Global oversupply projected to continue for 2017/2018.
Weaker US dollar provides additional support to the improving fundamentals for industrial metals.
Energy rally looking stretched.
Further upside for precious metals amidst weaker US dollar
Summary
Commodities have enjoyed a great start to 2018. From the low point mid-December they have rallied 6.7%. The performance has been broad-based too – driven not only by the Iran issues inflating the oil price – but a rally in industrial/precious metals and agriculture. Broad global economic growth has supported commodity prices, although we are wary of some who are interpreting this as being a positive sign broadly for commodities this year. Commodities as an asset class are a very heterogeneous group and we expect varied performance from each segment this year in particular.
Although we expect the Fed to continue to tighten policy, we think the downside risks to gold prices are limited because real interest rates will remain depressed as inflation gains pace in the US. However, a shock event, such as an equity market correction, could force gold prices higher. On balance we see little change in gold prices in the coming year.We expect the best performer for 2018 to be industrial metals. They are likely to benefit the most from improving emerging market growth, at the same time we expect supply to remain in deficit in 2018 as the current lack of investment in mining infrastructure continues to bite.
Historically we have found that metal markets begin to move towards a balance two years after miner profit margins hit rock-bottom. Miner margins fell to a low of 2% at the beginning of 2016 and since have recovered to just over 7%. So if we see a repeat of historical patterns, we should see supply begin to improve in late 2018, but it could take years to move back into balance.
Global oversupply projected to continue
Global oversupply projected to continue for 2017/2018. The USDA January World Agricultural Supply and Demand (WASDE) report updates show most of the commodities in a surplus. Performance across the sector have been mixed over the past month. Cotton continues to benefit from strong Chinese demand while the prospects for the sugar market will likely keep prices subdued for longer.Weaker US Dollar provides additional support to the improving fundamentals for industrial metals. The IMF has upgraded its growth forecast for China in 2018 and 2019.
With the global recovery continuing apace, the weaker US Dollar will remain supportive until the US Federal Reserve is forced to adjust monetary policy more aggressively than the market expects. Energy rally looking stretched. The energy complex rallied by 9.1% last month. Natural gas spiked as cold weather hit the US and signs of OPEC’s strategy bearing fruit pushed oil prices higher. However, demand for natural gas is likely to wane in line with seasonal trends and the decline in oil inventories is corollary of rising gasoline inventory.Further upside for precious metals amidst weaker US dollar. US dollar weakness driven by the US government shutdown and rumours that China could curb Treasury purchases are boosting gold’s safe haven appeal. Meanwhile platinum’s relative price attractiveness coupled with rising new car registrations in Europe (dominated by diesel engines) continue to support long term demand for platinum.
The analyses in the above tables are purely for information purposes. They do not reflect the performance of any ETF Securities’ products . The futures and roll returns are not necessarily investable.
General
This communication has been provided by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (“ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”).
This communication is only targeted at qualified or professional investors.
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 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 communication may contain independent market commentary prepared by ETFS UK based on publicly available information
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 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.
Palladium’s outperformance is tied to a confluence of reasons – the ‘Dieselgate’ scandal, strong auto demand and speculative buying interest. However this is unsustainable.
Accelerating growth in the European auto sector should offset the gradual decline in diesel cars market share, supporting platinum’s demand. Platinum – More uncertainty than opportunity.
Platinum’s sustainable long term price recovery is rooted in meaningful production cuts.
Palladium has rallied 43% in 2017, marking the strongest performance within the commodity complex. It has surpassed its counterpart platinum for the first time in 16 years. The price movement of platinum and palladium has historically been in sync since the majority of their use is derived by catalytic converters used in gasoline and diesel vehicles respectively.
Net Balance vs Ratio
The last time we witnessed a similar price outperformance by palladium was in 2000, triggered by supply disruptions in Russia. While the Russian government’s threat to stop selling palladium never materialised, it certainly prompted a fear of a supply deficit amplifying palladium’s price surge. It’s worth noting that consequently palladium underperformed platinum for more than eight consecutive years.
‘Dieselgate’ lifted palladium higher
Demand for platinum suffered a setback after the emissions scandal sparked by Volkswagen two years ago dented investor sentiment towards the precious metal. Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) has revealed in H1 2017 that sales of gasoline powered cars in Europe surpassed diesel powered cars for the first time since 2009. The share of diesel cars declined by 3.8% YTD (year-to-date) while gasoline cars rose by 10% YTD. In France, gasoline cars are currently dominating market share contrary to its historical 70% ownership of diesel cars. In addition the rising demand for relatively larger gasoline cars, which contain larger motors, combined with stricter emission standards has increased the loading requirements of palladium. This shift in consumer preferences in size and category of cars had a strong role to play in the recent divergence of performance between the two precious metals. That being said, auto sales in US and China, known for driving gasoline cars are softening and its effect could limit palladium’s upside in the near term.
Global auto sales growth
European auto demand bullish for platinum
Auto sales in Europe (dominated by diesel cars) are gaining momentum. Since the decline in diesel market share will be a gradual ongoing process, platinum demand will remain well supported. In addition as new emission standards in Europe intensify, platinum’s price recovery over the medium term remains well supported.
Platinum is known to be about twice as effective as palladium in catalytic convertors. The potential for substitution between the two precious metals is reliant on whether fabricators perceive platinum’s current price discount to palladium to persist for a substantial period. Furthermore supply shortage concerns of palladium (deficit predicted in 2018) in the long term could also be a cause for substitution away from palladium. Speculative interest unlikely to last
Palladium’s outperformance to a large extent can be attributed to speculative buying interest encouraged by the bullish backdrop for palladium. The first week of June witnessed a surge in the lease rate to borrow palladium from 3.5% to 16%, underscoring the shortage of palladium in the market. There is evidence that the strong buying interest from Asia overwhelmed the relatively small market. The palladium market is the smallest and least liquid market among the four tradable precious metals and remains vulnerable to sharp price swings caused by sudden speculative flow of money.
Palladium Imports vs Inventory
The forward curve of precious metals generally tends to be in contango (future price higher than current price). However palladium’s forward curve has been in backwardation for almost nine months, illustrating the tightness in the market. While contango is the cost of holding a commodity, backwardation is a benefit.
That being said, the slope of the backwardated palladium curve is allowing speculators to buy the lower priced forward contracts and roll up the price curve into the higher spot prices. This has allowed them to lock in a positive roll, which has been extremely attractive in the current low yielding environment. Owing to this, the bulk of demand for palladium is in the present, and that optimism is waning looking forward.
Platinum’s deep discounts support demand
While platinum has historically traded at a significant premium over gold, it’s currently trading at a -28% discount to gold. Platinum is highly correlated to gold, however in this cycle it has only tracked gold’s downward movements and captured very little of the upside. We believe this recent trend could be broken and traditional correlations restored if consumers recognise just how cheap platinum is right now. We expect price sensitive jewellery consumers to switch to the relatively cheap platinum especially as it is gaining further acceptance in key markets like China and India. Given a supportive backdrop of improving economic conditions globally combined with platinum’s relative price attractiveness, we expect demand for platinum to rise. We expect most of the growth to be concentrated in industrial applications – chemicals, glass and electrical (the second largest component at 20% of platinum consumption).
Platinum investment demand is strong
Out of the precious metals, physically-backed platinum ETPs have acquired the highest assets under management since 2012. While palladium has accumulated the least. Platinum’s relative price advantage and lower volatility will be the primary stimulus for the investment sector. Platinum holdings stands to benefit a portfolio by providing protection against inflation and financial asset deflation, while allowing positive upside as industrial demand recovers globally.
Physically backed ETPs
Platinum’s upside tied to supply cuts
Platinum producers in South Africa (known to account for 80% of global output) are struggling, as lower platinum prices and higher fixed costs coupled with weak demand from key segments are straining margins. So far, the miners have not meaningfully reduced production. Efforts to spread fixed costs over a wider output base have resulted in an oversupply. However this is unsustainable. Platinum miner Sibanye recently backed out from its announcement to shutter shafts worth 300koz at its Rustenburg site. Sibanye’s reluctance to shutter mines is illustrative of the unwillingness of producers to make meaningful supply cuts to stimulate prices.
Electric vehicle growth in nascent stage
Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) have been the focal point of future risks facing the platinum and palladium industry. While the auto industry is undergoing a structural shift, away from the internal combustion engine towards battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The reality is the uptake of sales of EVs is likely to be gradual. The reason behind this is the necessary infrastructure – development of batteries and charging stations to facilitate this shift will require a longer time frame than anticipated. China recently announced its intention to delay the enactment of the quota requiring automakers to produce a minimum number of EVs. Consumer acceptance of EVs hinge on extensive public subsidies.
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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 (the “FCA”).
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 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 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 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.
Precious metals, following a period of high profit taking outflows, saw inflows of US$29m last week. Silver ETPs were the primary beneficiary with inflows of US$ 25m. The current gold/silver ratio of 75 implies that silver remains more attractively valued relative to gold. Furthermore the previously overbought positions in silver implied by the CFTC data has now corrected back to the long-term average. Recent macro data has been mixed, with delivered results broadly missing expectations, expectations for a rate hike this week remain close to zero although expectations for a December rate hike have risen to 50% as they see recent misses as temporary. We continue to believe the US FED will maintain a “dovish tightening” approach, with only one more rate hikes this year, favouring negative real interest rates to support growth.
The expected supply constriction from Hurricane Irma has prompted outflows from crude ETPs of US$15m and inflows of US$19m in to Energy ETPs which have broader exposure to gasoline. Hurricane Katrina prompted a constriction on gasoline supply and a short-lived bounce of gasoline prices due to refiners production outages. Recent improved sentiment for oil prices has likely been due to the IEA forecasts released last week showing an upward revision to it oil demand expectations for 2017 based on the weaker US dollar. Alleged improved compliance to the OPEC production freeze has also increased price.
Industrial metals saw continued outflows of US$118m last week and has now seen outflows of US$272m over the last month. Industrial metals from the beginning of September were up 35% for the year and 22% year-to-date. Since then they have begun to sell off due to what we believe is profit-taking. Given the long lead times in exploration and development of mines, even though capital expenditure may soon start to increase, we expect supplies to remain tight and the market is unlikely to achieve balance in the short term. However, there are threats to the current rally as strong momentum could give way to a pull-back in prices. Historically periods in which trading volumes in China have risen sharply have been followed by a correction. These pull-backs are usually an opportunity to shake out momentum trades and allow the market to focus on fundamentals rather than a sustained downturn.
Agriculture ETPs attracted US$25m of inflows last week and inflows now total US$248m year-to-date, representing the best inflows of all commodity subsectors. Despite news from North Dakota and Russia that wheat harvest yields have been high investors have been buying wheat and other agricultural commodity ETPs on what we believe is a combination of price weakness and news that the probabilities of a La Niña is rising according to NOAA forecasts.
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 is a strictly privileged and confidential communication between ETFS UK and its selected client. This communication contains information addressed only to a specific individual and is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person other than the named addressee. This communication (i) is provided for informational purposes only, (ii) should not be construed in any manner as any solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or any related financial instruments, and (iii) should not be construed in any manner as a public offer of any securities or any related financial instruments. If you are not the named addressee, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this communication. Please notify the sender immediately if you have mistakenly received this communication. When being made within Italy, this communication is for the exclusive use of the ”qualified investors” and its circulation among the public is prohibited.
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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.
Any historical performance included in this document may be based on back testing. Back tested performance is purely hypothetical and is provided in this document solely for informational purposes. Back tested data does not represent actual performance and should not be interpreted as an indication of actual or future performance.
Historical performance is not an indication of or a guide to future performance.
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.
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Any products referenced in this document are generally aimed at sophisticated, professional and institutional investors. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the prospectus (and any supplements thereto) of the relevant product issue. The price of any securities may go up or down and an investor may not get back the amount invested. Securities may valued in currencies other than those in which there are priced and will be affected by exchange rate movements. Investments in the securities which provide a short and/or leveraged exposure are only suitable for sophisticated, professional and institutional investors who understand leveraged and compounded daily returns and are willing to magnify potential losses by comparison to investments which do not incorporate these strategies. Over periods of greater than one day, investments with a short and/or leveraged exposure do not necessarily provide investors with a return equivalent to a return from the unleveraged long or unleveraged short investments multiplied by the relevant leverage factor. Investors should refer to the section entitled ”Risk Factors” in the relevant prospectus for further details of these and other risks associated with an investment in any securities referenced in this communication.
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The 6% rise in crude oil over the last week has led to investors taking profits with outflows of US$53m. This year there have been substantial inflows of US$350m into crude oil ETPs as investors trade the upper and lower end of the established US$40-55 trading range. Oil has been volatile, proving very sensitive to news on inventories in the US. The recent inventory drawdown was much greater than expected providing a catalyst to the recent price appreciation. Investors are using price volatility as an opportunity to buy on weakness and sell into strength. Although US stockpiles are now below last year’s levels, the rising trend in crude production highlights a continued rise in supply. We believe this puts a limit of US$55/bbl on oil prices, particularly as marginal costs of production in the US continue to fall and OPEC struggles with compliance of its production freeze.
Precious metals saw minor inflows of US$19m after a run of outflows. Recent dovish comments from the US Federal Reserve, failure of the Obamacare repeal and the corresponding weakness of the US dollar are the likely reasons for improved appetite for precious metals. Silver flows were flat for the week but have been popular over the last month with inflows of US$75m. We believe this is due to anticipated increase in industrial demand and attractive valuations relative to gold.
Wheat has been the worst performing crop over the last month, but remains by far the best performing year to date, up 7.5%. This recent weakness has prompted inflows of US$5.8m over the week and follows US$23m of outflows over the previous month. We continue to see potential downside correction in the near term. Net futures positions in wheat recently reached a 2-year high while fundamental projections for 2017/2018 in the WASDE July report are similar to 2015/2016 levels.
We continue to see inflows into thematic equity ETPs, with US$21m this week and nearly US$700m for the year so far. Investors remain focussed on the Robotics and Cyber Security ETPs which had inflows of US$13.2m and US$6.7m respectively.
Selling long positions and buying short positions in EUR has been a continuing trend with outflows of US$20m and inflows of US$26m respectively over the last month. This has been primarily against the USD. The ECB’s strategy to drip-feed the market with subtle hints on tapering is not quite working out, having pushed speculative long trades to overcrowded positions. This is in stark contrast to the USD where FED tightening actions are not strengthening the currency, while speculative long positions remain subdued.
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 provided by ETF Securities (UK) Limited (”ETFS UK”) which is authorised and regulated by the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority (the ”FCA”).
This communication is only targeted at qualified or professional investors.
The products discussed in this communication are issued by ETFS Commodity Securities Limited (”CSL”), ETFS Hedged Commodity Securities Limited (”HCSL”), ETFS Hedged Metal Securities Limited (”HMSL”), Swiss Commodity Securities Limited (”SCSL”), ETFS Foreign Exchange Limited (”FXL”), ETFS Metal Securities Limited (”MSL”), ETFS Oil Securities Limited (”OSL”), ETFS Equity Securities Limited (”ESL”), Gold Bullion Securities Limited (”GBS” and, together with CSL, HCSL, HMSL, SCSL, FXL, MSL, OSL and ESL, the ”Issuers”) and GO UCITS ETF Solutions Plc (the ”Company ”). Each Issuer (apart from SCSL) is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission. The Company is an open-ended investment company with variable capital having segregated liability between its sub-funds (each a ”Fund”) and is organised under the laws of Ireland. The Company is regulated, and has been authorised as a UCITS by the Central Bank of Ireland (the ”Financial Regulator”) pursuant to the European Communities (Undertaking for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) Regulations, 2003 (as amended).
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This communication 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.
Any historical performance included in this communication may be based on back testing. Back tested performance is purely hypothetical and is provided in this communication solely for informational purposes. Back tested data does not represent actual performance and should not be interpreted as an indication of actual or future performance. Historical performance is not an indication of or a guide to future performance.
The information contained in this communication is neither an offer for sale nor a solicitation of an offer to buy securities nor shall any securities be offered or sold to any person in any jurisdiction in which an offer, solicitation, purchaser or sale would be unlawful under the securities law of such jurisdiction. This communication should not be used as the basis for any investment decision.
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Securities issued by the Issuers and the Company may be structured products involving a significant degree of risk and may not be suitable for all types of investor. This communication is aimed at sophisticated, professional and institutional investors. Any decision to invest should be based on the information contained in the prospectus (and any supplements thereto) of the relevant Issuer or the Company which includes, inter alia, information on certain risks associated with an investment. The price of any securities may go up or down and an investor may not get back the amount invested. Securities may be priced in US Dollars, Euros, or Sterling, and the value of the investment in other currencies will be affected by exchange rate movements. Investments in the securities of the Issuers or the shares of the Company which provide a short and/or leveraged exposure are only suitable for sophisticated, professional and institutional investors who understand leveraged and compounded daily returns and are willing to magnify potential losses by comparison to investments which do not incorporate these strategies. Over periods of greater than one day, investments with a short and/or leveraged exposure do not necessarily provide investors with a return equivalent to a return from the unleveraged long or unleveraged short investments multiplied by the relevant leverage factor.
Investors should refer to the section entitled ”Risk Factors” in the relevant prospectus for further details of these and other risks associated with an investment in the securities offered by the Issuers and the Company.
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For Dutch, French, German and Italian Investors: The prospectuses (and any supplements thereto) for each of the Issuers (apart from SCSL) have been passported from the United Kingdom into France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands and have been filed with the l’Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) in France, Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin) in Germany, CONSOB and the Bank of Italy in Italy and the Authority Financial Markets (Autoriteit Financiële Markten) in the Netherlands. Copies of prospectuses (and any supplements thereto) and related regulatory documentation, including annual reports, can be obtained in France from HSBC France, 103, Avenue des Champs Elysées, 75008 Paris, in Germany from HSBC Trinkhaus & Burkhardt, AG, Konsortialgeschäft, Königsalle 21/23, 40212 Dusseldorf and in the Netherlands from Fortis Bank (Nederland) N.V., Rokin 55, 1012 KK Amsterdam. The prospectuses (and any supplements thereto) for each of the Issuers (apart from SCSL) may be distributed to investors in France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands.
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This communication is not addressed to or intended directly or indirectly, to (a) any persons who do not qualify as qualified investors (gekwalificeerde beleggers) within the meaning of section 1:1 of the Dutch Financial Supervision Act as amended from time to time; and/or (b) in circumstances where other exemptions or dispensations from the prohibition the Dutch Financial Supervision Act or the Exemption Regulation of the Act on Financial Supervision apply.
None of the Issuers is required to have a license pursuant to the Dutch Financial Supervision Act as it is exempt from any licensing requirements and is not regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets and consequently no prudential and conduct of business supervision will be exercised.
For Austrian, Danish, Finnish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swedish Investors: The prospectuses (and any supplements thereto) for each of CSL, HCSL, HMSL, MSL, ESL and FXL have been passported from the United Kingdom into Austria, Denmark, Finland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and have been filed with Österreichische Finanzmarktaufsicht (Austrian Financial Market Authority) in Austria, Finanstilsynet (Financial Supervisory Authority) in Denmark, Finanssivalvonta (Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority) in Finland, Comissão do Mercado de Valores Mobiliários (Portuguese Securities Market Commission) in Portugal, Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (Securities Market Commission) in Spain and the Finansinspektionen (Financial Supervisory Authority) in Sweden. The prospectuses (and any supplements thereto) for these entities may be distributed to investors in Austria, Finland, Portugal, Spain, Denmark and Sweden.
For Belgian Investors: The prospectuses (and any supplements thereto) for GBS, CSL, MSL and FXL have been passported from the United Kingdom into Belgium and has been filed with the Commission Bancair, Financiére et des Assurances in Belgium. The prospectuses (and any supplements thereto) for GBS, CSL, MSL and FXL may be distributed to investors in Belgium.
For Swiss investors: The prospectus (and any supplements thereto) for SCSL may be distributed to investors in Switzerland. Securities in SCSL are not shares or units in collective investment schemes within the meaning of CISA. They have not been approved by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and are not subject to its supervision. The Swiss Franc Currency-Hedged Commodity Securities are not issued or guaranteed by a supervised financial intermediary within the meaning of CISA.
This document does not constitute a prospectus under the Companies (Jersey) Law 1991 and is not an offer or an invitation to acquire securities in SCSL. This document does not constitute a Swiss listing prospectus under the SIX Listing Rules and the SIX Additional Rules for the listing of Exchange Traded Products. This document must be read in conjunction with the Swiss Listing Prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between this document and the Swiss Listing Prospectus, the Swiss Listing Prospectus shall prevail. Detailed information on the terms and conditions of the Swiss Franc Currency-Hedged Commodity Securities can be found in the Swiss Listing Prospectus under Part 6 – Trust Instrument and Swiss Franc Currency-Hedged Commodity Securities.
Other than as set out above investors may contact ETFS UK at +44 (0)20 7448 4330 or at info@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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Overweight industrial metals and underweight energy
ETF Securities Portfolio Insights: Overweight industrial metals and underweight energy
Highlights
For the third quarter 2017, our equity model suggests increasing allocation in US large caps and French equities while underweighting emerging market stocks mainly.
The bond model proposes keeping the weights unchanged compared to the benchmark while our contrarian model on commodities underweights energy, overweighting industrial metals, precious metals and livestock.
Our tactical portfolio outperformed the strategic and the 60/40 benchmarks by 0.9% and 0.5% per year respectively, improving the Sharpe by 36% on average.
Political uncertainties around the world have started to fade. However, centres of tension remain as criticisms over the Trump presidency are growing and as the US economic growth may be near peak. While the French and Dutch elections have defeated the risk of a populist victory, the Brexit negotiations remain full of uncertainties. The UK is unlikely to find in the US the trade partner it is seeking for. The country went through a tough test in early June as the Conservative party lost its majority during the general election. While market volatility is still at its lowest level ever, inflation is gradually rising in the US, EU and UK, increasing the risk of central bank policy errors.
Q3 2017 positioning
In Q2 2017, the market volatility index (VIX) fell below its lower band (-1x standard deviation), indicating that the level of risk on the equity market is low and that investors can have a higher allocation to equities (55%) compared to bonds (35%) similar to the strategic benchmark. For Q3 2017, volatility rose above its lower band making the tactical portfolio switch back to a more balanced split at 45% each. Commodities remain at 10% in both strategic and tactical portfolios.
Within the equity space, we have amended our model as we found, in our note Momentum for short-term tactical play, CAPE for the longer run, that the mean reversion strategy underneath the traditional CAPE (Cyclically Adjusted Price to Earning) valuation model based on 10 years earnings period works best when the investment horizon is longer than 4 years. For shorter investment horizons, such as in the tactical portfolio, a momentum strategy using a version of the CAPE indicator based on a shorter earning period of 5 years instead of 10 provides better results. For Q3, the model therefore suggests overweighting US large caps, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark as valuations of these countries remain elevated compared to the 5-year medians of their real earnings. Valuations peaked in mid-2014 and abated until early 2016, before rising again. At the other end of the spectrum, the model reduces its allocation in Brazil, Russia, Italy, South Africa and Mexico. Italy shows the largest differential between its CAPE ratio and its 5-year median, reflecting its troublesome banking sectors and political instability with a potential new election next year. The domestic equity market is likely to remain undervalued as long as these risks remain unsettled.
The below table highlights how our tactical positions have changed for the past three quarters compared to the strategic benchmark and our new positions for this quarter.
(click to enlarge)
For Q3 2017, the bond model suggests to remain neutral in all categories. This contrasts with the second quarter where the model was overweighting all of them as inflation expectations and interest rate expectations in the US and the EU were signalling a turning point. The CDS (Credit Default Swap) of each bond continues to hover around its historical average.
Our commodity contrarian model, for Q3, is reducing the weight of all energy commodities except WTI crude and is taking a short exposure to Brent and gasoline. This is in line with our view that oil will continue to trade range between US$40/bbl. and US$55/bbl. as the attempt from the OPEC and non-OPEC agreement to restrain the increase in global oil production continues. On the other hand, the model is increasing its allocation in copper, zinc and lead, and is taking a short exposure to aluminium and tin. Fundamentals should remain price supportive as copper is likely to end this year in deficit for the ninth consecutive year. The model is also shifting from underweight all precious metals except palladium in Q2 to overweight palladium only in Q3, taking a short exposure to palladium at the same time as we see the price rally was overdone. Lastly, the model is increasing the weight of live cattle and is taking a short exposure to corn and lean hogs.
Portfolio performance
The tactical portfolio has the lowest level of volatility compared to the balanced 60/40 portfolio, and the strategic benchmark, improving the Sharpe ratio to 0.61 compared to 0.51 for the 60/40 and 0.40 for the strategic portfolio.
(click to enlarge)
The tactical portfolio outperforms the 60/40 and the strategic benchmarks by 0.5% and 0.9% per year since January 2005.
(click to enlarge)
Each asset class in the tactical portfolio also outperforms its equivalent in the 60/40 and strategic benchmarks. The bond component outperforms by 0.5% on average, the equity by 0.3% and the commodity by 4.5%, illustrating the efficiency of our fundamental-based models in improving the risk/return profile of the asset class as well as the tactical portfolio.
In addition, the tactical portfolio provides higher protection from the downside risk with a maximum drawdown of -25.4% compared to -33% for the 60/40 and -37% for the strategic benchmark.
Finally, the portfolio recovers faster to its previous peak (2 years versus around 3 years for both benchmarks).
Portfolio methodologies
Our strategic benchmark follows a long-only strategy with 60 investments across three asset classes: commodities (25), equities (28) and bonds (7). As illustrated below, the initial weights are based on the weighting methodology of:
• The Bloomberg Commodity Index for commodities
• The MSCI AC World Index for equities
• The Barclays bond indices for bonds
(click to enlarge)
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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