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Canada
Slower Growth–Equity Caution
Positive on the longer-term growth potential of emerging markets in Allocation Views.
PREVIEW
We do not hold an apocalyptic view or see a high probability of imminent global recession. We still recognize the longer-term attractions of stocks and the value in certain segments. However, we believe it will require nimble management to navigate the challenges that 2019 present.
Major themes driving our views
- Slower global growth remains a concern
Global growth has slowed, reflecting the impact of trade uncertainties. New export orders have been falling sharply for the past year and we should expect a continued period of economic slowdown through the middle of the year. As a result, we have started to scale back riskier assets, reducing our conviction in equities and high-yield corporate bonds, in favor of defensive assets, where diversification benefits might accrue. - Subdued inflation in major economies
Corporate fundamentals remain relatively strong despite the moderation in global growth, but the broad inflationary environment remains benign. This combination of factors may start to weigh on profit margins and is likely to slow the pace of earnings growth. - Central bank policy dilemmas
In addition, a lower oil price that remains below recent peaks has fed into a decline in broad inflation, and core measures remain subdued. While it is too early to rule out further interest rate increases this cycle, the impact on market sentiment, if the US Federal Reserve (Fed) were to return to tightening policy, may be significant.
Practical considerations
- Transition to a range-trading environment
A return to long-run levels of market volatility since early 2018, indicates that we have entered a new volatility regime. More generally, we believed a change of mind-set might be required as markets transition from a momentum-driven to a range-trading environment. - We are finding the best prospects in emerging markets
We remain positive on the longer-term growth potential of emerging markets. We are increasingly comfortable in taking solace from the longer-term attractions of these markets. - Fewer attractions in Japan
Japanese stocks are vulnerable to Japan’s position as an open economy and its perceived role as the “canary in the coal mine” of global trade.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. The positioning of a specific portfolio may differ from the information presented herein due to various factors, including, but not limited to, allocations from the core portfolio and specific investment objectives, guidelines, strategy and restrictions of a portfolio. There is no assurance any forecast, projection or estimate will be realized. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as the prices of bonds in an investment portfolio adjust to a rise in interest rates, the value of the portfolio may decline. Special risks are associated with foreign investing, including currency fluctuations, economic instability and political developments. Investments in emerging markets, of which frontier markets are a subset, involve heightened risks related to the same factors, in addition to those associated with these markets’ smaller size, lesser liquidity and lack of established legal, political, business and social frameworks to support securities markets. Because these frameworks are typically even less developed in frontier markets, as well as various factors including the increased potential for extreme price volatility, illiquidity, trade barriers and exchange controls, the risks associated with emerging markets are magnified in frontier markets. Derivatives, including currency management strategies, involve costs and can create economic leverage in a portfolio which may result in significant volatility and cause the portfolio to participate in losses (as well as enable gains) on an amount that exceeds the portfolio’s initial investment. A strategy may not achieve the anticipated benefits, and may realize losses, when a counterparty fails to perform as promised. Currency rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time and can reduce returns. Investing in the natural resources sector involves special risks, including increased susceptibility to adverse economic and regulatory developments affecting the sector—prices of such securities can be volatile, particularly over the short term.
IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION
This material is intended to be of general interest only and should not be construed as individual investment advice or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell or hold any security or to adopt any investment strategy. It does not constitute legal or tax advice.
The views expressed are those of the investment manager and the comments, opinions and analyses are rendered as at publication date and may change without notice. The information provided in this material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, region or market.
Data from third party sources may have been used in the preparation of this material and Franklin Templeton Investments (“FTI”) has not independently verified, validated or audited such data. FTI accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss arising from use of this information and reliance upon the comments opinions and analyses in the material is at the sole discretion of the user.
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