PATH

•

July 06, 2022

The Central Bank Conundrum – Self-Inflicted?

July 06, 2022

The Central Bank Conundrum – Self-Inflicted?

PATH

The Central Bank Conundrum – Self-Inflicted?

July 06, 2022

Major Developed Markets were down over the month, with the S&P 500 (TR) (USD) once more faring the worst -8.3%, the MSCI Europe (TR) (EUR) next at -7.7% and MSCI Japan (TR) (JPY) -2.7% ¹. Whilst the MSCI EM (USD) was -6.6%, a notable exception was the MSCI China (HKD), up 6.7%¹. Despite being the strongest performer in previous months, at -14.2%, the MSCI Energy (USD) represented one of the worst performing sectors this month¹. Though the US 10-Year Treasury yield moved above 3% during June, peaking at 3.5%² , it was back to 3.01%¹ by month end, on the back of deteriorating consumer data and growth indicators.

We expect inflation to moderate slowly in the coming 12 months. Even if demand slows in response to high prices as we expect, some components of the CPI such as housing, may prove much stickier because of the lag between the index and rental prices. We expect food CPI to peak during Q3 2022.

We remain concerned that a recession is becoming increasingly likely, given high inflation could force a quick pace of hikes in the US and Europe, meaning potentially excessive tightening, especially by the Federal Reserve, just as growth weakens. The end of June saw a number of data releases indicating US consumption is already in sharp decline. Consumer durables dropped in May -3.2% month-on-month³, real disposable income growth was down 0.1% month-on-month[2], and real spending growth at -0.4% month-on-month, was the first decline in real personal consumption expenditure since November 2021⁴. So far, US forward sales and earnings estimates appear to have held up well, but this could turn. Ultimately central banks could end up shifting to a more benign stance in the latter part of 2022.

Investment Implications

We have kept our broad asset allocation stable, with low equities, having deployed our high cash position last month into fixed income. We made a number of tactical changes over the month, which we have outlined below:

China A Equities

We moved positive China A equities and are constructive, as the country comes out of lockdowns. The pace of recovery in consumption and private investment still appears muted. However, the economy is supported through increased public infrastructure spending, and easing measures for the residential property market. We expect fiscal stimulus to continue, combined with further cuts to rates and the bank’s reserve requirement ratio (RRR), but at a controlled pace compared with past cycles, to avert fuelling asset bubbles. Valuations appear fair, with forward P/E ratios around 10Y median levels⁵. We believe Chinese equities should outperform relative to other regions. Indeed, sentiment is picking up, as YTD northbound flows have turned positive⁶.

Global Energy Equities

We increased our positive tilt to global energy. As mentioned, supply disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine war should keep energy elevated and structural trends, such as energy companies’ underinvestment in production and refining capacity, should further support. Based on past recessions, if we move towards a recessionary environment, we expect any hit to demand to be counterbalanced by supply disruptions in Russia and residual pent-up demand as the global economy concludes its reopening phase over the summer. Oil prices have generally been rising despite China lockdowns. However, with China now reopening, we believe that this and residual pent-up demand should offset any hit from slowing growth.

Government Bonds

Italian Government Bonds

We moved underweight Italian government bonds (BTPs) and bought German Bunds and French government bonds (OATs), remaining neutral on the latter two. We view risks to BTP spreads skewed to the downside. The announcement that the European Central Bank (ECB) is designing an anti-fragmentation tool caused a significant tightening in spreads and should allow the ECB to hike rates quicker if needed, with less worry of causing another pickup in peripheral spread volatility. However, as the structure of the anti-fragmentation tool is worked out, we are likely to see some volatility in news flow just as the ECB is set to hike rates. This is still likely to put upward pressure on spreads, and we believe the ECB would allow for a gradual spread widening as a reflection of a tighter monetary stance, if this does not threaten the monetary policy transmission mechanism.

Japanese Government Bonds

We also moved negative Japanese government bonds (JGBs), adding instead to US Treasuries, as we expect JGBs to underperform relative to cash in the short term and the broader bond universe in the medium term. The Bank of Japan may be forced to relax its Yield Curve Control (YCC) and ultra-loose monetary policy, if inflation expectations and wage growth picks up.

Tactical Positioning

We have provided our tactical views below.

Source: MSIM GBaR team, as of 30 June 2022. For informational purposes and does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security or to adopt any specific investment strategy. The tactical views expressed above are a broad reflection of our team’s views and implementations, expressed for client communication purposes. The information herein does not contend to address the financial objectives, situation or specific needs of any individual investor. The signals represent the GBaR team’s view on each asset class. A negative signal indicates a negative or underweight relative view, a positive signal indicates a positive or overweight relative view. Light blue indicates the tactical view before the change, with dark blue indicating the view as of 30 June 2022.

The index performance is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to depict the performance of a specific investment. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. See Disclosure section for index definitions.

¹ Bloomberg, as of 30 June 2022.

² Bloomberg, as of 14 June 2022.

³ Morgan Stanley Research. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal Consumption Expenditure by Major Type of Product and by Major Function. Last revised on 30 June 2022.

⁴ Morgan Stanley Research. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal Income and Outlays, May 2022. New Release 30 June 2022. www.bea.gov/news/2022/personal-income-and-outlays-may-2022 May 2022, Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) percentage change over the month.

⁵ Datastream, MSIM. MSCI CA – 12month forward P/E ratio, as of 30 June 2022.

⁶ Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, MSIM. Total Northbound net buying is CNY 71.8 billion YTD as of 30 June 2022, based on flows from Shanghai Stock Connect Net Buy and Shenzhen Stock Connect Net Buy.

RISK CONSIDERATIONS

There is no assurance that the Strategy will achieve its investment objective. Portfolios are subject to market risk, which is the possibility that the market values of securities owned by the portfolio will decline and that the value of portfolio shares may therefore be less than what you paid for them. Market values can change daily due to economic and other events (e.g. natural disasters, health crises, terrorism, conflicts and social unrest) that affect markets, countries, companies or governments. It is difficult to predict the timing, duration, and potential adverse effects (e.g. portfolio liquidity) of events. Accordingly, you can lose money investing in this portfolio. Please be aware that this strategy may be subject to certain additional risks. There is the risk that the Adviser’s asset allocation methodology and assumptions regarding the Underlying Portfolios may be incorrect in light of actual market conditions and the Portfolio may not achieve its investment objective. Share prices also tend to be volatile and there is a significant possibility of loss. The portfolio’s investments in commodity-linked notes involve substantial risks, including risk of loss of a significant portion of their principal value. In addition to commodity risk, they may be subject to additional special risks, such as risk of loss of interest and principal, lack of secondary market and risk of greater volatility, that do not affect traditional equity and debt securities. Currency fluctuations could erase investment gains or add to investment losses. Fixed-income securities are subject to the ability of an issuer to make timely principal and interest payments (credit risk), changes in interest rates (interest-rate risk), the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (market risk). In a rising interest-rate environment, bond prices may fall and may result in periods of volatility and increased portfolio redemptions. In a declining interest-rate environment, the portfolio may generate less income. Longer-term securities may be more sensitive to interest rate changes. Equity and foreign securities are generally more volatile than fixed income securities and are subject to currency, political, economic and market risks. Equity values fluctuate in response to activities specific to a company. Stocks of small-capitalization companies carry special risks, such as limited product lines, markets and financial resources, and greater market volatility than securities of larger, more established companies. The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks associated with investments in foreign developed markets. Exchange traded funds (ETFs) shares have many of the same risks as direct investments in common stocks or bonds and their market value will fluctuate as the value of the underlying index does. By investing in exchange traded funds ETFs and other Investment Funds, the portfolio absorbs both its own expenses and those of the ETFs and Investment Funds it invests in. Supply and demand for ETFs and Investment Funds may not be correlated to that of the underlying securities. Derivative instruments can be illiquid, may disproportionately increase losses and may have a potentially large negative impact on the portfolio’s performance. A currency forward is a hedging tool that does not involve any upfront payment. The use of leverage may increase volatility in the Portfolio.

Andrew Harmstone

Managing Director

Global Balanced Risk Control Team

Global Balanced Risk Control Fund of Funds

ISIN: LU0706093803 | Class Z

Related Insights

PATH

The inflation and recession duality

05-May-2023

Despite the recent improvement in data, balanced portfolio diversification remains crucial. See how we address this.

PATH

Navigating the turbulence

05-Apr-2023

The Fed’s signal that it is close to ending its hiking should help avoid a sharper recession. See how we are responding.

Insight Article

The Case for Stable Risk-Adjusted Returns: Why Now?

08-Mar-2023

A balanced approach as an alternative to the traditional 60/40 portfolio.

INDEX DEFINITIONS

The indexes shown in this report are not meant to depict the performance of any specific investment, and the indexes shown do not include any expenses, fees or sales charges, which would lower performance. The indexes shown are unmanaged and should not be considered an investment. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

“Bloomberg®” and the Bloomberg Index/Indices used are service marks of Bloomberg Finance L.P. and its affiliates, and have been licensed for use for certain purposes by Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM). Bloomberg is not affiliated with MSIM, does not approve, endorse, review, or recommend any product, and. does not guarantee the timeliness, accurateness, or completeness of any data or information relating to any product.

China A Shares: These are shares of companies based in mainland China denominated in Renminbi and traded in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges. They are available to purchase by qualified foreign institutions, where historically they were only available to investors in mainland China.

Consumer Price Index: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure that examines the weighted average of prices of a basket of consumer goods and services, such as transportation, food and medical care. The CPI is calculated by taking price changes for each item in the predetermined basket of goods and averaging them; the goods are weighted according to their importance. Changes in CPI are used to assess price changes associated with the cost of living.

Forward P/E: Price-Earnings (P/E) is the price of a stock divided by its earnings per share for the past 12 months. Sometimes called the multiple, P/E gives investors an idea of how much they are paying for a company’s earning power. The higher the P/E, the more investors are paying, and therefore the more earnings growth they are expecting. Forward to price earnings (P/E) is a measure of the price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) using forecasted earnings for the P/E calculation.

MSCI China (HKD) measures large and mid-cap representation across China securities listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges. The index covers only those securities that are accessible through "Stock Connect".

MSCI ACWI Energy Index includes large and mid cap securities across 23 Developed Markets (DM) and 27 Emerging Markets (EM) countries*. All securities in the index are classified in the Energy as per the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS®).

MSCI Emerging Markets Index: The MSCI Emerging Markets Index (MSCI EM) is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is designed to measure equity market performance of emerging markets.

MSCI Europe Index: The MSCI Europe Index captures large and mid-cap representation across 15 Developed Markets (DM) countries in Europe.

MSCI Japan Index: The MSCI Japan Index is designed to measure the performance of the large and mid-cap segments of the Japanese market.

S&P 500 Index: The Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index tracks the performance of 500 widely held, large-capitalization US stocks.

VIX©: This is a trademarked ticker symbol for the Chicago Board Options Exchange Market Volatility Index, a popular measure of the implied volatility of S&P 500 Index options. Often referred to as the fear ndex or the fear gauge, it represents one measure of the market’s expectation of stock market volatility over the next 30-day period.

DISCLOSURES

There is no guarantee that any investment strategy will work under all market conditions, and each investor should evaluate their ability to invest for the long-term, especially during periods of downturn in the market.

A separately managed account may not be appropriate for all investors. Separate accounts managed according to the particular Strategy may include securities that may not necessarily track the performance of a particular index. Please consider the investment objectives, risks and fees of the Strategy carefully before investing. A minimum asset level is required.

For important information about the investment managers, please refer to Form ADV Part 2.

The views and opinions and/or analysis expressed are those of the author or the investment team as of the date of preparation of this material and are subject to change at any time without notice due to market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Furthermore, the views will not be updated or otherwise revised to reflect information that subsequently becomes available or circumstances existing, or changes occurring, after the date of publication. The views expressed do not reflect the opinions of all investment personnel at Morgan Stanley Investment Management (MSIM) and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively “the Firm”), and may not be reflected in all the strategies and products that the Firm offers.

Forecasts and/or estimates provided herein are subject to change and may not actually come to pass. Information regarding expected market returns and market outlooks is based on the research, analysis and opinions of the authors or the investment team. These conclusions are speculative in nature, may not come to pass and are not intended to predict the future performance of any specific strategy or product the Firm offers. Future results may differ significantly depending on factors such as changes in securities or financial markets or general economic conditions.

This material has been prepared on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. However, no assurances are provided regarding the reliability of such information and the Firm has not sought to independently verify information taken from public and third-party sources.

This material is a general communication, which is not impartial and all information provided has been prepared solely for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security or to adopt any specific investment strategy. The information herein has not been based on a consideration of any individual investor circumstances and is not investment advice, nor should it be construed in any way as tax, accounting, legal or regulatory advice. To that end, investors should seek independent legal and financial advice, including advice as to tax consequences, before making any investment decision.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Charts and graphs provided herein are for illustrative purposes only.

The indexes are unmanaged and do not include any expenses, fees or sales charges. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Any index referred to herein is the intellectual property (including registered trademarks) of the applicable licensor. Any product based on an index is in no way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the applicable licensor and it shall not have any liability with respect thereto.

This material is not a product of Morgan Stanley’s Research Department and should not be regarded as a research material or a recommendation.

The Firm has not authorised financial intermediaries to use and to distribute this material, unless such use and distribution is made in accordance with applicable law and regulation. Additionally, financial intermediaries are required to satisfy themselves that the information in this material is appropriate for any person to whom they provide this material in view of that person’s circumstances and purpose. The Firm shall not be liable for, and accepts no liability for, the use or misuse of this material by any such financial intermediary.

This material may be translated into other languages. Where such a translation is made this English version remains definitive. If there are any discrepancies between the English version and any version of this material in another language, the English version shall prevail.

The whole or any part of this material may not be directly or indirectly reproduced, copied, modified, used to create a derivative work, performed, displayed, published, posted, licensed, framed, distributed or transmitted or any of its contents disclosed to third parties without the Firm’s express written consent. This material may not be linked to unless such hyperlink is for personal and non-commercial use. All information contained herein is proprietary and is protected under copyright and other applicable law.

DISTRIBUTION

This material is only intended for and will only be distributed to persons resident in jurisdictions where such distribution or availability would not be contrary to local laws or regulations.

MSIM, the asset management division of Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS), and its affiliates have arrangements in place to market each other’s products and services. Each MSIM affiliate is regulated as appropriate in the jurisdiction it operates. MSIM’s affiliates are: Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited, Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd, Calvert Research and Management, Eaton Vance Management, Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC, and Atlanta Capital Management LLC.

This material has been issued by any one or more of the following entities:

EMEA:

This material is for Professional Clients/Accredited Investors only.

In the EU, MSIM and Eaton Vance materials are issued by MSIM Fund Management (Ireland) Limited (“FMIL”). FMIL is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and is incorporated in Ireland as a private company limited by shares with company registration number 616661 and has its registered address at The Observatory, 7-11 Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, D02 VC42, Ireland.

Outside the EU, MSIM materials are issued by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited (MSIM Ltd) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England. Registered No. 1981121. Registered Ofﬁce: 25 Cabot Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 4QA.

In Switzerland, MSIM materials are issued by Morgan Stanley & Co. International plc, London (Zurich Branch) Authorised and regulated by the Eidgenössische Finanzmarktaufsicht ("FINMA"). Registered Office: Beethovenstrasse 33, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland.

Outside the US and EU, Eaton Vance materials are issued by Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited (“EVMI”) 125 Old Broad Street, London, EC2N 1AR, UK, which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Italy: MSIM FMIL (Milan Branch), (Sede Secondaria di Milano) Palazzo Serbelloni Corso Venezia, 16 20121 Milano, Italy. The Netherlands: MSIM FMIL (Amsterdam Branch), Rembrandt Tower, 11th Floor Amstelplein 1 1096HA, Netherlands. France: MSIM FMIL (Paris Branch), 61 rue de Monceau 75008 Paris, France. Spain: MSIM FMIL (Madrid Branch), Calle Serrano 55, 28006, Madrid, Spain. Germany: MSIM Fund Management (Ireland) Limited Niederlassung Deutschland Junghofstrasse 13-15 60311 Frankfurt Deutschland (Gattung: Zweigniederlassung (FDI) gem. § 53b KWG).

Middle East:

Dubai: MSIM Ltd (Representative Office, Unit Precinct 3-7th Floor-Unit 701 and 702, Level 7, Gate Precinct Building 3, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, 506501, United Arab Emirates. Telephone: +97 (0)14 709 7158).

U.S.:

NOT FDIC INSURED | OFFER NO BANK GUARANTEE | MAY LOSE VALUE | NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY | NOT A BANK DEPOSIT

Hong Kong:

This material is disseminated by Morgan Stanley Asia Limited for use in Hong Kong and shall only be made available to “professional investors” as defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance of Hong Kong (Cap 571). The contents of this material have not been reviewed nor approved by any regulatory authority including the Securities and Futures Commission in Hong Kong. Accordingly, save where an exemption is available under the relevant law, this material shall not be issued, circulated, distributed, directed at, or made available to, the public in Hong Kong.

Singapore:

This material is disseminated by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Company and should not be considered to be the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to the public or any member of the public in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under section 304 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (“SFA”); (ii) to a “relevant person” (which includes an accredited investor) pursuant to section 305 of the SFA, and such distribution is in accordance with the conditions specified in section 305 of the SFA; or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA. This publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

Australia:

This material is disseminated in Australia by Morgan Stanley Investment Management (Australia) Pty Limited ACN: 122040037, AFSL No. 314182, which accept responsibility for its contents. This publication, and any access to it, is intended only for “wholesale clients” within the meaning of the Australian Corporations Act. Calvert Research and Management, ARBN 635 157 434 is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under U.S. laws which differ from Australian laws. Calvert Research and Management is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence in accordance with class order 03/1100 in respect of the provision of financial services to wholesale clients in Australia.

Taiwan:

This material is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation where such a solicitation is unlawful. The products mentioned herein this material may or may not have been registered with the Securities and Futures Bureau of the Financial Supervisory Commission in Taiwan, Republic of China (“ROC”) pursuant to relevant securities laws and regulations. Such products may only be made available in the ROC if they are (a) registered for public sale in the ROC or (b) availed on a private placement basis to specified financial institutions and other entities and individuals meeting specific criteria pursuant to the private placement provisions of the ROC Rules Governing Offshore Funds.

Korea:

This material is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as an offering of securities in Korea. No representation is being made with respect to the eligibility of any recipients of this material under the laws of Korea, including but without limitation, the Foreign Exchange Transaction Law and Regulations thereunder. The Fund’s mentioned herein this material may or may not have been registered with the Financial Services Commission of Korea under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act and may not be offered directly or indirectly, in Korea or to any resident of Korea except pursuant to applicable laws and regulations of Korea.

Japan:

For professional investors, this material is circulated or distributed for informational purposes only. For those who are not professional investors, this material is provided in relation to Morgan Stanley Investment Management (Japan) Co., Ltd. (“MSIMJ”)’s business with respect to discretionary investment management agreements (“IMA”) and investment advisory agreements (“IAA”). This is not for the purpose of a recommendation or solicitation of transactions or offers any particular financial instruments. Under an IMA, with respect to management of assets of a client, the client prescribes basic management policies in advance and commissions MSIMJ to make all investment decisions based on an analysis of the value, etc. of the securities, and MSIMJ accepts such commission. The client shall delegate to MSIMJ the authorities necessary for making investment. MSIMJ exercises the delegated authorities based on investment decisions of MSIMJ, and the client shall not make individual instructions. All investment profits and losses belong to the clients; principal is not guaranteed. Please consider the investment objectives and nature of risks before investing. As an investment advisory fee for an IAA or an IMA, the amount of assets subject to the contract multiplied by a certain rate (the upper limit is 2.20% per annum (including tax)) shall be incurred in proportion to the contract period. For some strategies, a contingency fee may be incurred in addition to the fee mentioned above. Indirect charges also may be incurred, such as brokerage commissions for incorporated securities. Since these charges and expenses are different depending on a contract and other factors, MSIMJ cannot present the rates, upper limits, etc. in advance. All clients should read the Documents Provided Prior to the Conclusion of a Contract carefully before executing an agreement. This material is disseminated in Japan by MSIMJ, Registered No. 410 (Director of Kanto Local Finance Bureau (Financial Instruments Firms)), Membership: the Japan Securities Dealers Association, The Investment Trusts Association, Japan, the Japan Investment Advisers Association and the Type II Financial Instruments Firms Association.

Canada:

FOR USE ONLY WITH "PERMITTED CLIENTS" UNDER CANADIAN LAW. MAY NOT BE USED WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC. This presentation is communicated in Canada by Morgan Stanley Investment Management Inc. (“MSIM”), which conducts its activities in Canada pursuant to the international adviser exemption from the Canadian adviser registration requirements. This presentation does not constitute an offer to provide investment advisory services in circumstances where the investment adviser exemption is not available. MSIM may only advise separately managed accounts of "Permitted Clients" and may only manage accounts which invest in non-Canadian issuers. “Permitted clients” as defined under Canadian National Instrument 31-103 generally include Canadian financial institutions or individuals with $5 million (CAD) in financial assets and entities with at least $25 million (CAD) in net assets. Permitted Clients may only invest in a separately managed account referenced in this presentation by entering into an investment management agreement with MSIM, of which this presentation is not a part. Materials which describe the investment expertise, strategies and/or other aspects of MSIM-managed separately managed accounts may be provided to you upon request for your consideration of the available investment advisory services offered by MSIM. MSIM and certain of its affiliates may serve as the portfolio manager to separately managed accounts described in this presentation and may be entitled to receive fees in connection therewith.