TRUMP LOOKING FOR A “GOOD” DEAL WITH CHINA
Despite conflicting information about the trade talks between China and the US, investors remain relatively upbeat about the outcome and have accordingly rotated out of sovereign bonds into equities. Moreover, cyclicals and banks have most recently outperformed defensive consumer stocks.
Bond yields have also trended up, buoyed by the prospect of better growth and resurgent inflation. In the US, for example, the return on 10-year Treasuries is back at 1.9%, its highest reading since early August. In Switzerland, the yield on the equivalent bond has improved from -1.2% to -0.45% in the same period. Some Fed brass have commented that no more rate cuts are needed this year, considering the solid state of the economy.
Regarding the trade talks, initial remarks suggested that both sides would cancel the increases in customs duties planned for December. However, there seems to be opposition from within the White House, and the meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping to sign the ‘partial’ agreement could be postponed until December. Trump is adamant that everything is on track but he wants to sign a “good” deal. The US election campaign is already under way, and the sitting president can neither afford too much of a downturn in the economy or financial markets, nor renege on his ambitions to redefine China’s trade practices. However, the Chinese are in no hurry. Their economy is resilient, and their government is not facing an election in 2020.
The IMF has again lowered its growth forecast for the Eurozone as it sees trade barriers spreading from manufacturing to the services industry. It now forecasts a 1.2% increase in GDP this year and a growth rate of 1.4% for 2020 and 2021. In contrast, latest economic data is encouraging. In Germany, factory orders rose by 1.3%, fuelled by domestic demand. Exports also recovered, gaining by 1.5% relative to August. In China, exports dipped by 0.9% in October, marking a third consecutive monthly decline, but the figure was better than expected. Imports dropped by 6.4% year on year, which was better than the forecast 7.8% decrease and therefore calmed investor fears. In the US, consumer confidence is sitting at its highest level since July.
If you have any questions please contact the office on (03) 9670 6070.