Within the US, the world’s largest economy, 15% of the workforce is now unemployed, with more than 20 million jobs being lost in April alone.
Download PDF Market Report 21st May
As of today, the FTSE 100 stands at around 6,000, 20% down from its pre-Covid-19 highs, while in the US, the S&P 500 is currently resting at around 3,000, down 15% or so. In our view, it seems remarkable that markets are operating back at such levels. Indeed, if markets did bottom out towards the end of March, this will have been one of the shortest and shallowest bear markets of all time. However, there are several reasons why we remain cautious on equity markets.
Within the US, the world’s largest economy, 15% of the workforce is now unemployed, with more than 20 million jobs being lost in April alone. This sees the US economy operating at its worst unemployment rate since records officially began in 1948 and skyrocketing from the previous lows of 3.5% leading into the pandemic. Furthermore, the US market’s recovery is being led by a very narrow number of names, which is a dangerous signal. The top five stocks in the S&P 500 now make up 20% of the index with Amazon now the equivalent of half the market capitalisation of the UK. We do not think this is very representative of the wider US economy.
Whilst the Chinese economy appears to be more operational, returns have been even more astounding with it being just a couple of per cent off where it started the year. The wider emerging markets region, however, must surely be in a more challenged position. Destabilisation of trade networks and the unwinding of globalisation is likely to see the global economy operating on a smaller scale in the future. In fact, the World Trade Organisation estimates a 33% reduction in the global economy.
Trade wars are also likely to become a problem again in the future, in our opinion. The trade wars between China and the US in 2019 created challenges and it has been mooted that this situation might rise again in 2020 and beyond.
So, whilst volatility remains high and sentiment is in a sensitive state, equity markets will continue to react on the back of good or bad news. For all these reasons, we continue to be cautious towards equities although we will monitor developments closely. However, there are opportunities within the bond market to which we are currently giving careful consideration.
Chris Fleming, Investment Services Director
Park Hall Financial Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
The information within this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. they represent the opinions of the fund manager and those of Square Mile. It does not contain all of the information which as an investor may require in order to make an investment decision. Any reference to shares/investments is not a recommendation to buy or sell. If you are unsure, you should seek professional independent financial advice
Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of any investment and any income from it is not guaranteed and can fluctuate depending on investment performance and other factors. you could get back less than you invested.
Some investments, e.g. property, may be difficult to sell and will be subject to market conditions at that time. Their value is the opinion of an independent valuer
Any reference to taxation is dependent on your own particular circumstances which are subject to change.
