Artisan’s Cirami Dusts Off the EM Cold War Playbook: EM Lens
Mar 4, 2025
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Michael Cirami, Managing Director at Artisan Partners and expert in emerging debt markets, dives into the intricate world of geopolitical risk in fixed income. He argues that the Cold War offers valuable lessons for today’s investors. Cirami discusses distinctive investment opportunities in struggling nations, the evolving landscape of EM credit amid inflation, and India's rising fixed income appeal. He also highlights the complexities within China's economy and the potential impact of cryptocurrency on emerging markets.
Understanding geopolitical risks through a Cold War lens is essential for evaluating emerging-market debt investment strategies amidst complex global dynamics.
Investment opportunities in emerging markets are increasingly driven by country-specific narratives and local reforms rather than overarching economic trends.
Deep dives
Understanding the Current Economic Cycle
The current economic cycle appears to be in the late innings, suggesting a mature phase; however, as in baseball, there is no definitive timeline and situations may extend unexpectedly. While some argue that the global economy is demonstrating signs of early recovery, there is growing consensus that we may be nearing the end of the cycle. This uncertainty makes it crucial for investors to remain cautious, recognise the potential for an extended cycle, and be prepared for sudden shifts. Additionally, the ongoing dynamics in U.S. economic policy, including potential interest rate changes, have significant implications on emerging markets, particularly in terms of how they respond to U.S. monetary moves.
The Role of Emerging Market Central Banks
Emerging market central banks find themselves navigating complex challenges as they consider monetary policy while facing pressures from U.S. Federal Reserve actions. Asian economies, while generally seeing lower inflation, indicate different monetary policies across the region, with some central banks cautiously cutting rates to stimulate growth. However, the effectiveness of these cuts may diminish if U.S. rates remain high, creating a challenging environment for countries like those in Latin America that have recently adopted rate cuts. In this context, the strategic alignment between domestic economic objectives and international market sentiments is paramount for the stability of emerging markets.
Opportunities in Emerging Markets
Investment opportunities in emerging markets are becoming increasingly identified at a country-specific level, particularly noting stronger economies that possess unique narratives for growth. Historical resilience against broader economic trends—particularly during periods of U.S. volatility—highlights the importance of local policies and governance in shaping investment potential. Specific examples include distressed sovereigns such as Argentina and Nigeria, where potential returns may stem from distinct local reforms rather than overarching U.S. economic narratives. Identifying these idiosyncratic stories will be crucial for investors focusing on maximizing returns in the current market landscape.
The Future Considerations for Investors
As investors look ahead, the emerging markets space is increasingly viewed through the lens of geopolitics, debt dynamics, and the growing influence of cryptocurrencies, which presents both challenges and opportunities. The current global backdrop reflects a return to Cold War-like conditions, necessitating a flexible investment strategy adjusted for geopolitical risks. Additionally, understanding the complex debt situations of developed nations is becoming critical for assessing emerging market investments. Crypto, particularly stablecoins, may eventually revolutionize savings and investment vehicles in emerging markets, underscoring the need for investors to remain adaptable and forward-thinking.
It’s back to the future in emerging-market debt, and creditors should look to the Cold War when analyzing geopolitical risk in global fixed-income portfolios. Michael Cirami, Managing Director at Artisan Partners and a portfolio manager for EMsights Capital Group, joins Bloomberg Intelligence Chief Emerging Markets Credit Strategist Damian Sassower to discuss his company’s approach to investing across the emerging and frontier debt markets. Cirami and Sassower assess the potential for alpha generation in EM fixed income, from off-benchmark positioning and idiosyncratic risk to shifting inflation dynamics and deteriorating growth expectations.
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