by Franklin Templeton Investments blog, Franklin Templeton Investments
The Digest
As in recent weeks, concerns over the coronavirus weighed on investor sentiment globally. In addition, US markets traded lower on Friday after weak manufacturing data put the brakes on the relentless march higher in the technology sector.
Global Spread of Coronavirus Shakes Investor Confidence
As we head into the new week, markets have declined sharply as coronavirus outbreaks in Italy and South Korea bring fresh concern about the spread of the virus outside of China. In summary:
- An outbreak in Northern Italy has seen more than 150 confirmed cases (and several deaths), with the Italian authorities still unable to pinpoint “Patient Zero”. Several towns have been put on lockdown in what is a key industrial hub in Italy.
- South Korea have seen the number of cases balloon to more than 800 in recent days, with an outbreak in the city of Daegu (population 2.5 million).
- The situation in China does appear to be more controlled, with the number of new cases potentially plateauing.
Market Reaction: Markets have traded lower today, with the two countries at the centre of new outbreaks most severely impacted. In Asia, the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) closed down 3.9%, while Chinese equities outperformed, closing up slightly as the situation seem more stable there and further talk of stimulus.1
In Europe, markets have had their biggest fall since the Brexit vote in 2016. Italy’s equity benchmark, the FTSE MIB, declined more than 5% Monday, while the STOXX Europe 600 was down more than 3%.2 As you would expect, investors were flocking to so-called “safe havens” such as gold and US Treasuries. Outside of gold, other commodities are getting smashed, particularly oil. Sector performance is predictable, with the defensive names outperforming and global growth plays lower at the start of the trading week.
What next: Whilst the impact of the coronavirus is still hard to quantify, it was surprising that even last week that the MSCI World Index continued to trade at all-time highs. Whilst the Chinese authorities are committed to offsetting as much economic impact with stimulus as possible, most observers believe the impact on China’s economy will no doubt be stark.
As we progress through corporate earnings season, we continue to receive more insights from European companies on the impact, or potential impact, of coronavirus. Of note:
- Adidas: On Tuesday, Adidas had suffered a “material negative impact” from the coronavirus with business activity in China -85% year-over-year (Y/Y).
- Maersk: The company stated it was a weak start to the year and lowered their guidance. However, the CEO, Søren Skou, stated he felt the numbers of new virus cases was slowing and that it could be set for a peak within the next two weeks and a sharp rebound in April.
- Covestro: The company told analysts sales to China halved in February, though there are likely to be some signs of improvement in March, with an impact assumed in the second quarter.
- Airliners: Air France announced it will take an EUR €150m-200m hit February-April 2020 on the back of the coronavirus outbreak, stating fewer Chinese visits may hurt Europe short haul. In addition, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) expects the first annual decline in global passenger demand in 17 years.
- Accor: Said “practically no activity” in Chinese hotels.
Despite the concerns over the virus impact, European Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data released on Friday did show a small uptick, but various analysts examining the report noted that we may need to brace for worse news in the next few months. That said, some suggest we could see a U-shaped recovery after the crisis if central banks offer support via stimulus measures.
Comments from the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) suggest it stands ready to do what’s needed to spur growth in light of negative coronavirus impacts, and it would not be a huge surprise if to see the European Central Bank (ECB) and US Federal Reserve (Fed) easing.
The Week in Review
Europe
European equities finished near the week’s worst levels on Friday following weak US and Asian economic data throughout the day. As noted already, the coronavirus remains a key market concern and continues to weigh heavily on the market. Luxury stocks were particularly weak. It was the defensive sectors which outperformed on the week, with utilities continuing their strong start to 2020. They were closely followed by telecommunications and health care, both of which closed higher. Meanwhile, the banks and technology stocks declined.
Last week marked another week of outperformance for European momentum vs. value stocks, a trend which doesn’t appear to show signs of reversing as of yet. Corporate earnings season in Europe is now beginning to wind down and numbers appear better-than-feared overall, with companies surprising on average to the upside.
PMI data reported in Europe on Friday was surprisingly positive overall, with manufacturing and services both ahead of expectations. Eurozone composite PMIs ticked up to 51.6 (reflecting expansion) and manufacturing was also better at 49.1 (although remaining under 50, still marking contraction). Within the results, German manufacturing also saw a slight pick up and manufacturing new orders were likewise also better.
Despite these sanguine readings, Eurozone PMI results for February already show a clear impact of the coronavirus, with a marked increase in the length of delivery times as well as a sharp decline in export orders. Given the news over the weekend out of Italy in regards to the virus, we can expect the data could be in the coming weeks. The UK flash PMIs for February held at 53.3 for February.
United States
It was a macro-driven week in the United States as well last week, with impacts of the coronavirus as well as Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting minutes garnering the most attention. All sectors traded lower, and like Europe, the defensive sectors were among the outperformers. Real estate stocks outperformed, finishing near flat on the week, with consumer staples and utilities seeing small declines. Technology stocks were the most notable laggards. Financials were also weak, as were telecommunications stocks. US PMI data announced Friday was particularly weak, causing a late market selloff.
The FOMC minutes were not much of a surprise as members generally judged the current stance of monetary policy as appropriate for a time given the economic backdrop. The minutes noted that participants saw the distribution of risks to the outlook as somewhat more favourable than the last meeting, though the FOMC flagged coronavirus, which was described as a new risk to the global growth outlook. Many participants also said the Committee should not rule out using monetary policy to mitigate financial stability risks.
The ongoing policy review was also a focus, with several different concepts for an inflation target range discussed, including a modest inflation overshoot as part of an inflation makeup strategy. The Fed’s balance sheet and repo operations were again key items, with members believing that Treasury bill purchases and money market operations could diminish as reserves approach durably ample levels.
In US political developments, Bernie Sanders (one of the more progressive candidates) is in pole position to win the Democratic party nomination after another win in the primary vote in the state of Nevada. Sanders is now considered a firm favourite to go on and win the party nomination, and it comes after a fairly negative reaction to candidate Michael Bloomberg’s debut in his first televised debate.
However, it’s still early going in the presidential race and focus turns to South Carolina for the February 29th primary there. If Sanders performs well again there, equity investors should keep an eye on financials, health care and energy stocks, all of which may come under pressure.
Nonetheless, many expect President Donald Trump will go on and beat Sanders in the general election in November, with it being the generally held consensus that Sanders (a self-described “Democratic socialist”) would struggle to attract the more centrist US votes needed to oust Trump.
Asia Pacific Region
Asian equities were mixed last week as coronavirus fears remained front and centre. Chinese equities avoided further weakening following the PBOC’s announcements around further stimulus measures. That said, all sectors were broadly lower, with utilities the relative outperformer with the smallest decline. Like in the United States and Europe, technology stocks were particularly weak.
Poor macro data didn’t do Japanese stocks any favours. Annualised gross domestic product (GDP) was down 6.3% and represents the worst decline in over five years. Japanese PMIs were also soft, with manufacturing still in contraction territory and services at their lowest reading since April 2014. These two reports raised fears that the country is heading for a recession.
Elsewhere, Australian equities were better off after a surprise rise in the country’s unemployment rate raised expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia may look at further monetary easing as the Aussie dollar fell to its worst level against the US dollar in over a decade.
Week Ahead
Politics
- US Democratic debate on Tuesday ahead of South Carolina primary.
Key economic data
- Monday: US Chicago and Dallas Fed Manufacturing; German IFO
- Tuesday: US Consumer Confidence
- Wednesday: US New Home Sales
- Thursday: US Durable Goods and Initial Jobless Claims; Eurozone Flash CPI; Japanese Industrial Production
- Friday: US Wholesale Inventories; German Unemployment;
Monetary Policy
- ECB President Christine Lagarde speaks on Monday
- Bank of England Chief Economist Andrew G. Haldane speaks on Monday
- Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann speaks on Friday
Holidays
Views You Can Use
Insight from Our Investment Professionals
Full Economic Implications of Coronavirus Largely Unknown
As markets continue to assess the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19), the Templeton Global Macro team shares an update on the economic and market implications, which they say could be more detrimental—and last longer—than many observers previously thought. Read More.
Implications of the Coronavirus for Natural Resource Investors
The coronavirus and the impact of containment efforts on global economic growth and oil demand is influencing investor sentiment and behavior, according to Franklin Equity Group’s Fred Fromm. Read More.
A Multi-Asset Approach to Assessing Risk and Opportunity in Emerging Markets
Franklin Templeton Multi-Asset Solutions’ Subash Pillai outlines the team’s approach to risk management when it comes to emerging market investing, noting that not all countries in this category should be viewed through the same lens. Read More.
K2 Advisors: First-Quarter Hedge Fund Strategy Outlook
Pricing dislocations in Europe, performance dispersion across the credit spectrum and shifts in the political landscape should likely provide abundant opportunities for select hedge strategies in the year ahead, according to K2 Advisors. The team shares some macro themes and questions its focused on, and shares its outlook for various hedge strategies. Read More.
Closing the European Performance Gap
Although European equities performed well in 2019, there’s still a significant value and performance gap compared to US stocks, according to Franklin Mutual Series Portfolio Manager Katrina Dudley. Here, she gives reasons why she’s optimistic about the backdrop for European value stocks and discusses some potential market-moving events she’s monitoring. Read More.
For timely investing tidbits, follow us on Twitter @FTI_Global and on LinkedIn.
Important Legal Information
This article reflects the analysis and opinions of Franklin Templeton’s European Trading Desk as at 24 February 2020, and may vary from the analysis and opinions of other investment teams, platforms, portfolio managers or strategies at Franklin Templeton. Because market and economic conditions are often subject to rapid change, the analysis and opinions provided may change without notice. An assessment of a particular country, market, region, security, investment or strategy is not intended as an investment recommendation, nor does it constitute investment advice. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but no representation or warranty is made as to their completeness or accuracy. This article does not provide a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, region, market, industry or security.
Nothing in this document may be relied upon as investment advice or an investment recommendation.The companies named herein are used solely for illustrative purposes; any investment may or may not be currently held by any portfolio advised by Franklin Templeton.
Data from third-party sources may have been used in the preparation of this material and Franklin Templeton (“FT”) has not independently verified, validated or audited such data. FT 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. Products, services and information may not be available in all jurisdictions and are offered by FT affiliates and/or their distributors as local laws and regulations permit. Please consult your own professional adviser for further information on availability of products and services in your jurisdiction.
What Are the Risks?
All investments involve risk, including possible loss of principal. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and investors may not get back the full amount invested. 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 prices of bonds in an investment portfolio adjust to a rise in interest rates, the value of the portfolio may decline. Investments in foreign securities involve special risks including currency fluctuations, economic instability and political developments. Investments in developing markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors, in addition to those associated with their relatively small size and lesser liquidity.
Past performance is not an indicator or guarantee of future performance.
Links to External Sites
Franklin Templeton Investments is not responsible for the content of external websites.
The inclusion of a link to an external website should not be understood to be an endorsement of that website or the site’s owners (or their products/services).
Links can take you to third-party sites/media with information and services not reviewed or endorsed by us. We urge you to review the privacy, security, terms of use, and other policies of each site you visit as we have no control over, and assume no responsibility or liability for them.
1 Indices are unmanaged and one cannot directly invest in them. They do not include fees, expenses or sales charges. Past performance is not an indicator or guarantee of future results.
This post was first published at the official blog of Franklin Templeton Investments.
