Tactical Asset Allocation Relative Strength Signal (TAARSS) Monthly Update
Top recommendations for March: European equities and Germany with currency hedge, Japan, US Aerospace & Defense, and Indian equities. Market review
Risky assets received a boost in February with Global equities (ACWI) and Commodities (DBC) rising 5.5% and 4.4%, respectively. While US bonds (AGG) lagged behind losing 0.9% on rising rates concerns. TAARSS rotation strategy monthly performance review
Last month, monthly TAARSS strategies outperformed or were in line with their benchmarks; while quarterly rotation strategies have been mixed QTD.
Tactical positioning for March 2015 based on TAARSS
Within equities we see strong investment demand support in DM Intl, and neutral support for the US, and EM for March. Within regions prefer Europe (with FX hedge) followed in the distance by Asia Pacific, remain neutral North America, and away from Latin America. Within the US, we again prefer Small and Mid Caps over Large Caps for March, or a total market or equal weighting approach. In terms of sectors, flows suggest a rotation into Global Cyclicals (Materials, Energy) away from Domestic Cyclicals, while maintaining some Defensives (Cons. Staples, Health Care) exposures. In International DM countries we see increased investor confidence, prefer Germany (with FX hedge) or Japan. For EM equities we continue to see India with the strongest support. Among other equity themes we see good support for US Aerospace & Defense. In fixed income, signals suggest credit over rates via US Corporate Debt (HY and IG). Lastly for commodities, we continue to see some support to Energy, but remain cautious.
China equity markets higher, but volatility reigns.
USD weakness unlikely to last.
Concern about Greek finances, alongside disappointing German growth data resulted in European equity benchmarks finishing the week in the red. In contrast, Chinese equities moved higher in choppy trade as soft data lifted expectations of further stimulus from policymakers. Defensive investors prompted a gold rally, with its perception as a hedge against lingering threats to the economic environment increasing its appeal. We expect the soft US economic data will fade and the growth divergence with the Eurozone will again become pronounced and pull forward expectations for a rate hike, in turn lifting the USD.
Commodities
Stars align for commodity markets. Natural gas surged following expectations of warmer US weather is boosting demand for natural gas to fuel additional demands for power. With storage remaining adequate and not far from the longer-term average level, we expect the duration of this rally to be short-lived. Rising bond market volatility and a weaker US Dollar buoyed precious metals markets, with silver leading the way. Gold was also buoyant as investors remain cautious and European equities traded choppy ranges. With silver remaining strongly tied to gold, the key for a sustainable rally in silver lies in rising industrial demand. A good indicator of whether this demand component is rising is stockpiles which unfortunately are not showing signs of decline yet. If sentiment improves, a correction could lie in wait.
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Equities
China equity markets higher, but volatility reigns. Chinese equities received a boost despite a string of poor economic data, as investors were optimistic that Chinese authorities will introduce additional stimulus measures to buoy the economy. Choppy trading has characterised Chinese equity markets and we expect that is unlikely to disappear in the near term, until investors see a more stable underlying economic environment. Certainly both the Reserve Requirement Ratio remains elevated and we expect that the RRR and official rates could be lowered in coming months. Meanwhile, European equity markets lost ground as weaker growth in Germany in Q1 added to the negative tone surrounding the lingering threat of Greek default. UK equity markets also struggled after the Bank of England downgraded its outlook for UK economic growth. Although we expect potential for further near term setbacks, in the medium term, equity valuations should be bolstered by rising demand on the back of low financing costs as a result of low policy rates and depressed energy prices.
Currencies
USD weakness unlikely to last. We expect the recent batch of soft US economic data to be an aberration rather than the beginning of a trend and this should gradually translate into USD strength. This week’s FOMC minutes will be balanced, in line with previous communications, but should keep rate hikes on the table. While the market has pushed back rate hike forecasts somewhat in recent weeks and is currently expecting the first increase in November, we expect a September move. Central banks will continue to be in the spotlight, with both the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan holding meetings. While there should be little change in UK policy, if Japanese industrial production and Q1 GDP growth disappoint, that could be the catalyst to provoke the BOJ to act, and in turn pushing the USD/JPY higher toward our year-end target of 125.
For more information contact:
ETF Securities Research team
ETF Securities (UK) Limited
T +44 (0) 207 448 4336
E info@etfsecurities.com
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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.
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”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.
Coffee rebounds following Brazilian Real appreciation.
Chinese stocks cheer signs of further stimulus.
Sterling comes under pressure on inflation concerns.
Today Angela Merkel will host talks with Alex Tsipras, the Greek premier, in a bid to improve relations between the two nations and ensure the future of Greece within the Eurozone. The meeting comes as recent negotiations over the conditions of a Greek bailout package have divided public opinion and strained political ties. Elsewhere, the release of a series of manufacturing and home sales data this week will give investors the opportunity to gauge the health of major global economies. CPI data from the US and the UK will give clarity on the impact of low energy and food prices on inflation and the potential pace of rate hikes.
Commodities
Coffee rebounds following Brazilian Real appreciation. Coffee prices have come under significant pressure this year, falling 24% to US$1.26 per pound last week. This downward trend has been driven by healthy rainfall and a significant depreciation of the Brazilian Real. A weaker Real allows Brazilian producers to export coffee internationally at lower prices in US Dollar terms, without receiving less in their domestic currency. Last week the return of drier weather conditions and a temporary appreciation of the Real on Tuesday caused a reversal of the recent trend with coffee ending the week up 8.7%. US crude fell to a six-year low last week as stockpiles continued to accumulate and shale production showed little to no signs of slowing. US shale producers have shifted focus to rig efficiency and cost reduction to maintain output at current levels. Later in the year the curtailment of exploration spending and fall in the rig count should act to moderate US crude oil production and lift prices.
Equities
Chinese stocks cheer signs of further stimulus. On Sunday, the Chinese premier Li Keqiang pledged to shore up the economy to ensure that it meets its 7% growth target. Chinese equity markets rallied in approval, taking the statement as an indication that further stimulus measures are on their way in the form of reserve requirement reductions and interest rate cuts. The MSCI China A Index ended the week up 7.4% at an all-time high on the news. The FTSE 100 rose 3.0% in the week following the UK Chancellor of the Exchequers announcement of the 2015 pre-election budget. The budget sent energy and real estate stocks higher as the Chancellor announced measures to reduce tax on North Sea oil & gas companies and assist first time homebuyers. The EURO STOXX 50® Investable Volatility Index increased 3.6% as tensions mounted between Greece and Germany over reforms necessary in order to secure bailout funds.
Currencies
Sterling comes under pressure on inflation concerns. Following the Federal Open Market Committee meeting last week, a cautious press statement caused the Sterling to rise by 1.5% against the Dollar, the largest daily increase in five and a half years. These gains proved temporary as the Dollar recouped the prior day losses against most major currencies. Furthermore, minutes from the latest BOE meeting highlighted that consumer inflation will likely fall below zero soon and could potentially stay there if energy and food prices keep inflationary pressures at bay. Sterling is likely to continue to experience volatility in coming months, as the lack of a clear favorite in the upcoming general election and the growing popularity of parties on the fringe could lead investors to question the conviction of the British government.
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.
Tactical Asset Allocation Relative Strength Signal (TAARSS) Monthly Update
For February prefer European equities with currency hedge, US Defensives, US Energy equities and commodities, Gold miners, and Indian equities.
Market review
The year started tough on risky assets with Global equities (ACWI) and Commodities (DBC) down by 1.3% and 5.7%, respectively in January. While US bonds (AGG) benefited from safe haven demand and gained 2.05%.
Monthly TAARSS strategies underperformed and quarterly strategies outperformed their benchmarks in January. Multi Asset was up by 1.0% in Jan.
Tactical positioning for February 2015 based on TAARSS
Within equities we see new upside opportunities in DM Intl, good support for the US, and some degree of selling pressure in EM for February. Within regions we recommend to take advantage of the European support, maintain allocations to the US and Asia Pacific, and steer away from Latin America. For European exposure we see even more support in currency hedged products. Within the US, we prefer Small and Mid Caps over Large Caps for February, or a total market or equal weighting approach. In terms of sectors, Defensives (e.g. Utilities, Health Care) continue to display support; while Energy has begun to show interesting support.
However Domestic Cyclicals are losing some momentum. In International DM countries we advice caution and we still prefer a multi-country diversified exposure.
However if country exposures are desired then Germany and Japan may seem interesting – both with a currency hedge though. For EM equities we see India with the strongest support. In fixed income, signals suggest IG rates and income via US Treasuries and Municipals. Lastly for commodities, we see interesting developments of investment demand supporting Energy and Gold.
Market Vectors Latin America Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:LATM)
Market Vectors Renminbi Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:CHLC)
Orsaken till att Market Vectors stängde den dessa börshandlade fonder var att intresset för dessa ETFer varit för lågt. Market Vectors erbjuder en hel den nischade börshandlade fonder, varav flera blivit mycket populära, medan andra inte lyckats fånga placerarkollektivets hjärta på samma sätt. De senare brukar därför stängas ganska snabbt.
