Discussion on the performance and risks of emerging markets, investing strategies based on interest rates, examination of sentiment towards China's economy, selective strategies in emerging markets, and key catalysts for emerging markets.
The success of the EM carry trade strategy contributed to positive returns for emerging markets in the first half of the year.
Emerging markets face risks due to the consensus on the EM carry trade strategy and the challenges of reducing further inflation.
Deep dives
Emerging markets performance in the first half
Emerging markets experienced positive returns in the first half of the year, particularly due to the success of the EM carry trade strategy. This involves borrowing in low-yielding funding currencies like the US dollar or euro, and investing in higher-yielding emerging market currencies or local assets.
Continued optimism and risks
Despite the positive performance, risks still linger for emerging markets. One key risk is that the EM carry trade strategy has become consensus, increasing the potential for market volatility. Additionally, the end of easy inflation, where base effects have played a significant role in bringing down inflation, may make further reductions more challenging. Similarly, a developed market discrepancy exists, with market expectations for substantial monetary easing not aligning with HSBC's view.
Selective strategies and geographies
Looking ahead, a more selective approach is recommended for emerging markets. HSBC's focus is on the insurance of potential choppy autumn months, favoring strategies in countries like Brazil, Mexico, Czech Republic, South Africa, India, Indonesia, and the GCC region. The key catalysts to monitor include the actions of core central banks, potential upside risks in China, and the pace of emerging market central bank rate cuts.
Murat Ulgen looks at what we can expect from emerging markets in the second half of the year amid lingering concerns over the global economic backdrop.