Bloomberg Surveillance: Keys for Investors in 2024
Dec 27, 2023
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Kristina Hooper advises investors to be well-diversified in 2024, while Gerard Cassidy suggests a risk-on investment strategy. Steven Cook discusses the US's defensive approach to recent escalations in the Red Sea, and Nadia Martin Wiggen examines the impacts of geopolitical conflicts on the global oil market. Sel Hardy predicts a gradual recovery in the healthcare sector next year.
Investors should focus on diversification in 2024.
The healthcare sector is expected to experience a gradual recovery next year.
Deep dives
Healthcare sector in 2023
The healthcare sector saw weakness and volatility in 2023, with significant variances in performances across companies. Overall, the sector underperformed compared to other sectors. However, 2024 is expected to be a year of gradual recovery, particularly for biopharma. A rotation is anticipated from poorly performing sub-industries to previously sold-off sub-industries, such as pharmaceuticals and technology. Overall, the sector offers buying opportunities and attractive valuations.
Impact of weight loss drugs
Certain weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, have had a significant impact on individual companies within the healthcare sector. Eli Lilly, for example, has seen a strong performance due to its diabetes portfolio. However, it is also well-diversified in other therapy areas, such as cardiovascular, neuroscience, and oncology. Oncology remains a major contributor to sales in the pharma industry, with companies like Merck and Eli Lilly well-positioned in this field.
Valuations and investment opportunities
Valuation is an important consideration when analyzing companies in the healthcare sector. Companies like Eli Lilly offer potential for a rally in 2024, thanks to several catalysts, including new product launches and acquisitions. Key developments to watch include the approval of Alzheimer's disease treatment and potential approvals for additional indications. Valuation plays a role in identifying buying opportunities and long-term growth prospects.
Mergers and acquisitions in 2024
Mergers and acquisitions will continue to be important in driving growth and innovation in the healthcare sector. The increasing number of deals in recent years highlights the importance of external partnerships and pipelines to sustain growth. While there may be some antitrust risks, companies are still pursuing M&A activities to focus on innovation and enter new therapeutic areas. M&A will remain a critical strategy for healthcare companies in 2024.
Kristina Hooper, Invesco Chief Global Market Strategist, says the key for investors in 2024 is to be well-diversified.
Gerard Cassidy, RBC Capital Markets Large Cap Bank Analyst, advises a risk-on investment strategy going into the new year.
Steven Cook, Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow for Middle East & Africa Studies, says the US will opt to remain on the defensive amid recent escalations in the Red Sea.
Nadia Martin Wiggen, Svelland Capital Director, overviews the impacts of ongoing geopolitical conflicts on the global oil market.
Sel Hardy, CFRA Research Analyst, predicts a gradual recovery in the healthcare sector next year.