Schroders Johanna Kyrklund: 2022 Outlook by Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Investment
This is a 2022 Outlook by Johanna Kyrklund, who is the Chief Investment Officer and Head of Multi-Asset Investment at Schroders (January 2022):
Schroders is a global active asset manager managing more than £574.4 billion (€641.7 billion / $785.1 billion 31/12/20) assets and managed locally by 42 investment teams worldwide. As a global active asset manager, the way we direct capital not only shapes the financial returns we achieve for our clients but also the impact that the companies in which we invest on their behalf might have on society.
2022 Outlook by Chief Investment Officer & Global Head of Multi-Asset Investment
Although equity markets should be positive in 2022, returns will be more muted and risks are rising as central banks begin to withdraw liquidity.
- Equity returns will be more muted, but still positive, in 2022, supported by solid corporate earnings.
- Inflation remains a concern and will put pressure on central banks to start to raise rates.
- The latest Covid-19 variant – Omicron – is already leading to partial lockdowns, which could lead to slower growth at the start of 2022.
Fund managers tend to have a fairly miserable disposition because, even when performance is strong, you inevitably worry about how you are going to generate returns in the future. After such a strong year for markets, this concern is even more pronounced. In 2020, the vaccine announcements inspired confidence in a “reopening trade” which offered high returns with limited risks.
Looking at our models, we are now entering a more mature phase of the economic cycle when growth momentum peaks and central banks begin to withdraw support. Against this backdrop, we expect equity returns to be more muted but still positive, supported by solid corporate earnings.
What are the key risks to this view?
Inflation is a popular theme, and we would agree that over the medium term we are likely to be in a more inflationary environment compared to the last decade, driven by rising wages, deglobalisation and decarbonisation. In the shorter term, we expect inflation momentum to peak as supply bottlenecks ease, but central banks are still likely to raise interest rates.
At stock level, it is important to identify those companies with pricing power given the risk to profit margins that higher input costs and wages pose, as these will be better placed to weather the storm. However, we do not believe that inflation poses a systemic risk for markets yet as the willingness of central banks to start raising rates in response to inflationary pressures should keep inflation expectations in check.
The Omicron variant of Covid-19 remains a concern
Covid-19 continues to cause volatility, with the latest variant, Omicron, renewing these concerns. It is important to step back and acknowledge that we’ve come a long way since the first quarter of 2020. Levels of immunity are considerably higher, even in the face of mutations; governments have become more experienced and react more quickly; and the processes of how to develop new vaccines are increasingly efficient and streamlined. Market participants have also developed a framework to consider the virus.
We have moved on significantly from the extreme uncertainty of early 2020. Nevertheless, early indications suggest that Omicron can evade some of the protection afforded by vaccines, which is already leading to partial lockdowns. It’ll be a slow start to the year in terms of growth.
In an ideal world, we would be seeing a strong synchronised global economic recovery which would allow us to rotate into more cyclical and cheaper exposures. The onset of Omicron makes this less likely. The one area that could surprise is China where, unlike other major economies, policy is turning stimulative.
Opportunities remain, but we mustn’t over-steer
Our biggest concern is that we are having to favour trends which are old and rather tired, and in danger of exhaustion: US exceptionalism (the idea that the US is seen, both domestically and internationally, as superior to other nations) and the unrelenting search for yield.
Given our expectation that any rise in bond yields will be contained, we think it is too early to take advantage of mean reversion opportunities, as juicy as they may seem, and we must resist the temptation to over-steer.
As fiscal support is reined in, the private sector will have to take on the baton of growth
In recent years, we compared the global economy to a “wobbly bicycle”, where a lack of economic momentum left us vulnerable to being blown off course by any gust of wind. The pandemic forced governments to put stabilisers on the wobbly bicycle, allowing us some reprieve from cyclical volatility. Those stabilisers will be coming off in 2022 and the private sector will have to take on the baton of growth.
My more technical colleagues would describe the potential distribution of outcomes as “platykurtic”, a more muted upside with elevated risks. In more simple terms, diversify your risk – this is not a time for big bets.
Important Information
This document is intended to be for information purposes only and it is not intended as promotional material in any respect nor is it to be construed as any solicitation and offering to buy or sell any investment products. The views and opinions contained herein are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily represent views expressed or reflected in other Schroders communications, strategies or funds. The material is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for investment advice or recommendation. Any security(ies) mentioned above is for illustrative purpose only, not a recommendation to invest or divest. Opinions stated are valid as of the date of this document and are subject to change without notice. Information herein and information from third party are believed to be reliable, but Schroder Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited does not warrant its completeness or accuracy.
Investment involves risks. Past performance and any forecasts are not necessarily a guide to future or likely performance. You should remember that the value of investments can go down as well as up and is not guaranteed. You may not get back the full amount invested. Derivatives carry a high degree of risk. Exchange rate changes may cause the value of the overseas investments to rise or fall. If investment returns are not denominated in HKD/USD, US/HK dollar-based investors are exposed to exchange rate fluctuations. Please refer to the relevant offering document including the risk factors for further details.
This material has not been reviewed by the SFC. Issued by Schroder Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited.
Schroder Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited Level 33, Two Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong www.schroders.com.hk
About Schroders
As a global active asset manager, the way we direct capital not only shapes the financial returns we achieve for our clients but also the impact that the companies in which we invest on their behalf might have on society. The relationship between these two outcomes has rapidly evolved as we see a fundamental shift in how companies are viewed and valued. Understanding the impact that they can have on society and the planet is crucial in assessing their ability to deliver risk-adjusted profits.
Our ongoing success is built on a history of experience and expertise, whereby we partner with our clients to construct innovative products and solutions across our five business areas consisting of Private Assets & Alternatives, Solutions, Mutual Funds, Institutional and Wealth Management and invest in a wide range of assets and geographies. By combining our commitment to active management and focus on sustainability, our strategic capabilities are designed to deliver positive outcomes for our clients.
We are responsible for £574.4 billion (€641.7 billion/$785.1 billion 31/12/20) assets of our clients, managed locally by 42 investment teams worldwide. As a global business with over 5,500 talented staff across 35 locations, we are able to stay close to our clients and understand their needs. We have over 200 years of experience in investment and innovation.
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