Portfolio manager Jody Jonsson shares her outlook for the global equity markets in 2024, discussing topics such as changing geopolitical landscape, inflation, interest rates, and the importance of company selection. They also speculate on potential market shifts, highlight challenges for the European market in adopting electric vehicles, and discuss surprising events of 2023. Additionally, they explore personal hobbies such as flying and analyze aerospace investments. The speaker discusses their early life and influences in investing.
Outlook for 2024: Shifting Market Dynamics and New Mental Models
Jody Johnson, portfolio manager with New Perspective Fund, discusses her market outlook for 2024 in this 200th episode of the Capitol Ideas podcast. She acknowledges the changing market dynamics, such as rising interest rates, increased inflation, and geopolitical events. Jody believes that returns in 2024 may be more modest, with a focus on stock picking and individual company fundamentals. She highlights the importance of valuations and the potential for a broadening of the market beyond the dominant technology stocks.
Investment Themes: Healthcare Innovations and Industrial Companies
Jody Johnson shares her excitement about shifts in the healthcare sector, particularly the impact of weight loss and cardiovascular drugs. She discusses how these drugs have the potential to revolutionize healthcare and address various comorbidities. Jody also mentions her enthusiasm for industrial companies benefiting from electric vehicles, decarbonization, and energy management. She notes that many of these companies have a technology aspect, such as software or recurring revenue, making them attractive investment opportunities.
Artificial Intelligence and Electric Vehicles: Game-Changing Technologies
Jody Johnson recognizes the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in various industries, including healthcare. She highlights the significant improvements in productivity that AI can bring, such as in drug discovery, molecule development, and diagnostic tools. Regarding electric vehicles (EVs), Jody believes they are the future of transportation. She mentions the massive production of EVs in China and the potential challenges and opportunities this creates for different markets. While acknowledging the hype around AI and EVs, Jody emphasizes the importance of careful evaluation and identification of specific beneficiaries beyond obvious technology companies.
Inflation, Interest Rates, and Global Opportunities
Jody Johnson discusses the inflationary forces in the current environment and how they impact interest rates and global markets. She highlights structural changes such as labor demands and shifting manufacturing trends that could lead to a higher level of inflation compared to the past. Jody also mentions opportunities in international markets, particularly in Japan, where she sees strong leadership and reasonable valuations. She emphasizes the importance of staying adaptable and investing in globally mobile companies that can navigate changing global trade patterns.
As New Perspective Fund® (NPF) celebrates its 50th anniversary, NPF portfolio manager Jody Jonsson shares her outlook for the global equity markets. The tailwind provided by 40 years of declining interest rates is over, she says, and it’s time to think about the new reality of investing.