In Malaysia, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) recorded a marginal gain over the week, thanks to diminishing global uncertainties and optimism over the US deb ceiling, said Principal in the recent Weekly Market Recap.
In Asia, the markets were generally positive over the week too, with Japan and Korea leading the gains, while the offshore market in China experienced marginal negative returns.
In China, reports showed that sentiments remain muted amid concerns that the country’s post-COVID recovery is losing steam. Official data revealed weaker-than-expected growth in industrial output, retail sales, and fixed asset investment in April compared to the previous year.
The People’s Bank Of China injected RMB125 billion to the banking system through its medium-term lending facility, keeping the lending rate unchanged. The quarterly monetary policy report promised adequate credit growth and liquidity, suggesting upcoming easing measures.
The global financial markets ended the week with mostly positive returns. In developed markets, the United States (US), Europe, and Japan
recorded positive gains over the week.
In the bond market, the yield on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury note rose sharply over the week, possibly due to positive economic surprises in jobs and manufacturing data.
Towards the US, the market was primarily driven by the outperformance of mega-cap technology-related stocks, chipmakers, and regional bank shares, with Google’s parent company Alphabet and Facebook’s parent company Meta Platforms recording strong gains, along with solid gains from chipmakers such as NVIDIA and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). Additionally, there has been a positive and notable shift in tone around debt ceiling negotiations.
On to Europe, the Eurozone industrial production declined by 4.1% sequentially in March, after a 1.5% increase in February, signaling a potential recession. Similarly, year-over-year, industrial output fell by 1.4%, following a 2.0% increase in the previous month. The Bank of England (BoE), meanwhile, reiterated in a speech that monetary policy would have to tighten further in the event of more persistent inflationary pressures. Market narratives have been constantly changing as investors evaluate the latest economic developments.
“Despite persistent volatility, we believe that patience among investors could potentially pay off in the long run. To ride through the global uncertainties, investors are recommended to consider high-quality income focus investment products. Our broad strategy remains focused on selectivity, prioritising the characteristics of quality, growth, and income,” said Principal.
On Fixed Income, Principal find bonds appealing as they perceive a higher likelihood that central bank hiking cycles will end soon, despite recent guidance from the US Federal Reserve.
Principal also sees potential for capital gains in the event of weaker economic growth. Therefore, they maintain their preference for investment grade bonds with longer durations as their preferred investment choice.
On equities, Principal favours quality and dividend-paying stocks for their defensive qualities that can help withstand the uncertain macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions.
“We are positive on Asia as sector earnings are poised to be rerated supported by China’s rapid reopening. We also favour income-focused approach to ride out volatilities arising from geopolitical tensions, inflationary issues, and recessionary concerns,” said Principal.
