Latest insights

In our economic and market scenarios, the next stage points to lower growth and gradually lower inflation in the US by the end of 2024. Consequently, lower interest rates should follow, and we keep a long duration bias in fixed income. We expect a soft landing and are buyers of Investment grade credit and Emerging market debt since the carry is attractive in this outcome. Regarding equities, we keep a neutral stance considering the limited upside potential as several uncertainties weigh on the outlook. If risks to the outlook materialise or markets become too complacent, we would stand ready to reduce exposure.

With the upcoming 2023 Turkish presidential election, scheduled to take place on 14 May, we are sharing our views and sentiments on the possible outcomes and their consequences.

Our main scenario incorporates slow growth, both in the US and eurozone, and continues to remain the most likely.

The once-in-a-generation monetary tightening engineered by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) over the past twelve months has produced financial vulnerabilities.

Uncertainties on US and European financials have replaced the better economic growth outlook in investor’s minds. Suddenly, the improvement in activity is now mitigated by financial vulnerabilities and inflation stickiness.

Portfolios managed by Candriam have no exposure to any Credit Suisse security, OTC exposure or stock-lending exposure.

The better outlook on the growth/inflation mix for the year ahead has quickly been incorporated by risky assets, from equities to high yield via credit markets. As the extreme investor pessimism of last October is now in the distant past, we are reducing our overall equity allocation to a more neutral stance.

We have started 2023 with a preference for equities over bonds, as our investment strategy turned more constructive on attractive price levels in October.