PMIs, US durable goods orders and the German IFO index came in lower than expected. China A-shares bucked the trend, with a better-than-expected flash PMI reading adding support to the market. US payrolls will be the centre of attention this week as the market judges the capacity of the US economy to absorb an expected interest rate hike in H1 2015. A strong reading will likely to be US dollar positive, which will likely keep pressure on commodities. In the medium-term, however, we believe US economic strength will ultimately be positive for global growth and commodity demand and we view commodities as good value at current prices.

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Commodities

Cocoa jumps nearly 10% in 2 weeks as Ebola fears grow. Following the previous week’s 5.4% gain, cocoa prices continue to soar. With over 70% of produced in Africa, there are fears that the spread of Ebola will hinder global supply. Côte Ivoire, which produces over 30% of global supply was been on track to produce a record high output this year. If the disease hits the country, global supply will tighten amid strong demand growth. US natural gas stocks increased by 97 billion cubic feet in the week ending September 19. This compares to an expected increase of about 100 billion cubic feet and sent prices 1.0% higher last week. Most industrial metal prices were hit by weaker-than-expected US PMIs and durable goods orders.

Equities

China A-Shares buck the global equity trend and continue to rally. Last week saw the MSCI China A index gaining 0.9% on better manufacturing PMI for September while the US and Eurozone manufacturing PMI disappointed again. The MSCI China A index has been trading above its 50 and 200 day moving averages since end of July, suggesting further potential rise in the near term. Meanwhile, lower-than-expected Michigan confidence added to the downward pressure in the US with the Russell 2000® Index dropping 4.2% over the past week. Concerns over the ECB’s capacity to restore growth in the Eurozone economy has weighed on European equity benchmarks, sending short European indices as well as the EURO STOXX 50® Investable Volatility Index upward again, by 5.7% on average for the short indices and 2.6% for the volatility index.

Currencies

Growth fears and volatility weighs on commodity currencies, with further losses expected. ‘Commodity currencies’ were the worst performing last week with the currencies of major commodity producers Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Norway coming under pressure. Volatility has risen across a number of asset classes, including the FX market, as investor uncertainty has risen on anticipation of US rate hikes in the new year. Meanwhile, a soft patch for commodity prices (also partly a reflection of concerns over global growth) has also weighed on commodity currencies. There may be some scope for a rebound in the Canadian dollar and Norwegian Krone if oil prices can rebound, but we expect that further downside is likely for the Australian and New Zealand Dollars. Concerns over China’s economic strength will likely weigh on the AUD, while NZD is likely to experience further weakness after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand revealed it had sold the largest amount of currency in seven years to deflate the currency

 

For more information contact:

ETF Securities Research team
ETF Securities (UK) Limited
T +44 (0) 207 448 4336
E  info@etfsecurities.com

Important Information

General

This communication has been issued and approved for the purpose of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (”FCA”).

Investments may go up or down in value and you may lose some or all of the amount invested.  Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. You should consult an independent investment adviser prior to making any investment in order to determine its suitability to your circumstances.

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Third Parties

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