Investment Policy...switching into an alternative narrative, focusing on a nascent recovery in...
Transcript of Investment Policy...switching into an alternative narrative, focusing on a nascent recovery in...
May 2017
Investment Policy
Tactical positioning
• We remain cautious in fixed income favoring short to medium maturities due to a very unattractive combination ofrisk and return in longer maturities. We have increased High Yield and subordinated debt exposure as we thinkthat after Trump’s victory the risk of recession in the US has abated. High quality bonds in the US – particularlycorporate investment grade – remain attractive in relative terms, and Treasury bonds could protect the portfoliosfrom a slowdown in growth, although the latter is now less likely. We also have a significant position in inflation-linkedUS Treasury bonds (TIPS) to get protection against an increase in inflation as a consequence of reflationary policies
• Equity valuations in the US remain very high, mostly supported by low interest rates and high expectations of taxreform and deregulation. Combined with positive macro data from other main developed markets, we see a greaterchance of a reacceleration in global economic growth. However, with the Fed potentially normalizing interestrates at a faster pace, there is a risk of returning to lower valuation multiples. Therefore, we recommend to takeequity exposure in a non-directional way. From a relative valuation perspective, we favor European equities,quality growth stocks, biotechnology and listed real estate
• Our diversified commodities and gold allocations, further help us to increase diversification and to position theportfolios for a scenario of rising inflation
• Alternative investments offer a much needed source of diversification. Besides cat bonds and private equity, wehave recently increased the allocation to hedge-funds, by investing into liquid and low cost multi-manager/multi-strategy fund of funds
• We have reduced our cash allocation as negative interest rates have been introduced in some of our referencecurrencies. We have also reduced the allocation to short-term high quality bonds that we held as an alternative tocash and increased credit exposure instead, with the aim of increasing the yield of the portfolio
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The focus is back on the Fed
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• Once most of the political risk has receded – at least until the Italian elections which will take at an unknown date overthe next 12 months – the Fed is back at center stage
• The market is fully discounting a 25bps hike in the next FOMC meeting in June, and a 50% probability of another hike inSeptember
Source: Bloomberg
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6
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Fed Funds Imp. Probability 1.00%-1.25% FOMC 16/03/16 Fed Funds Imp. Probability 0.75%-1.00% FOMC 16/03/1
Trumponomics fades, global growth takes up the baton
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• After the very sharp improvement in sentiment indicators following the US elections, “hard” economic data(consumption, investments, etc.) has not followed in earnest
• Confidence in president’s Trump ability to push through with his agenda has markedly declined. However, themarket has opted for switching into an alternative narrative, focusing on a nascent recovery in global growth instead
Source: Bloomberg
May 15 Aug 15 Nov 15 Feb 16 May 16 Aug 16 Nov 16 Feb 17 May 17-80
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Citi Economic Surprise Index US Citi Economic Surprise Index Eurozone
Long-term growth drivers remain (apparently) subdued
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• With consumption representing 70% of US GDP, total debt at historical highs, and an aging population, increases inproductivity remain the only engine for sustainable long-term growth
• Despite the great advances in digitalization, productivity growth keeps on disappointing (latest reading in the US wasdown -0.6%), posing a conundrum to economists
Source: Bloomberg
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US Nonfarm Productivity (5-year rolling average) Average
Lowest market volatility since 1993
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• The decrease in political and geopolitical uncertainty has calmed markets to a level not seen since decades ago. Thedecrease in market volatility has been widespread across equities, bonds and FX
• This is depressing one of the last sources of yield (selling volatility), whilst it is turning very cheap the acquisition ofprotection against a market correction
Source: Bloomberg
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May 16 Jun 16 Jul 16 Aug 16 Sep 16 Oct 16 Nov 16 Dec 16 Jan 17 Feb 17 Mar 17 Apr 17 May 175%
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VIX (lhs) VelocityShares Daily Inverse VIX Medium Term ETN (rhs)
China’s crackdown on leverage raises fears
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• China seem to be determined to bring its credit boom under control, clamping down shadow banking practices bybringing short-term interest rates higher
• The Chinese authorities remain very opportunistic in the timing chosen for their reforms, and present sedated marketsmay offer a good window opportunity. However, investors are fearing a repeat of the 2015 mistakes, when errandpolicies and poor communication caused a market sell-off, which is dragging on commodities and Chinese equities
Source: Bloomberg
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May 15 Aug 15 Nov 15 Feb 16 May 16 Aug 16 Nov 16 Feb 17 May 171.0%
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Shanghai Interbank Offered Rate (lhs) Shanghai Shenzhen CSI 300 Index (rhs)
High correlation amongst asset classes remains
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• Most asset classes, with the exception of diversifying positions in commodities and alternative investments, continue inpositive territory for the year
• In the case of fixed income investments, the potential for further price appreciation is limited, but a correction due toa widening of spreads is not foreseen
Source: Bloomberg as of April 30, 2017* Fund publishes monthly NAV with a 1 month of delay
-10% -5% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20%
Partners Group Global Value*Plenum Cat Bond
Lyxor/WintonLyxor/AQR
EDR Prifund Alpha Uncorrelated*Franklin K2 Alternative Strategies Fund
Goldman Sachs Global Multi-Manager AlternativesAmura Absolute Return
iShares Gold (CH)iShares Diversified Commodity Swap UCITS
Henderson Global Property EquitiesPolar Capital Biotechnology FundBNP Paribas TIER US 4% Index
Wellington Global Quality Growth PortfolioTHEAM Quant - Equity Europe Income
Ellipsis European Convertible FundGAM Start Credit Opportunities
Neuberger Berman Corporate HybridOddo Compass Euro Credit Short Duration USDh
Franklin Floating Rate IIM&G Global Floating Rate High Yield Fund
Muzinich Long/Short CreditMuzinich Short-Duration High Yield
SPDR Barclays 0-3Y Corporate Bond ETFiShares USD Short Duration Corporate Bond
iShares $ TIPSiShares $ Treasury Bond 3-7yr UCITS ETF
SPDR Barclays 1-3 Year US Treasury Bond UCITS ETF
Ytd Last Month
Investment scenarios
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Driv
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Mar
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• Global economic slowdown caused by political accidents or policy errors (Trade war with China, EU breakup, a too aggressive Fed, etc.)
• Deflationary scenario due to a combination of low growth and structural factors, although the rise of protectionism would be inflationary
• The Fed will have to reverse curse, which would be complicated if inflation is rising
Scenario 1Recession by political/policy accident
• Correction in credit due to a rise in defaults and a widening of corporate spreads
• Correction in equities due to lower projected earnings, though low rates will offer support
• Sovereign and IG credit to profit due to flight to quality and the continuation of an ultra-loose monetary policy globally
• USD neutral to weak as flight to quality is counterbalanced by low interest rates
• Commodities will fall
30%
• The fiscal stimulus in the US provides a short-term impulse to the global economy, but not enough to attain a higher growth trajectory
• Inflation, particularly in the US will pick-up, but remains subdued globally due to structural factors (demographics, low aggregated demand, deleveraging)
• The Fed will continue its normalization path
Scenario 2Muddling through “+”
• Equities appreciate moderately, with Europe and Japan catching up with the US
• Credit spreads remain stable as the credit cycle is further elongated
• Sovereigns suffer as monetary policy is progressively normalized
• USD appreciate moderately due to higher interest rate differentials
• Commodity prices will rise in the short-term, normalizing once the impulse vanishes
35% (+5%)
• Growth concerns dissipate, with economic activity accelerating in US, Europe and Japan
• Inflation in the US increases, as a consequence of president Trump’s fiscal stimulus, and pulls other developed economies off deflation
• The Fed will have to step up the pace of rate increases and/or reduce balance sheet
Scenario 3New regime
• Impact on equities will depend on how much real economic growth is sustained, and how accommodative the Fed remains
• Sovereign and IG bonds will face steep losses due to higher rates, particularly if long-term inflation expectations rise
• Corporate credit will correct moderately if inflation comes together with higher growth
• The USD will appreciate, particularly against those currencies facing deflation
• Commodities will gain from higher inflation
35% (-5%)
Other risksTrade wars and EM slowdown, Spread of anti-establishment parties, EU Breakup (Frexit, Nexit …), China, Terrorism
Short-term catalyzersFiscal stimulus in the US, improvement in macro-data globally, oil price stabilization
MWM Investment Policy
• In the current environment waiting for good investment opportunities is a sensible investmentstrategy. However, holding cash is becoming costly in some of our reference currencies
Cash
• Corporate debt and High Yield currently offer the best combination of risk and return. Treasuriescan benefit from a slowdown in growth – although this less likely with the expected fiscal stimulusin the US – whilst TIPS offer protection against rising inflation
• We avoid emerging markets until there is more clarity on trade policy by the new US administration
Fixed Income
• The expected fiscal stimulus in the US will accelerate growth and postpone the fear of deflation,which will be supportive for equities as the top line will increase. However, it remains to be seen towhich extend this comes along with an increase of interest rates, which will be a drag on valuations
• We favor investments in non-directional strategies, as well as in preferred companies and sectors
Equity
• Commodity prices have recently stabilized. Reflationary policies, and in particular a boost ininfrastructure spending, will further support energy and industrial metals
• Gold and precious metals will be dependent on the relative pace of increase in both inflation andinterest rates, but offer in any case good diversification for the portfolio
Commodities
• Alternative investments as a source of low volatility and uncorrelated returns are more attractivethan ever in the wake of the current latent risks in the market
• However, there is always a certain degree of correlation with traditional asset classes and doubledigit positive returns cannot be expected in the current environment
Alternative investments
Strategic Asset Allocation
5%
5%
42%
43%
29%
38%
6%
4%
18%
10%
10
MWM Model Portfolio Balanced (CH)
18%
6%Gold • iShares Gold 3%Commodities
5%Cash • Cash 5%Cash
42%
11
29%Equity
Europe
• Wellington Global Quality Growth Portfolio 4%
• Reverse Convertibles on Blue Chips 15%Volatility
Multi-Strategy• EDR Prifund Alpha Uncorrelated 2%• Amura Absolute Return 2%
• Plenum CAT Bond Fund 3%• Partners Group Global Value 3%
Multi-Strategy
Cat BondsPrivate Equity
Alternative Investments
Multi-Strategy • Franklin K2 Alternative Strategies Fund 2%
Fixed Income
US TIPS
High Yield US
Subordinated Debt
• iShares $ TIPS 8%
• Muzinich Short Duration High Yield 3%
• GAM Star Credit Opportunities 4%
Short-Term Corporate Bonds
• Neuberger Berman Corporate Hybrid 4%
• Muzinich Long/Short Credit Yield 3%High Yield Absolute Return
• iShares USD Short Duration Corporate Bond 5%
• THEAM Quant Equity Europe Income 4%
US Treasuries • iShares Treasury Bond 3-7yr 3%
• Lyxor Winton Fund 2%CTA, Diversified• Lyxor AQR Systematic Total Return 2%CTA, Diversified
Growth
Convertible Bonds • Ellipsis European Convertible Fund 3%
Diversified • iShares Diversified Commodity Swap 3%
• M&G Global Floating Rate High Yield Fund 3%High Yield Floating• Franklin Floating rate II 3%Leveraged Loans
High Yield Europe • Oddo Compass Euro Credit Short Duration 3%
Biotechnology • Polar Capital Biotechnology Fund 3%Real Estate • Henderson Global Property Equities 3%
• Goldman Sachs Global Multi-Manager Alternatives Portfolio 2%Multi-Strategy
MWM Model Portfolio Balanced (US)
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18%
6%• iShares Gold Trust 3%Commodities
5%Cash
42%
29%Equity
High Dividend Yield
• MFS Meridian Global Concentrated Fund 5%
• Reverse Convertibles on Blue Chips 13%Volatility
Multi-Strategy
• Franklin K2 Alternative Strategies Fund 5%
• Blackrock Multi-Manager Alternative Strategies Fund 5%
• iShares Listed Private Equity 4%
Multi-Strategy
Private Equity
Alternative Investments
Fixed Income
US TIPS
High Yield US
Subordinated Debt
• iShares $ TIPS 8%
• Neuberger Berman High Yield Bond Fund 3%
• GAM Star Credit opportunities 8%
Short-Term Corporate Bonds
• Carmignac Portfolio - Global Bond 3%Global Investment Grade
• iShares USD Short Duration Corporate Bond 5%
• Schroder Global Dividend Maximizer 5%
US Treasuries • iShares Treasury Bond 3-7yr 3%
• IQ-Hedge Multi-Strategy Tracker ETF 4%CTA, Diversified
Growth
Convertible Bonds • Calamos Global Convertibles 3%
Diversified • iShares Diversified Commodity Swap 3%
Cash • Cash 5%
High Yield US • Lord Abbett High Yield Fund 3%
Gold
• Franklin Floating rate II 3%Leveraged Loans
Biotechnology • Franklin Biotechnology Discovery Fund 3%
High Yield Europe • iShares € High Yield Corp Bond UCITS ETF 3%
Real Estate • Henderson Global Property Equities 3%
MWM Investment Profiles
Strategic Asset Allocation
AlternativeInvestments
Commodities
Equity
FixedIncome
Cash
Conservative
7%
5%
60%
64%
24%
17%
4%
2%
12%
5%
Balanced
5%
5%
42%
43%
38%
29%
6%
4%
18%
10%
Growth
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5%
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22%
43%
52%
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Cash Fixed Income Equity Commodities Alternatives
MWM Model Portfolio – Asset Allocation evolution
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Treasury US TIPS Inv. Grade US Global High Yield US High Yield EU
High Yield L/S Lev. Loans Hybrids EM - Latam EM - IG Corp. Convertibles
MWM Model Portfolio – Fixed Income evolution
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MWM Model Portfolio – VaR evolution
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• The VaR of the portfolio continues increasing in a measured way. However, the current environment of extremely lowvolatility provides an understated view of the potential risks ahead
5% 7% 9% 11% 13% 15% 17% 19% 21%
Nov-14Dec-14Jan-15Feb-15Mar-15Apr-15
May-15Jun-15Jul-15
Aug-15Sep-15Oct-15Nov-15Dec-15Jan-16Feb-16Mar-16Apr-16
May-16Jun-16Jul-16
Aug-16Sep-16Oct-16Nov-16Dec-16Jan-17Feb-17Mar-17Apr-17
May-17
1Y VaR 99% CVaR
MWM Model Portfolio – Peer comparison
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• Total Return (Ytd1): 12th out of 15• Standard Deviation (1 year1): 1st out of 15• Downside Risk (1 year1): 1st out of 15• Sharp Ratio (1 year1): 5th out of 15
1 As of May 2, 2017Source: Bloomberg
-2.0%
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4.0%
6.0%
8.0%
Dec 16 Jan 17 Mar 17 Apr 17Janus Balanced Fund Invesco Balanced Risk Allocation Fund Investec Global Strategic Managed FundTempleton Global Income Fund UBS Global Allocation PIMCO Global Multi-Asset FundUBAM Multifunds Allocation 50 Julius Baer Strategy Balanced BlackRock Global Allocation FundNordea Stable Return Fund Schroder Global Multi-Asset Flexible BNY Mellon Global Real Return FundVontobel Target Return Balanced Carmignac Patrimoine MWM Balanced USD
MWM Model Portfolio – Ytd performance (Net)
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• Total Return (Ytd1): 2.09% vs. 4.47% Benchmark2
• Standard Deviation (Ytd1): 1.16% vs. 3.45% Benchmark2
• Downside Risk (Ytd1): 0.86% vs. 2.26% Benchmark2
• Var 95% - 1day (Ytd1): -0.12% vs. -0.23% Benchmark2
1 As of April 30, 20172 Benchmark = 5% Fed Funds + 43% JPM Global Aggregate Bond Index + 38% MSCI World + 4% S&P GSCI + 10% HFRI FoHF
-0.5%
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MWM Balanced USD Benchmark
MWM Model Portfolio - Historical performance (1)
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• Total Return (1 year1): 3.87% vs. 6.28% Benchmark2
• Total Return (3 year1): 0.31% vs. 5.50% Benchmark2
• Total Return (Since Jan 121): 22.83% vs. 28.74% Benchmark2
1 As of April 30, 20172 Benchmark = 5% Fed Funds + 43% JPM Global Aggregate Bond Index + 38% MSCI World + 4% S&P GSCI + 10% HFRI FoHF
-10%
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MWM Balanced USD Benchmark Difference
MWM Model Portfolio - Historical performance (2)
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• Standard Deviation (1 year1): 1.80% vs. 4.94% Benchmark2
• Downside Risk (1 year1): 1.37% vs. 3.70% Benchmark2
• Sharpe Ratio (1 year1): 1.91 vs. 1.21 Benchmark2
• Var 95% - 1day (1 year1): -0.17% vs. -0.42% Benchmark2
1 As of April 30, 20172 Benchmark = 5% Fed Funds + 43% JPM Global Aggregate Bond Index + 38% MSCI World + 4% S&P GSCI + 10% HFRI FoHF
-5.00%
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Apr
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MWM Balanced USD Benchmark
c/ de l’Aigüeta, 3AD500 Andorra la VellaPrincipat d’Andorrawww.morabanc.ad
21www.morawealth.com
This document is for information purposes only and does not constitute, and may not be construed as, a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities and/or assets mentioned herein. Nor may the information contained herein be considered as definitive, because it is subject to unforeseeable changes and amendments.
Past performance does not guarantee future performance, and none of the information is intended to suggest that any of the returns set forth herein will be obtained in the future.
The fact that MWM can provide information regarding the status, development, evaluation, etc. in relation to markets or specific assets cannot be construed as a commitment or guarantee of performance; and MWM does not assume any liability for the performance of these assets or markets.
Data on investment stocks, their yields and other characteristics are based on or derived from information from reliable sources, which are generally available to the general public, and do not represent a commitment, warranty or liability of MWM.