UBS CIO Monthly Extended October report
Transcript of UBS CIO Monthly Extended October report
UBS CIO Monthly ExtendedOctober 2012
CIO WM Global Investment Office
CIO monthly videowww.ubs.com/cio-video
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Published 28 September 2012
This report has been prepared by UBS AG. Please see important disclaimers and disclosures at the end of the document. Past performance is no indication of future performance. The market prices provided are closing prices on the respective principal stock exchange. This applies to all performance charts
and tables
in this publication.
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Table of Contents
Section 1 Base slides 3
Section 2 Asset class views 12
2.A Equities 13
2.B Fixed income 23
2.C Foreign exchange 30
2.D NTAC: Commodities, Listed real estate, Hedge funds and Private equity 34
Section 1
Base slides
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Summary
Economy The economic landscape was dominated by central bank action in September. First, the
European Central Bank announced "Outright Monetary Transactions" (OMT) to support
bond spreads of countries that enter an official aid program. Later in the month, the US Fed announced open-ended quantitative easing (QE3) targeting agency mortgage-backed securities. And the Bank of Japan increased its own QE program by Y10tr. While those measures clearly reduce tail risks, the global growth picture remains mixed.
Equities The US remains our most preferred market due to its relatively favorable earnings outlook
and better economic growth prospects. While EM equities have lagged their developed peers year-to-date, we expect the region to be supported by extended global liquidity injections by the world's central banks, and a bottoming out of growth in the region. Canada and Australia are our least favored regions due to falling earnings.
Fixed Income Corporate bonds continue to benefit from healthy balance sheets and low default rates.
Although spreads have tightened towards long-term averages, we continue to see good returns ahead in US high yield and investment grade credit. However, we advise profit taking in emerging market sovereign debt (USD), a long-standing overweight position, as they have now reached fair value. We reiterate our preferred theme on EM corporate bonds, which have lagged the recent rally for its sovereign peers. While we expect government bond rates to increase only gradually over time, we see much better prospects in credit.
Commodities We raise commodities to neutral via closing our energy underweight, as extended monetary stimulus across the globe is likely to continue to push
commodity prices higher
over the coming 6 months. Still, for a sustained rise in commodity prices, the global growth picture likely needs to improve.
Foreign Exchange We closed our preference for USD over EUR on September 12 due to
lower Eurozone tail
risks and another round of QE in the US. In our view, the risks for the two currencies are now more balanced. GBP and CAD remain our preferred currencies, while the JPY remains our least preferred currency, on the back of a weakening Japanese economy and more easing likely from the Bank of Japan.
"Central bank actions to support a moderate pro- risk stance "
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
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Commodities5%
Real Estate5%
Hedge Funds / Private Equity
10%
Equities USA10%
Equities Europe
23% EmMa Equities6%
Equities Other6%
Emerging Markets Bonds
3%
High Yield Bonds
6%
Inv Grade Corporates
Bonds9%
High Grade Bonds
7%
Liquidity10%
Cross-asset preferences
•
CAD •
GBP •
CHF
•
JPY
•
Developed market government bonds
•
US high yield•
Global investment grade credit•
EM corporate bonds•
Event-driven and relative value hedge funds
•
US Housing
Most preferred Least preferred
•
US •
Western winners from EM growth
•
High quality dividend yields•
Event-driven and relative value hedge funds
•
Natural gas growth gainers
•
Canada•
Australia
Recent upgrades Recent downgrades
Equities
Fixed income
Foreign exchange
Commodities
Note: Portfolio weights are for an advisory client with a "EUR moderate" profile. For portfolio weights related to other risk profiles please contact your client advisor.
Portfolio weights
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
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Recommended tactical asset allocation
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Source: UBS CIO WM Global Investment Office – as of 24.09.2012
Tactical asset allocation deviations from benchmark* Currency allocation
* Please note that the bar charts show total portfolio preferences and thus can be interpreted as the recommended deviation from the relevant portfolio benchmark for any given asset class and sub asset class.
The UBS Investment House view is largely reflected in the majority of UBS Discretionary Mandates and forms the basis of UBS Advisory Mandates. Note that the implementation in Discretionary or Advisory Mandates might slightly deviate from the "unconstrained" asset allocation shown above, depending on benchmarks, currency positions and for other implementation considerations.
Cash
Equities total
US
Eurozone
UK
Japan
Switzerland
EM
Other
Bonds total
Government bonds
Corporate bonds (IG)
High yield bonds
EM bonds (USD)
Commodities total
Precious metals
Energy
Base metals
Agricultural
Listed Real Estate
Equ
itie
sB
on
ds
Co
mm
od
itie
s
new old
neutralunderweight overweight
USD
EUR
GBP
JPY
CHF
SEK
NOK
CAD
NZD
AUD
new old
neutralunderweight overweight
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Preferred themes
Government bond alternatives (sourced from government bonds – CIO UW) Developed world government bonds offer a comparatively small cushion against future interest rate hikes and many face increasing credit risk. We expect selected bonds of supranational or national agencies, sub-
national governments, multinational corporates, and covered bonds to outperform government bonds. We recommend switching out of government bonds into these alternatives.
US high yield corporate bonds (sourced from government bonds – CIO UW)
Positive economic growth, robust corporate earnings and healthy balance sheets
provide support to US high yield
corporate bonds. Current
yield spreads of 580 basis points still price in a more dire economic outcome than we expect. Historically, US high yield bonds have delivered similar returns as US equities with lower volatility. We continue to believe that US high yield corporate bonds represent a more favorable risk/return potential than equities and expect mid single digit returns over the next 6 months. Senior loans are exposed to similar positive fundamentals, and offer an attractive, floating rate alternative
to US
High Yield.
US Housing (sourced from government bonds – CIO UW)
There are a range of investment opportunities related to US housing, but their relative performance will vary depending on where we are in the cycle. While recent indicators have generally shown signs of stabilization and overall improvement in the US housing market, the recovery is likely to remain gradual. In this environment, we believe that Agency Mortgage Backed Securities (Agency MBS), and related US Agency Mortgage REITS, are amongst the best investment opportunities. Agency MBS offer a positive spread to government bonds with minimal volatility, have a favorable supply and demand balance, and would likely benefit from any future quantitative easing in the US. US Agency Mortgage REITS are leveraged exposures to the same type of underlying bonds.
The place to be in Hedge Funds Growth
in most developed markets remains muted. In this environment,
less directional hedge fund strategies, such as relative value and event driven, should offer above average returns.
High quality dividend yields (sourced from existing European
and UK equities) High quality companies with geographically diversified business models that pay sustainable dividends offer an attractive income
stream in a low yield world. Historically, dividends have made a substantial contribution to total returns, and we expect this to
remain
the case in the current environment.
Western winners from emerging market growth (sourced from existing equity holdings)
Emerging economies continue to grow faster than developed economies. With little need to deleverage and repair balance sheets, Asian economies are also well positioned to continue to outpace their Western peers in the years ahead. We have identified companies from a variety of sectors in Europe, the US and Japan which have significant exposure to the rapidly growing emerging regions. We believe a diversified portfolio of these companies will reward investors seeking to profit from the robust demand growth in emerging economies.
Natural gas growth gainers Natural gas is a relatively clean source of energy, and we think
it will
benefit from continued substitution for other energy sources over the long term. We have examined the dynamics of the global market and the various components of the gas value chain, and identified the areas we see as the most significant beneficiaries currently. These include producers in Europe and Asia, suppliers of infrastructure, services and related machinery, and Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) in the US, that offer both attractive yields and growth.
EM corporates: a growing asset class (sourced from global government bonds –
CIO UW)
Given our relatively constructive current view on risk, we regard EM corporate debt as more attractive than EM sovereign debt due to its higher overall yield. Over a 6-month horizon, we expect EM corporate bonds to outperform US Treasuries and deliver total returns of close to 5%.
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
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30
35
40
45
50
55
60
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
ManufacturingServicesNo-change line
Key dates1 Oct
US: ISM manufacturing purchasing managers index for September
8 Oct
Eurozone: Eurogroup meeting
18–19 Oct
Eurozone: European CouncilMid/late Oct
China: The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (tentative)
Key questions• What are the prospects for the global economy in 4Q12 and 1Q13?
• When is the European economy likely to return to sustainable economic expansion?
• What are the risks that the US economic recovery will falter in the near term?
• How much room do emerging market policy makers have left for monetary easing?
CIO View (Probability: 70%*) Sluggish expansion •
Global economic activity remained weak in August, with both the
manufacturing and the service PMIs
falling marginally. Global shipping costs also continued to fall, pointing to still subdued global trade activity. In our estimate, global GDP expanded at a year-on-year rate of about 2.7% in August, which is more or less unchanged compared to the previous month. However, we note that the long-standing deceleration in global trade seems to have found a bottom in 1H12. Importantly, further monetary easing measures by major central banks, including in particular the US central bank's decision to increase its MBS purchases, should help to support economic growth in coming months. •
Geographically, the US is relatively strong, with fiscal policy
expected to provide only moderate
headwinds in 2013. The Eurozone is struggling to emerge from recession or stagnation, but is expected to show an improved performance from 4Q12. Catch-up growth in Japan after the 2011 natural disaster is slowing notably, while we think that the economic momentum in China will improve more meaningfully from 4Q12 on the back of past monetary and fiscal stimulus. Emerging market (EM) policy rates have reached the lows of the past easing cycle. Asian central banks still have more room for additional easing measures compared to the rest of EM. •
Overall, we continue to expect a very moderate improvement in global economic activity in coming
months. Global consumer price inflation peaked in summer 2011 and has since fallen gradually. Base effects and rising commodity prices will likely push up global inflation in the next months.
7
Global economic outlook – SummaryGlobal growth expected to be around 3% in 2012 and 2013
Source: Bloomberg, UBS, as of August 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns. *Scenario probabilities are based on qualitative assessment.
For further information please contact CIO economist Dirk Faltin, [email protected] and CIO economist Ricardo Garcia, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Services and manufacturing diverging(Global PMIs, 3-month moving averages)
Positive scenario
(Probability: 10%*) Return to long-term trend
• The Eurozone crisis abates. Financial market conditions recover, mitigating the drag from fiscal
austerity.• Growth in Western Europe turns decisively positive by early 2013 and the US economy grows above
trend. Negative scenario
(Probability: 20%*)
Recession
• There are three key downside risks to the global economy: 1) a significant escalation of the Eurozone
debt crisis, 2) a sharp fiscal contraction in the US, and 3) a sharp deceleration of the Chinese economy. Each of these risks could precipitate a significant downturn of the global economy.
Source: UBS, as of 25 September 2012
In developing the CIO economic forecasts, CIO economists worked in collaboration with economists employed by UBS Investment Research. Forecasts and estimates are current
only as of the date of this publication and may change
without notice.
Real GDP growth in % Inflation in %2011 2012F 2013F 2011 2012F 2013F
Americas US 1.8 2.2 2.3 3.1 2.1 1.7Canada 2.4 2.0 2.3 2.9 2.0 2.3Brazil 2.7 1.6 4.8 6.5 5.3 6.5
Asia/Pacific Japan -0.8 2.3 2.0 -0.3 0.0 0.3Australia 2.1 3.7 3.2 3.4 1.7 2.5China 9.3 7.5 7.8 5.4 2.8 3.6India 6.5 5.5 6.5 8.0 7.5 7.0
Europe Eurozone 1.5 -0.4 0.2 2.7 2.4 1.9 Germany 3.1 0.9 1.1 2.5 1.7 1.5 France 1.7 0.2 0.4 2.1 2.0 1.3 Italy 0.5 -2.4 -0.2 2.9 3.3 2.7 Spain 0.4 -1.6 -1.7 3.1 2.4 2.7UK 0.8 -0.5 0.8 4.5 2.7 2.1Switzerland 1.9 1.1 1.4 0.2 -0.5 1.2Russia 4.3 3.8 3.7 8.5 5.0 6.6
World 3.2 2.7 3.1 3.9 2.9 2.9
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Key financial market driver 1 – Eurozone crisis
CIO View (Probability: 65%*) Austerity and weak growth•
The ECB has announced plans to buy government bonds of countries
submitting to an official aid
program (so-called Outright Monetary Transactions or OMT). This has compressed yields, especially in Italy and Spain. The net effect on growth should be positive, but we think that other issues, such as the uncertainties regarding Greece, will remain dampers in coming months. Economic momentum is still weak and we think that GDP growth will remain more or less flat in 4Q12 and 1Q13. •
There is political pressure on Spain to apply for official financial support (OMT by the ECB and direct
support from the EFSF/ESM). However, the government may hesitate until market pressure rises and/or
clear political benefits are on offer. We think that Italy will have to apply for a similar aid package to Spain. •
OMT bond purchases will focus on maturities of up to three years. Hence, longer yields should stay
elevated as bondholders remain concerned about countries' ability and willingness to implement necessary reforms, and about the de-facto subordination to ECB holdings and official loans, which we
think the ECB's pari-passu promise cannot fully mitigate. The central banking supervision at the ECB is
unlikely to be ready by January 2013, meaning that direct bank recapitalization through the ESM remains unavailable.• We think Greece will not exit the euro in 2012 but will sign a memorandum with a few adjustments by
October, although further delay is possible. We think that Greece's failure to meet targets may trigger a cut-off from funding and a gradual exit by early 2013. Portugal and Ireland should remain on track with their bailout packages, Cyprus will likely get a new package and
Slovenia is likely to ask for help soon.
For further information please contact CIO analyst Thomas Wacker, [email protected] andCIO economist Ricardo Garcia, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Key questions• What do we expect from the economy and ECB policy?
• Can Spain and Italy continue to tap the primary market if they ask for a support program?
• How much more support will Greece receive and will it be able to
stay in the Eurozone?
Positive scenario
(Probability: 15%*) Return to macro stability
• Bond yields are contained as peripheral countries' budgets stay
on track and economic activity recovers
faster than expected. Greece complies with the new austerity plans and market confidence is restored. Negative scenario
(Probability: 20%*)
Major shock
• Major shocks include Spain and Italy being fully cut off from bond markets, i.e. requiring all new
funding through EFSF/ESM/IMF loans, with European rescue funds only able to cover them until the end of 2013; resistance from core countries against the ECB program and further support; a Portuguese default; a Greek euro exit before the end of 2012; or a major external shock.
Purchasing managers indices suggesting small contraction in Q3 similar to in Q2
Source: Bloomberg, UBS, as of September 2012
Yield of Spanish and Italian 10-year bonds over German Bunds (in bps)
Source: UBS, Bloomberg, as of 17 September 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
* Scenario probabilities are based on qualitative assessment.Key datesTBD
Troika report on Greece
4 Oct
ECB press conference8 Oct
Eurogroup
meeting
18–19 Oct
European Council24 Oct
Eurozone composite purchasing managers index
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
03/2011 06/2011 09/2011 12/2011 03/2012 06/2012 09/2012
Italy Spain
253035404550556065
07 08 09 10 11 12Manufacturing Services
Composite No-change line
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CIO View (Probability: 65%*) Sluggish expansion•
The economy stays on a moderate growth path but the unemployment rate comes down only very
gradually with a year-end 2012 forecast of 8.0%. Core personal consumption expenditure (PCE) inflation
stays slightly below or close to the Federal Reserve's target of 2%. UBS forecasts real GDP growth of 1.5%
in 3Q 2012 (consensus: 1.8%) and 1.8% in 4Q 2012 (consensus: 2.1%). The Fed has added considerable stimulus: it extended Operation Twist and its interest rate forward guidance, indicated that it will stay highly accommodative even after the recovery strengthens, launched an open-ended agency mortgage-
backed securities (MBS) purchase program of USD 40bn per month, and shows a strong easing bias tied to the state of the labor market. The Fed actions introduce upside risk to our current growth forecasts.•
In the elections, Republicans will likely lose seats in the House on a net basis but retain a majority; we
expect them to be even with Democrats in the Senate. Obama will likely retain the White House. Such an electoral outcome would prolong the existing gridlock between Republicans and Democrats.•
Against the backdrop of ongoing political gridlock we expect modest fiscal tightening. The government
will likely let unemployment benefits phase out and payroll tax cuts expire, but postpone income tax hikes and "sequestration" spending cuts. Such a fiscal decision would lower the federal deficit by 0.7% of GDP, but the GDP impact would likely be lower as households could buffer the loss in income with lower savings.
9
Key questions• Will the economic outlook deteriorate further? Will the Fed stimulus boost growth?
• How will the election result change fiscal policy deliberations?
• Can politicians find an agreement to avoid a sharp fiscal contraction in early 2013 (i.e. the "fiscal cliff")?
Key dates1 Oct
ISM manufacturing purchasing managers index for September
5 Oct
Nonfarm payrolls and unemployment rate for September24 Oct
FOMC meeting
6 Nov
US presidential and Congressional elections
Moderate US growth to continue into 2013
Source: Thomson Datastream, UBS, as of 11 September 2012
For further information please contact US economist Thomas Berner, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Impact of US fiscal cliff on 2013 GDP
Key financial market driver 2 – US economic outlook
US real GDP and its components, quarter-over-quarter annualized in %
Note: AMT = Alternative Minimum Tax, ACA = Affordable Care Act
Source: CBO, UBS, as of 11 September 2012
* Scenario probabilities are based on qualitative assessment.
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Possible negative effects on 2013 GDP of changes in provisions under current law, in % of UBS estimate of 2013 GDP
Positive scenario
(Probability: 10%*) Strong expansion
• Propelled by expansive monetary policy and a fading Eurozone crisis, growth accelerates persistently
above 3.0%. This leads to higher inflation and the Fed responds by halting QE3 and raising rates sooner.•
The better economic outlook raises the odds of an Obama reelection and makes it harder for
Republicans to gain seats in Congress. Faster-rising tax collection and a Democratic stronghold leads to some tax hikes and limited spending cuts. Fiscal policy tightens
by about 1.2% of GDP in 2013.
Negative scenario (Probability: 25%*) Growth recession
• US fiscal deleveraging and an escalating Eurozone crisis weigh on the cyclical recovery and growth
deteriorates much further. The Fed massively purchases agency MBS and Treasuries under its QE3 program.• The debt limit is reached earlier and the Treasury runs out of money before year-end. Political gridlock
becomes dysfunctional, thus sending the country over the "fiscal cliff," with fiscal policy tightening by
USD 607 billion (3.7% of UBS estimate of 2013 GDP) in 2013. The US credit rating is downgraded.
-12%
-10%-8%
-6%-4%-2%
0%2%
4%6%8%
Q12006
Q12007
Q12008
Q12009
Q12010
Q12011
Q12012
Q12013
Consumption Commercial real estate investmentCapital expenditures Residential investmentInventories Net ExportsGovernment Real GDP (q/q annualized)
UBS CIO forecastsq/q annualized
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1010
Key financial market driver 3 – China growth outlook
CIO View (Probability: 70%*)
Stabilization in economic momentum •
Economic data is still rather subdued on balance. Trade activity remains weak and tardy, and rather
muted political stimulus measures have so far failed to support a meaningful economic turnaround. Infrastructure investment is picking up pace, but this can in our view only offset slower property and recently also weaker manufacturing investment. Against this background,
UBS has lowered its GDP
growth forecasts for 2012 and 2013 to 7.5% and 7.8% from 8% and 8.3%, respectively. •
However, after five months of decline, construction starts reaccelerated in August. Combined with the
potential onset of the peak construction season, this could help to stabilize real estate investment activity
soon. On balance, we expect the economic momentum to improve, possibly leading to a modest sequential recovery in 4Q12.•
We are cautious on the significance of recent large stimulus plans from local governments and the
accelerated approvals of infrastructure projects. These projects often span several years and some of them
are already part of the 12th Five-Year Plan. Funding also remains a key challenge for local governments.
• Political uncertainty should diminish after the 18th
National Congress of the Communist Party of China,
likely to be held in mid to late October, and execution of existing stimulus measures may improve. We believe that top leaders may have reached preliminary agreement on the power transition, which will take place at the 12th
National People’s Congress in March 2013.
• Inflation has bottomed out and the recent pick-up in home prices may limit the scope for further
interest rate cuts by the central bank. However, real interest rates could turn negative again next year. We think a reserve requirement cut is still possible, especially
as a liquidity management tool on weak FX
inflows.
For further information please contact CIO analyst Gary Tsang, [email protected], Glenda Yu, [email protected], Patrick Ho, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Key questions• Why is economic growth weaker than expected and when will it turn around again?
• How significant are the recently announced infrastructure projects?
• What important political events are coming up?
Key dates 1 Oct Manufacturing purchasing managers index (September)11–15 Oct
New bank lending, M2 (September)
18 Oct 3Q12 GDP, fixed asset investment, industrial production (September) Mid/late Oct
The 18th
National Congress of the Communist Party of China (tentative)
Look for further pick-up in infrastructure investment
Source: Bloomberg, UBS, as of 13 September 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
* Scenario probabilities are based on qualitative assessment.
Trimming GDP growth forecasts for China
Source: Bloomberg, UBS, as of 13 September 2012
Positive scenario (Probability: 20%*)
Higher-than-expected growth
• Chinese GDP grows above 7.8% in 2012, which is Bloomberg's latest consensus forecast. This would
probably require more effective fiscal and monetary policy support from the government and possibly also a fast improvement in the Eurozone debt crisis. Negative scenario
(Probability: 10%*)
Hard landing
• Chinese GDP growth below 6%, i.e. a hard landing of the economy. This could be triggered by a global
financial crisis/recession, causing a slump in Chinese exports. Other risks include a sharp decline in Chinese residential property prices (which would slow investment growth), a large-scale default of local government debt, or a surge in inflation that forces the PBoC to
significantly tighten monetary policy.
Section 2
Asset class views
Section 2.A
Asset class views
Equities
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Equities overviewPreferences (6 months)Global equity markets –
Key points
• We keep an overall neutral allocation to equities (see summary on slide 3).
• We keep our preference for
US equities. Resilient company earnings still speak for an overweight
stance. Recently announced monetary easing by the US Federal Reserve should provide additional support for the economy and thereby also the earnings generation by US companies.•
We keep our neutral stance on
Eurozone equities. The European Central Bank's conditional bond-
buying plan has significantly reduced downside risks stemming from the Eurozone debt crisis. Value is attractive, however, due to the recession in several countries the earnings dynamics remains weak.•
We have an
overweight position in EM equities.
Monetary easing as well as fiscal stimulus in key
countries, as well as relatively attractive valuations are supporting factors. Renewed monetary easing by the US central bank speaks for a strengthening of EM currencies relative to the US dollar.•
We keep our negative stance on Canadian equities. Corporate earnings continue to decline,
showing a weak development relative to the global trend. In addition, valuation is not compelling. •
We are
cautious on Australian equities. The recent drop in iron ore prices affects earnings of
Australian mining companies negatively. Overall, realized earnings continue to come down for the Australian market.•
We keep our neutral stance on Swiss equities. Companies show a relatively solid earnings generation.
But valuation looks a bit stretched compared to other developed markets.Note: Preference in hedged terms (excl. currencies)
Global equity sectors – Key points
• We upgrade global Utilities following improved earnings visibility, more attractive valuations and
reduced regulatory risks.
• We reduce our overweight in Consumer Staples after recent outperformance, which has reduced
the sector's relative value. The sector remains less affected by cyclical risks.
• We reiterate our preference for global IT
due to a superior growth outlook and as we have entered
the seasonally strong second half year. With healthy balance sheets and good cash flows, sector valuation is in line with the overall market while we believe it deserves a larger premium.
• We continue to like Healthcare as it offers solid long-term earnings prospects with low volatility and
strong balance sheets. We reiterate our underweight in Telecoms, where we expect ongoing weak revenue growth as well as margin pressure.
• We are negative on Consumer Discretionary
as earnings expectations may be too optimistic. With
leading indicators in major regions still deteriorating, we keep our underweight in Industrials. We have concerns over weak manufacturing momentum leading to increased earnings revisions.
• The earnings outlook for US and Asian Financials is solid. We
are neutral globally on Financials.
While the ECB's OMT program reduces tail risk for Financials, it has limited impact on sector earnings.
Source: UBS
For further information please contact CIO asset class specialists Markus Irngartinger, [email protected], or Carsten Schlufter [email protected].
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Equitiestotal
USA
Canada
EMU
UK
Switzerland
Sweden
Australia
Hong Kong
Japan
Singapore
Global EM
No
rth
Am
eric
aEu
rop
eA
PAC
EM
new old
neutralunderweight overweight
Consumer Discretionary
Consumer Staples
Energy
Financials
Healthcare
Industrials
IT
Materials
Telecom
Utilities
new old
neutral-- ++
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14
US equities Preference: overweight
Recommendations
Tactical (6 months)•
Following recent weak performance, we upgrade Utilities to Neutral. We downgrade Healthcare to underweight as valuation is less attractive.
• We continue to like IT. Product launches support superior earnings growth. Cash rich companies offer solid balance sheets.
• Industrials and Consumer Staples also belong to our preferred US sectors.
• We are still cautious on Telecom, due to the high valuations, as well as Materials, where margins remain under pressure.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
We like medium-sized US companies, which should benefit from robust earnings growth in the long term.
Our sector stance in the US
S&P 500 (26 Sep): 1,433 (last publication: 1,413)
UBS View S&P 500 (6-month target): 1475
• We keep our preference for US equities relative to other developed equity markets. The earnings
generation by US companies continues to remain relatively robust. Modest economic growth enables decent earnings growth by US companies. We forecast 5% earnings growth for the coming 12 months.• The recently announced easing measures by the US central bank (Fed) reduces growth risks, as well as
supports asset markets more directly. Compared to other regions, we see this pro-active monetary policy
reaction function, underlying the Fed's approach, as a clear advantage for the local equity market.•
We expect near term only limited potential for a further re-rating in terms of increases in the price-to-
earnings ratio (P/E) of the S&P 500. US equities have had a strong run in recent weeks and have already re-rated considerably to about 14.0x (on trailing earnings). Still,
a remaining 20% discount compared to
the long-run average should provide a decent cushion for uncertainty related to the looming fiscal cliff.
For further information please contact CIO asset class specialist Markus Irngartinger, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Source: UBS
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Positive scenario
S&P 500 (6-month target): 1,700
• An accelerating US and global economy reduces risks to company earnings.
Investors begin to shift
funds into more cyclical sectors such as Industrials and Materials in light of better growth prospects. In this scenario, we would expect earnings to grow by around 10% in
the next 12 months, and the trailing
P/E multiple to expand to around 16x.
Negative scenario
S&P 500 (6-month target): 1,230
• The US slides into a recession and corporate earnings fall slightly over the coming 12 months. If this
were coupled with an escalation of the Eurozone debt crisis, we would expect the P/E multiple to contract towards 12.5x trailing earnings.
Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
What we're watching Why it matters
Business sentiment The ISM is the key indicator for US manufacturing and services. Key dates: 1 Oct, ISM manufacturing; 3 Oct, ISM non-manufacturing
The Fed Hints on further quantitative easing can influence equities. Key date: 24 Oct, Fed meeting
Labor market Improvement in the labor market would support stronger consumption. Key date: 5 Oct, US labor market report for September
Sectors US
Consumer Discretionary
Consumer Staples
Energy
Financials
Healthcare
Industrials
IT
Materials
Telecom
Utilities
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15
Recommendations
Tactical (6 months)•
We continue to recommend defensive sectors like Consumer Staples and Healthcare. We also like the Energy sector.
•
We are negative on Industrials and Consumer Discretionary as industry indicators continue to signal weakness.
•
We remain cautious on Financials – especially Banks and diversified
Financials. The need for recapitalization remains a major concern.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
We have a preference for stocks paying high-quality dividends.
•
We like companies with high exposure to rapidly growing emerging markets.
Eurozone equities Preference: neutral
Our sector stance in the Eurozone
Euro Stoxx (26 Sep): 247 (last publication: 243)
UBS View Euro Stoxx (6-month target): 252
• We keep our neutral stance on Eurozone equities. The ECB recently provided details on its plan to buy
short-term government debt. While the sovereign debt crisis remains a risk factor (see slide 8), ECB action in conjunction with the introduction of the ESM has significantly reduced downside risks. • Economic performance in the Eurozone clearly lagged other regions in the first three quarters of 2012.
We do not expect this gap to widen further in coming months. Rather than contracting, the Eurozone overall is likely to return to mildly positive growth over the coming quarters.• Still, the weak economic environment with recessions in the southern countries continues to weigh on
corporate earnings. Consensus expectations (bottom up) of about 10% to 15% earnings growth in 2013 is too high, in our view. In contrast, we forecast just about 3–5% earnings growth next year.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialist Markus Irngartinger, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Source: UBS
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Positive scenario
Euro Stoxx (6-month target): 325
• Global economic growth reaccelerates and Eurozone growth shows clear signs of bottoming out,
enabling mid-single-digit earnings growth over the next six months. The trailing P/E ratio could re-rate to
about 14.5x from its current reading of about 11.5x.
Negative scenario
Euro Stoxx (6-month target): 200
• The debt crisis leads to renewed pressure on Spain and Italy. However, downside risks are expected to
be less severe now, after the ECB has put its new bond buying program in place.• Earnings could fall close to 10% from current levels over the coming six months, and the trailing P/E
ratio could drop to a level around 10x over a six months time period. Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
What we're watching Why it matters
Growth indicators Economic growth indicators provide information on the development of a potential Eurozone recession. Key dates: 1 Oct, final PMI manufacturing; 3 Oct, final PMI services Eurozone; 9 Oct, EMU industrial production; 24 Oct, Ifo
business sentiment index, Germany
Policy action Decisions by European politicians and the ECB affect the course of the debt crisis. Key dates: 5 Oct, ECB meeting
Sectors Eurozone
Consumer Discretionary
Consumer Staples
Energy
Financials
Healthcare
Industrials
IT
Materials
Telecom
Utilities
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UK equities Preference: neutral
UK market trades at a P/E discount, based on realized earnings
Recommendations
Tactical (6 months)•
We like the Energy sector in the UK due to its attractive valuations. Renewed monetary easing in the US might lead to liquidity-induced inflows into commodity related sectors.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
As commodity-related sectors, Energy and Materials should benefit from robust demand in emerging markets.
•
The UK market's 4% dividend yield
provides a good income stream.
FTSE 100 (26 Sep): 5,768 (last publication: 5,774)UBS View FTSE 100 (6-month target): 5,875
• We keep our neutral stance on UK equities. While the UK market is attractively valued, we are missing
the trigger to unlock this valuation potential over the coming months. • The earnings dynamics is lagging global equities. Earnings had to be revised down more than in other
countries. The weakness in base metal prices negatively affects the earnings of the Materials sector.• The price-earnings-ratio (P/E) of the UK market, at about 11.1x trailing earnings, indicates attractive
value relative to global equities. This measure implies a discount of about 25% relative to global equities, which is higher than the historical average discount.•
Based on our estimate of about 5% earnings growth over the coming 12 months, we expect UK equities
to advance slightly over the next six months.
For further information please contact CIO asset class specialist Markus Irngartinger, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Source: Thomson Reuters, UBS, as of 24 September 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Positive scenario
FTSE 100 (6-month target): 7,000
• Continued global growth and recovering demand from emerging markets should support demand for
commodities, helping the Energy and Materials sectors to lead the market higher. The market could re- rate to a P/E multiple of 13.0x, and we would expect earnings growth of 5–10% over 12 months.
Negative scenario
FTSE 100 (6-month target): 4,775
• A global recession drags UK earnings down by 15–20% over 12 months. The market's defensive
characteristics would only partly offset its strong exposure to commodity-related sectors. We would expect the trailing P/E multiple to drop towards 10x.
Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
What we're watching
Why it matters
Growth indicators
Commodity prices
Business survey indicators provide information on economic development in the UK. Key date: 1 Oct, PMI manufacturing; 3 Oct, PMI services
Energy and Materials together comprise about 30% of the UK market according to market capitalization. Developments in commodity prices affect earnings estimates.
Policy action Loose monetary policy by the Bank of England supports equities. Key date: 4 Oct, Bank of England policy meeting
6
9
12
15
18
21
24
27
30
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
FTSE 100: realized P/E MSCI World: realized P/E
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SMI (26 Sep): 6,540 (last publication: 6,388)UBS View
SMI (6-month target): 6,680
• We remain neutral on Swiss equities. Swiss companies show relatively robust earnings and are less
affected by the global slowdown in manufacturing activity. Swiss companies are trying to mitigate
concerns about global economic prospects using tight cost controls. This should allow them to maintain operating margins in 2012 above its historical average. •
While the Swiss franc is overvalued, we expect the currency impact to gradually become less of a drag. In
fact, at current exchange rates, Swiss companies' earnings would show some positive currency translation
and margin effects by end-2012, compared to the previous year.•
The P/E ratio of the market has narrowed recently relative to global equities. Overall, we keep our
neutral stance on Swiss equities.
Swiss equities Preference: neutral
Recommendations
Tactical (6 months)•
We favor large over small caps.
•
Within defensives, we favor the sectors Healthcare and Consumer Staples.
•
Among the cyclical companies, we prefer those with a broad emerging markets exposure and/or cheap valuation, including insurers.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
We like stocks paying high and sustainable dividends.
•
We favor leaders in regards to the two key Swiss success factors: innovation and globalization.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialist Stefan Meyer, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Source: Thomson Reuters, UBS, as of 24 September 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Positive scenario
SMI (6-month target): 7,500
• Eurozone economic growth reaccelerates meaningfully, providing relief to Swiss financials as well as
Swiss exporters. Defensive sectors would likely be left behind in a relief rally. In this scenario, we would expect the equity market P/E to re-rate to 15x and earnings to grow by 5% over the next six months.
Negative scenario
SMI (6-month target): 5,600
• The global economy slides into a recession. Despite being less dependent on the economic cycle, Swiss
companies will also feel the slide in global demand. In this scenario, corporate earnings are likely to drop slightly over the next six months and we would expect the P/E to
contract toward 12.0x.
Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
Swiss market relative to world equities
Key corporate announcement dates: 9 Oct, Givaudan; 15 Oct, Kühne+Nagel; 16 Oct, Roche; 18 Oct, Nestlé; 23 Oct, GAM; 25 Oct, ABB, CS Group, Logitech, Novartis & SGS; 30 Oct, Geberit, Oerlikon
and Straumann
Corporate news
Key Swiss monetary policy dates that could impact Swiss equities: 1 Oct, SNB meeting
Monetary and economic policy
Key announcements of domestic economic indicators: 28 Sep & 26 Oct, KOF Swiss leading indicator; 5 Oct, KOF October economic forecast
Economic indicators
Why it matters What we're watching
6
10
14
18
22
26
30
2003 2005 2007 2009 2011
SMI: realized P/E MSCI World: realized P/E
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Japanese equities Preference: neutral
RecommendationsTactical (6 months)•
Japanese value stocks have under-
performed growth stocks by more than 20% for the last four months. We see this as an overreaction to concerns on the slower global economy, and recommend picking some value stocks with high dividend yields.
• We prefer companies that are using cost-
reduction initiatives to maintain price competitiveness during periods of yen strength.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
A weaker USDJPY may drive Japanese companies’
earnings recovery beyond a
technical recovery from natural disasters. Japanese exporters in particular would benefit from such a development.
Japanese realized earnings likely to recover further going forward
Topix (26 Sep): 743 (last publication: 763)
UBS View
Topix (6-month target): 756
• We expect earnings growth of about 25% over the coming 12 months. This high growth rate is
due to
last year's sharp decline caused by two natural disasters. Still, so far the earnings recovery has disappointed. Earnings growth continues slowing, and is expected
to converge towards more normal
single digit growth in 2013.•
In our baseline scenario, we see only limited scope for an additional earnings boost from the local economic recovery. Slowing export markets also curtail the outlook. June quarter earnings results revealed emerging market demand was below expectation and capping the earnings upside.
• The government started implementing its JPY 18trn recovery budget in 4Q 2011; we expect it to boost GDP by 0.5-1.0% in FY2012, and about 0.5% in 2013.
• We expect the TOPIX trailing P/E to drop to around 13.5x from 15.3x over the coming months, mainly due to the earnings recovery; this provides room for only moderate price increases.
For further information please contact CIO asset class specialist Toru Ibayashi, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Source: Thomson Reuters, UBS, as of 26 September 2012Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Positive scenario
Topix (6-month target): 950
• Stronger global demand and stabilizing European markets provide
an additional boost to earnings, and
also lead to improved risk taking. Falling risk aversion is likely to lead to a weaker yen, providing additional upside to earnings. The TOPIX target is based on 16.0x trailing P/E.
Negative scenario
Topix (6-month target): 570
• Faltering global growth leads to weak exports, triggering negative earnings surprises. USDJPY
strengthening to below 75 and potential economic conflicts with China might serve as an additional drag on earnings. We would then expect the P/E ratio to contract to 13.0x and earnings to fall over the coming six months.
Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
What we're watching Why it matters
JPY and exports The exchange rate is an important factor for the Japanese equity market. Japan’s
trade balance could be in deficit and may impact USDJPY rates. Key date: 22 Oct, Japanese trade balance
BoJ’s monetary policy board meeting
If the Bank of Japan makes additional commitments to its asset-purchase program, which is currently JPY 70trn in size, it would lead to a weaker yen, in our view. Key date: 05 Oct, BoJ policy meeting
(5)
5
15
25
35
45
55
65
75
85
95
1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012
Topix: 12m realized earnings per share
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Emerging market equities Preference: overweight
Recommendations
Tactical (6 months)•
The September liquidity announcements by the ECB, the Fed and the Bank of Japan support higher-beta markets, in our view. The tail risks have been lessened for the smaller European emerging equity markets (Turkey, Hungary, Poland), but their equity markets are susceptible to setbacks. Within emerging markets, we have a preference over six months for the large equity markets, Brazil, China and South Korea. We expect an acceleration of growth into 2013 in Brazil and South Korea, and a stabilization in the case of China. We see relatively less upside for more defensive Malaysia. We believe that South Africa and Indonesia are expensive.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
Strategically, we would advise that EM portfolios tilt toward cash-rich and faster-
growing Asia.
Country preferences within emerging markets (relative to MSCI EM)
MSCI EM (26 Sep): 990 (last publication: 969)
UBS View
MSCI EM 6-month target: 1,040
• The measures announced in September by the ECB, the Fed and the
Bank of Japan, imply more, not less,
global liquidity in search of higher yielding emerging market (EM) assets: including EM currencies, EM bonds and EM equities. •
One implication of these policies, we believe, will be to enhance EM equity returns in USD by
supporting EM currencies more broadly against the USD over the next six months. •
In our base case, we see the P/E multiple of the MSCI EM Index staying around the current level of 11x
over the next six months. Over the next 12 months, we expect EM earnings growth of around 11% (in line with consensus).•
Compared to a month ago, the ECB's
new "outright monetary transactions programme," in which it
commits to buy the bonds of compliant Eurozone governments, has also reduced the contagion risks for Central Eastern Europe (Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Russia).
For further information please contact CIO asset class specialist Costa Vayenas, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
What we're watching Why it matters
Emerging market monetary policy
Investors are trying to figure out which emerging market central banks still have
room to ease monetary policy and where rates may be heading up. Inflation data is due for Russia and Turkey (3 Oct), Brazil (5 Oct), China and India
(15 Oct), and South Africa (24 Oct)
Food and oil prices Recent spikes in food prices might increase inflationary pressure in EM, but negative output gaps and lower energy prices should counterbalance this.
Positive scenario
MSCI EM (6-month target): 1,325
• The outlook for the global economy improves, boosting EM's
ability to grow more strongly in 2013.
This stronger economic growth leads to earnings growth of 15%. Investor confidence improves, leading to a better P/E multiple of 14x trailing earnings. If oil prices
rose too, Russia would benefit in this scenario.
Negative scenario
MSCI EM (6-month target): 800
• A significant escalation in the Eurozone, a sharp fiscal contraction in the US, and a rapid deceleration in
Chinese growth could each hit EM's economic prospects. In such a scenario, we would expect a 20%
decline in earnings over six months. More defensive Malaysia would do better, whereas more cyclical South Korea and Russia would underperform. We assume, however, that the market would also be expecting some recovery in earnings for 2014, helping the P/E multiple to recover to 10x trailing earnings.
Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
Current most Current leastpreferred markets preferred marketsBrazil IndonesiaChina MalaysiaSouth Korea South Africa
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Asian equities (ex-Japan) Strategy changes•
With the Fed's implementation of QE3, we expect Asia ex-Japan to gradually trade back up to its 10-year historical average of 12x forward P/E, which is a potential upside of 12% from current levels of 10.6x forward P/E.
• Traditionally more defensive markets like Singapore and Malaysia should underperform. Higher beta markets like South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and China should outperform.
• We therefore downgrade Singapore to Neutral and Malaysia to Least Preferred, and upgrade South Korea to Most Preferred and Taiwan to Neutral.
MSCI Asia ex-Japan (26 Sep): 510 UBS View MSCI Asia ex-Japan (6-month target): 540
• Despite the soft macro data for the Hong Kong and Singapore economies, we see solid earnings, low
interest rates and strong corporate balance sheets supporting their equity markets. We have seen new measures in both economies to cap recent rallies in their housing markets, especially in the smaller units. The solid property market year-to-date should support companies' earnings going forward.• China's sluggish economic growth momentum for August was expected. We may have seen most of the
earnings downgrades after the results season, and a seasonal pick-up in activities and low base of comparison last year could become a positive catalyst for the market. Valuations of MSCI China remain extremely attractive as the market continues to price in a hard landing scenario. In India, the government has failed to break policy deadlock on key economic reforms and consensus GDP forecasts have downside risk, in our view, while Indonesia's economic momentum is on track.•
We expect 10% earnings-per-share growth over 12 months for the MSCI Asia ex-Japan. It trades on
12.4x realized earnings (or 10.6x 12-m forward earnings). We expect a stable earnings multiple in the next
six months. Economic growth should stabilize and earnings downgrades come to an end towards end- 2012.
Positive scenario
MSCI Asia ex-Japan (6-month target): 665
• More supportive monetary and fiscal policy, stable inflation, sustained domestic demand growth, and
an improved global growth outlook lead to a better earnings outlook. In such a scenario, we expect earnings growth of 15% and a trailing P/E of about 15.0x.
Negative scenario
MSCI Asia ex-Japan (6-month target): 395
• A hard landing in China with a global recession leads to negative earnings revisions for 2012. In this
scenario, Asia ex-Japan could trade down to about 10.5x realized earnings.
What we're watching Why it matters
Growth Investors should keep track of the potential rebound in the Hong Kong and
Singapore economies, and when growth will reaccelerate. Key dates: 4 Oct, HK retail sales
Policy responses Some other countries in the region have near-term macroeconomic issues due to fiscal and current account deficits, and hiccups in market and economic reforms. Policy responses often come on an ad-hoc basis.
Country preferences within Asia ex Japan
(relative to MSCI Asia ex Japan)
Current most preferred markets
Current least preferred markets
ChinaKorea
MalaysiaIndonesiaPhilippines
We currently have a neutral view on the remaining equity markets in our Asia ex-
Japan universe, which includes China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines and Singapore.
For further information please contact CIO asset class specialist Patrick Ho, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
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Equity stylesRegional differentiation
• In the US, prefer mid caps to large caps. Moderate economic growth should support their earnings generation.
• In the US, there are opportunities in value names that also show strong growth.
• Within Europe, avoid small caps and instead rotate into large caps.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)
• We expect value strategies to outperform the European market over a multi-year time horizon.
• Mid-cap stocks provide attractive opportunities over the longer term.
UBS View Prefer mid caps in US, large caps in Europe
• We believe medium sized companies (mid caps) will outperform large caps in the US. US economic data
is forecast to stabilize and then show moderate economic growth in the second half of 2012. The greater domestic sales exposure of US mid caps reduces the earnings risk
coming from Europe.
• In Europe, we prefer companies with a large market capitalization (large caps) over ones with a small
one (small caps) in the current very challenging economic environment. Small caps generate more sales in Continental Europe than large caps. Thus, they are more negatively affected by weak domestic demand. Small caps also have a more cyclical earnings exposure than large caps.• Globally, high-quality dividend paying stocks promise to provide a real and stable income stream to
investors in the current low-yield environment. Furthermore, they give exposure to the long-term potential of equity markets while tending to suffer less in declining markets.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialist Christopher Wright, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Source: Thomson Reuters, UBS, as of 31 July 2012
Note: Past performance is no indication for future returns.
Avoid small caps and favor large caps in Europe DJ STOXX small over large and business confidence
Positive scenario
Prefer value, low quality and small caps
• Leading indicators continue to move higher, and risks related to the Eurozone debt crisis subside. In this
case, add deep cyclical value (cheap price/book, price/earnings) regardless of sector, with high beta and
high leverage. In such an environment, small- and mid-cap stocks should also perform well. A dividend
strategy would be too defensive to outperform the market.
Negative scenario
Prefer quality and large caps
• The global economic picture deteriorates markedly. In this case, buy high-quality growth companies and
large caps. Do not look for value opportunities, but be as defensive as possible with your equity exposure. Look to high-quality, dividend-paying stocks for yield.
Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7).
What we're watching Why it matters
Earnings revisions – see
chart
(3-month moving average upgrades vs. downgrades)
Watch for signs of improvement in earnings revisions (aggregated from stock
level). An improved earnings outlook would cause investors to add more risk – influencing our preferences among equity styles.
US and Eurozone PMIs PMIs are important for earnings generation and preferences for value, growth and size. Key dates: 1 Oct, PMI manufacturing Eurozone (final); 1 Oct, US ISM manufacturing
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.55
0.60
0.65
Jul.04 Jul.05 Jul.06 Jul.07 Jul.08 Jul.09 Jul.10 Jul.11 Jul.12
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
DJ Stoxx Europe small over large caps Business sentiment Eurozone (rhs)
Large caps
outperforming
Section 2.B
Asset class views
Fixed income
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USD
EUR (DE)
GBP
JPY
CHF
CAD
AUD
new old
neutralshort duration long duration
Bonds overview
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialists Achim Peijan, [email protected] and Daniela Steinbrink Mattei, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Preferences (6 months)Government bonds –
Key points
• Benchmark government bond yields are extremely volatile torn between recent uncertainties if and
when Spain will apply for external help and the ECB backstop, which significantly reduced the tail risk of a Eurozone breakup. Yields were initially also supported by the German Constitutional Court ruling on the ESM and the pro-Europe Dutch election results. In the US, the open-ended purchases of MBS agency mortgages coupled with the labor market conditionality allowing for more and/or broader asset buying should kick-start the economy. At the same time, the clear shift in focus on
the labor market, rather than
inflation targeting, increases inflation expectations and speaks for steeper yield curves. In sum, these
factors should bring benchmark interest rates back to the slightly higher ranges seen late 2011/early 2012. •
However, a plethora of challenges such as the Troika report on Greece, Spanish local elections and the
possible delayed request for additional external support, along with the US fiscal cliff will add to short- term volatility.
• Overall, we suggest keeping duration close to neutral, as we expect global growth to remain lackluster
and central banks to continue supporting bond markets.
Corporate and emerging market bonds – Key points
• We maintain a preference for investment grade (IG) and US high yield (HY) corporate credit, while we
have decided to reduce our overweight position in emerging market bonds to neutral. This follows a double digit performance year-to-date, which has brought prices towards a fair level.• Investment grade corporate bonds have achieved a total return of more than 7% so far this year, at
remarkably low volatility. The asset class is likely to continue outperforming government bonds in the
coming six months, offering higher liquidity than HY bonds. We see the highest return potential in the lower-rated IG segments (BBB and A).•
US corporate bonds of lower credit quality (HY) remain fundamentally supported by solid balance
sheets and a benign US growth outlook. Given the low risk of default losses, valuations are attractive at an effective yield of ~6%. For US HY, we expect mid single-digit total returns in the next six months. US senior loans are an attractive alternative to traditional fixed income assets.• Emerging market (EM) bonds should continue to benefit from better fundamentals than those of
developed markets over the medium term. However, valuations have now moved towards a fair level for
sovereign bonds (in USD) and we start to take profits on selected sovereign bond issuers. For EM corporate bonds in USD, there is still some potential for spreads to trend lower in the quarters ahead, and we continue to recommend this area as a CIO preferred theme.
Bonds total
Governmentbonds
Investmentgrade
corporatebonds
High yieldbonds
Emergingmarketbonds
new old
neutralunderweight overweight
Source: UBS CIO WM Global Investment Office
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US 10-year (26 Sep): 1.6% (last month: 1.8%)UBS View
US 10-year (6-month forecast): 2.0%
• US 10-year yields corrected from their recent significant rise on uncertainties if and when Spain will apply
for external help. However, as the ECB diminished the tail risks of a euro break up, this reduces the flight to
quality and the risk discount placed on Treasuries which should act as a floor. In addition, the announced open-ended purchases of MBS agency mortgages coupled with the labor market conditionality allowing for more and/or broader asset buying will help to support the floor for US Treasuries.•
Despite the recent decline in yields on increasing debt crisis concerns, the political and economic backstop
provided by the ECB and the Fed should limit the short term downside potential of yields. In addition these actions should boost sentiment and kick-start growth and help yields to return to their slightly higher, previously stable ranges over a six-month horizon. Similarly the focus of the Fed on the labor market rather than inflation targeting will further boost inflation expectations and thus result in a steeper yield curve. •
At the same time, US yields should be capped, as the US economy
continues to be vulnerable to spillover
effects from the Eurozone over the next year. Additionally, structural obstacles from the pending US fiscal consolidation will add to volatility and limit the rise in yields.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialist Daniela Steinbrink Mattei, [email protected] see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
US rates Duration preference: neutral
USD 10-year yields and forecasts
Positive scenario for US bonds
US 10-year (6-month range): 1.4–1.6%
• The combination of anemic growth data and the ongoing European debt crisis continues to weigh on
yields. Implementation risks in the ECB framework remain, given that Italy and Spain have not yet made the necessary application, which will result in spread widening.
At the same time, Greece is likely to
announce a second debt restructuring and leave the Eurozone the next year. •
The labor market fails to recover, increasing the likelihood of even more MBS purchases or alternative
measures, and yields stay low or fall further.
Negative scenario for US bonds
US 10-year (6-month range): 2.1–2.5%
• If the ECB buying of short-dated Spanish and Italian sovereign bonds increases risk appetite, it would
reduce the flight to quality more substantially and this represents an upside risk to our forecasts.• If EU leaders make progress towards more fiscal integration, and US growth recovers with a rapidly
improving labor market, then yields could rise more significantly. Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
What we're watching Why it matters Fed policy The Fed's assessment of the labor market determines its stance on quantitative
easing and is key for yields. Key dates: 23–24 Oct, Fed FOMC meeting
Inflation expectations Current yields reflect low real interest rates, but rather normal inflation expectations. Inflation expectations increased on the back of the latest Fed action, leading to more upside risk for long maturity yields.
US presidential election/ Fiscal cliff & debt ceiling
The US presidential election will guide fiscal spending for the coming years.
Source: Bloomberg, UBS, as of 18 September, 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Recommendations
Tactical (6 months)•
Weak global growth momentum, ongoing bond market support from central banks and the lingering euro crisis are likely to keep yields at extraordinarily low levels for some time. Tactically, we suggest a neutral duration position.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
Yields have significant upside potential over the next couple of years given the extraordinarily low current levels of real interest rates in particular. Thus clients with a longer time horizon should focus on bonds with short and medium maturities.
0%
1%
2%
3%
4%
5%
Sep-09 Sep-10 Sep-11 Sep-12 Sep-13
forecasts US 10Y
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EUR (DE) 10-year (26 Sep): 1.5% (last month: 1.5%)UBS View
EUR (DE) 10-year (6-month forecast): 1.8%
• Bund yields have been volatile over the month. Recent increased
uncertainties if and when Spain will
apply for external help resulted in a renewed flight to safety and thus lower Bund yields. However compared to the lows seen in August, yields are still trading higher. This higher level is supported by the ECB policy shift to act as a lender of last resort by intervening in the secondary markets with unlimited government bonds purchases subject to certain conditions. The positive German Constitutional Court ruling and open-ended conditional Fed stimulus contributed to the initial risk-on mode, providing a cap for short-
term peripheral yields and floor for Bund yields. •
Over a six-month horizon, we expect yields to trend slightly higher, returning to previously higher ranges.
The ECB has provided a very powerful and credible backstop to Eurozone stresses and reduced break-up tail risk. A boost in sentiment speaks for slightly better growth prospects and thus slightly higher yields. • However, growth is still structurally weak, and Spain could delay its application for assistance. Together
with a Greek Eurozone exit within a year, this should result in spread widening and cap Bund yields. The ECB, however, will limit the spread widening, providing a floor to Bund yields as well. •
In the UK, the recent 2Q GDP contraction and failure to achieve
the austerity goals necessary to maintain
their current rating status presents a risk to our base case of a recovery later in the year. •
In Switzerland, yields rose only slightly owing to conflicting economic data. The Swiss National Bank
stressed increased downside risks to the economy in the second half of the year and stands ready to act. With much negative news priced in, we believe Swiss yields will gradually start to normalize.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialist Daniela Steinbrink Mattei, [email protected], Sebastian Vogel, [email protected] or Nina Gotthelf, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
EU 10-year yields and forecasts
European rates Duration preference: neutral
Source: Bloomberg, UBS, as of 18 September, 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Positive scenario for German bonds
10-year Bund yield (6-month range): 1.2–1.5%
• Implementation risks in the ECB framework remain, in particular
the need for Italy and Spain to apply for
aid. At the same time, Greece may announce a second debt restructuring and is likely to leave the Eurozone 2013. The ECB could cut rates.• Further non-standard policy measures by the Fed are supportive for Bunds and
speak for lower yields.
Negative scenario for German bonds
10-year Bund yield (6-month range): 1.8–2.3%
• A moderate Eurozone economic recovery kicks in. Spain and Italy
are ahead on their austerity
commitments without needing ECB support. This reduces safe-haven inflows, driving Bund yields higher. Alternatively, Germany gives additional guarantees and the Eurozone moves towards a transfer union.
Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
What we're watching Why it matters Political risks and fiscal cliff
The US fiscal cliff, Greek negotiations, Spanish local elections and Spain delaying
its application for assistance add to policy uncertainty
Central banks Key dates: 4 Oct, ECB rate decision; 23–24 Oct, Fed FOMC meetingEconomic variables Credit conditions (ECB bank lending survey)
Eurozone yield spreads The level of yield spreads to German bonds influences the level of German Bund yields due to safe-haven flows
Recommendations
Tactical (6 months)•
If the ECB were to intervene with massive amounts in the peripheral bond markets, Bund yields would rise more significantly. But, for the time being, we expect only moderate interventions that do no meaningful harm to Germany's credit quality. We recommend staying neutral on duration tactically.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
Yields have significant upside potential over the next couple of years. Thus clients with a long time horizon should focus on bonds with short and medium maturities.
0%
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Sep-09 Sep-10 Sep-11 Sep-12 Sep-13forecasts UK 10YGermany 10Y Switzerland 10Y
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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
EUR Investment Grade USD Investment Grade
Investment grade corporate bonds Preference: overweight
Current global spread (26 Sep): 173bps (last month: 185bps)
UBS View
Spread target (6-month): 170bps
• Given the recent rally in investment grade (IG) bonds, spread tightening potential is now limited as IG
spreads have approached fair levels, in our view. Still, IG bonds will likely continue to outperform government bonds, offering low volatility and stable income.• We expect IG corporate bonds to achieve a total return of 1–2% over the next six months. Our spread
target of 170bps is based on our outlook for sluggish but positive global growth, ongoing investor appetite for income-generating assets, and expected negative net issuance.• Non-financial corporates: While total yields are at record lows, the
pickup over government bonds and
money market rates is still attractive. Aggressive re-leveraging by companies looks unlikely. Credit quality should remain good and non-financial corporate bonds continue to deliver low, stable income.•
Financial corporates: Due to regulatory challenges, spreads are
expected to remain above past averages.
The ECB's action ("OMT") reduces tail risks for European banks but "bail-in" risks for bond holders persist.
Yield spreads
Source: Bloomberg, UBS, as of 24 Sep 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
For further information please contact CIO’s asset class specialist Philipp Schöttler, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
bps
Recommendations
Tactical (6 months)•
We keep an overweight in IG corporate over government bonds.
• Internationally diversified companies from non-financial sectors offer a low but stable income stream for conservative investors.
• We recommend bonds from the lower IG rating segments (BBB and A) over higher-
rated issuers.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
We prefer corporate over sovereign assets given how much more robust companies are compared to the structural weakness of public finance in many countries.
Positive scenario
Spread target (6-month): 130bps
• Global growth accelerates more forcefully than expected. This could compress spreads closer to pre-
crisis levels. Spreads for Financials are likely to remain elevated due to regulatory challenges. However, in this case, rising benchmark yields would likely lead to slightly negative IG returns over six months.
Negative scenario
Spread target (6-month): 380bps
• Main risks include a sharp slowdown of the US economy (e.g. the
"fiscal cliff"). Also, risks in the
Eurozone persist (e.g. Greek exit, Spain/Italy getting cut off from private funding). Still, we would be unlikely to see spread levels reached in 2009, given companies’
superior balance sheet positions.
European financial issuers would be most at risk. Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
What we're watching Why it matters
Core market yields Developed market sovereign yields are only expected to increase gradually. A
sudden rise and high volatility would hurt IG credit. Key dates: 4 Oct, ECB rate decision; 24 Oct, US Fed rate decision
Corporate fundamentals Robust corporate earnings and low leverage on corporate balance sheets should help prevent defaults. Key dates: 9 Oct, US earnings season begins
New issuance As companies continue to deleverage, net negative supply on the IG market should support higher prices.
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2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
EUR High Yield USD High Yield
High yield corporate bonds Preference: overweight
Spread USD HY (26 Sep): 580bps (last month: 585bps)
UBS View USD HY spread target (6-month): 475bps
• We lower our spread target by 50bps to 475bps based on the considerable change in the macro and risk
environment after the European Central Bank and the US Fed proved their determination to provide strong monetary support. In particular, the Fed's buying of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) is likely to provide further support for the credit universe. Thus, US high yield (HY) bonds continue to offer attractive value although spreads tightened considerably in Q3. We think the recent rally has been justified in light of the favorable default outlook and central bank action.•
The ongoing slow recovery of the US economy, healthy company balance sheets, robust earnings, and
strong investor appetite for yield assets continue to push spreads lower. US HY thus remains our preferred asset class.• Despite the recent uptick in defaults, in the absence of a renewed US recession, we expect the default
rate to remain stable at 3.5% until the end of the year. A heavy load of new issuance so far this year means
that HY companies will be faced with a lower risk of failed refinancing going forward (e.g. in case of an unexpected economic slump).
Yield spreads
Source: Bloomberg, UBS, as of 24 Sep 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
For further information please contact CIO’s asset class specialist Philipp Schöttler, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
bps
RecommendationsTactical (6 months)•
US high yield corporate bonds offer an attractive return outlook and should be overweighted.
• We prefer US over European issuers given the increasing proportion of peripheral and financial issuers in the European HY universe and the poorer economic outlook in Europe.
• Inflows into HY mutual funds have been strong so far in 2012. New issuance was strong in Q3.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
We expect US defaults to remain at below-
average levels for longer. Significant re- leveraging is unlikely in the medium term.
• We believe US high yield corporate bonds will provide good returns both relative to other fixed income and for absolute return-oriented investors.
Positive scenario
USD HY spread target (6-month): 400bps
• Even
in the positive economic scenario, spreads are unlikely to tighten to pre-crisis lows of below 300bps
due to lower liquidity and a generally higher risk premium after the financial crisis. Benchmark yields
would rise, limiting HY returns to around 7%. European HY outperforms the US.
Negative scenario
USD HY spread target (6-month): 1,000bps
• A global recession is the major risk for high yield bonds. Based
on the robust state of the corporate
sector, we would not expect spreads to surpass "usual" recession levels around 1,000bps. Although short-
term spikes are possible due to liquidity suddenly drying up, we expect a quick normalization.
Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
What we're watching Why it matters
Credit quality/
default cycleUS earnings were roughly flat in 2Q compared to 1Q. A modest pickup is expected in 2H.
Balance sheets are backed by high cash levels and low debt ratios. Against this backdrop the default rate will likely remain below its long-term average.
New issuance For now, favorable conditions in the primary market have mainly been used for refinancing. More aggressive issuance activities should be monitored.
Bank lending standards Bank lending provides an important source of funding. US banks relaxed standards further in early 3Q. Key dates: late October, US Fed Senior Loan Officer Survey
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EMBI Global / CEMBI spread (26 September): 304bps / 370bps (last month: 322bps / 383bps)
UBS View
EMBI Global / CEMBI spread target (6-month): 275bps / 290bps
• Based on improving fundamentals and recent central bank action we cut our spread targets from
340bps to 275bps on EM sovereign (EMBI) and from 350bps to 290bps on EM corporate bonds (CEMBI). So, current spread levels of EM sovereign bonds are roughly in line with fundamentals and we close the overweight position taking profits. We think valuations of EM corporate bonds are now more attractive than valuations of EM sovereign bonds. Additionally, the gradual
recovery in EM we expect over coming
quarters should support the performance of EM corporate bonds relative to EM sovereign bonds. Corporate bonds tend to outperform sovereign bonds during periods of accelerating growth.•
However, absolute returns of EM bonds will be lower than in the
past, we think, as the room for
spreads to tighten further has become more limited. We expect total returns of roughly 2% for EM sovereigns and close to 4.5% for EM corporate bonds over the next six months.•
Negative headlines out of the Eurozone or global growth fears might put renewed short-term pressure
on EM bond prices. We think that periods of price weakness offer attractive entry points.
Emerging market bonds Preference: neutral
Source: JP Morgan, UBS, as of 24 September 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialist Michael Bolliger, [email protected] and Kilian Reber, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Recommendations Tactical (6 months)•
EM corporate bonds are particularly attractive due to their favorable valuations, solid fundamentals, and relatively short duration. We advise clients to focus on investment grade bonds in the current environment. We recommend taking profit on selected EM sovereign bonds. Please refer to our EM bond list for issuer-
and bond-specific
guidance.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
EM bonds are attractive for longer-term investors looking for higher yields.
• Local markets in Asia offer interesting opportunities for longer-term investors because of a supportive currency outlook.
Positive scenario
EMBI Global / CEMBI spread target (6-month): 235bps / 230bps
• Yield stability in Europe's core markets and higher-than-expected growth in the US would provide a
favorable backdrop for EM fixed income spreads. In such an environment, issuers of lower credit quality would likely fare better. Average spreads could tighten to below
240bps in such an environment.
Negative scenario
EMBI Global / CEMBI spread target (6-month): 555bps / 750bps
• An environment of renewed escalating risk aversion in Europe, deteriorating EM funding markets,
weakening global growth prospects, and lower commodity prices could impact EM credit negatively. Liquidity in emerging market bonds could dry up and spreads could spike.
Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
EM sovereigns relatively expensive to EM corporatesSpreads of EM bonds over US Treasuries, in bps
What we're watching Why it matters Core market yields The direction of US Treasury and German Bund yields are important for EM fixed
income spreads, especially for USD- and EUR-denominated bonds.
Key date: 4 Oct, European Central Bank meetingCapital flows The European debt crisis may lead to further periods of outflows
and weaker
prices, which could offer attractive entry levels for investors.
Monetary policy cycles Monetary policy easing remains a key topic for local currency bonds. We look for central bank policy announcements in key markets. Key policy rate announcement dates:
3 Oct, Poland; 10 Oct, Brazil; 11 Oct, Indonesia
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EM Sovereigns (USD) EM Corporates (USD)
Section 2.C
Asset class views
Foreign exchange
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Foreign exchange overview
For further information please contact CIO asset class specialist Thomas Flury, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Preferences (6 months)Foreign exchange – Key points
• The ECB's announcement of Outright Monetary Transactions (OMT) has reduced tail risk in the Eurozone considerably, while weak labor market data in the US led to the Federal Reserve announcing a new round of potentially unlimited asset purchases at their 13 September meeting.
• Given that the ECB action was EUR-positive and the Fed action USD-negative, EURUSD has jumped considerably in recent weeks. We believe the risks to the pair are now more balanced, and see a range between EURUSD
1.28–1.32 for the months ahead.
• The CAD
remains supported by better growth dynamics in Canada, QE in the US and rate hike
expectations for the Bank of Canada. Higher short-term rates on CAD bonds than on bonds denominated in USD or EUR also make the currency more attractive
and we recommend an overweight.
• We keep the overweight position in the GBP despite the current asset purchasing program by the Bank of England (BoE). The BoE eased monetary conditions to protect the UK financial market against contagion effects spilling over from the continent. However, we think the GBP remains well supported given the recent rebound in economic data and because investors are seeking liquid alternatives to the EUR, the USD and the JPY and because the bold policy making in the UK continues to impress.
• EURCHF
has traded higher in our 1.20–1.23 range recently and we continue to see it in that range. The
SNB protects the downside, while a strong upside is also limited by a potential flare up in the euro crisis
and reserve unwinding of the SNB at some point. Nevertheless, with a stabilization in the euro crisis the risks are skewed more to the upside currently.
• Sweden and Norway stand out for their lower debt-to-GDP ratios and current account surpluses. Both the SEK
and NOK
have appreciated in recent months on diversification and safe-haven inflows, but
economic data in both countries has become weaker recently. We expect them to trade sideways from here.
• Longer-term debt issues and weak competitiveness of major exporters are
hurting the Japanese
economy and PMIs have disappointed. We therefore think the Bank of Japan and Ministry of Finance will maintain an expansive policy and continue trying to weaken the JPY. We are underweight JPY.
• For commodity currencies, the AUD and NZD continue to trade at the top of their well established ranges. We expect a further rate cut in Australia, given weaker Australian and Chinese data. Don't buy AUD above AUDUSD 1.00. We have a slight preference for the NZD over the AUD.
• Our most preferred emerging market currencies are currently the MXN, ZAR, PLN, KRW and SGD.We expect the CNY
to appreciate 2% against the USD, moving towards 6.20 over the coming 12 months.
Internationally marketable instruments (such as CNH, the offshore version of the Chinese currency traded in Hong Kong) have similar appreciation potential.
Source: UBS CIO WM Global Investment Office
USD
EUR
GBP
JPY
CHF
SEK
NOK
CAD
NZD
AUD
new old
neutralunderweight overweight
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G10 currenciesRecommendationsTactical (6 months)•
We have closed the EURUSD short position and moved neutral on EURUSD.
• We continue to have a preference for the GBP and CAD as they benefit from diversification out of EUR and USD. We keep the short in the JPY and the CHF as both currencies sees limited upside.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
We recommend that investors diversify from large USD and EUR exposures into minor currencies. Structural financing issues weigh on all the major currencies.
• The best diversifiers based on long-term macroeconomic fundamentals are the CAD and the SEK. The AUD, NOK and CHF should only be added at better entry levels. The GBP also remains attractive.
UBS View
See table for current exchange rates and CIO forecasts•
We believe the risks to the EURUSD
currency pair are now more balanced, as tail risks on the European
side have been considerably reduced. • The GBP
trended higher despite stimulus measures by the Bank of England. The main reason is the need
for diversification out of the EUR and USD and decisive UK policy making. We maintain an overweight and expect the recent rebound of economic data to lead the GBP higher.
• The CAD remains our top pick as it continue to have better growth dynamics and benefit from higher bond yields relative to EUR and USD-denominated bonds.
• The SNB has shown that it can defend the CHF floor and with tail risk reduced we initiate an underweight as risk are skewed to the upside and the downside is
capped.
• We expect stronger policy intervention in Japan to weaken the JPY
over the coming months.
Source: Thomson Reuters, UBS, as of 27 September 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Positive scenario
FX targets: EURUSD >1.35 / EURJPY 115
• A stronger-than-expected acceleration of global growth or further European integration would be EURUSD positive, as would an announcement of unlimited QE in the
US. EURUSD should trade above
1.35 in this case. Yen weakness should come as the Bank of Japan intervenes to weakens its currency.
Negative scenario
FX targets: EURUSD <1.25 / EURJPY 90
• The European growth outlook deteriorates further with continued recession in 2013. The euro could rapidly fall below 1.25. A European debt default cascade (possibly triggered by a disorderly Greece euro exit) is a tail risk for the single currency. Risk aversion would lead to an extended USD and JPY rally.
Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
What we're watching Why it matters
Chinese growth We expect Chinese growth to land softly and then recover. Should China
disappoint with a hard landing, then risk-unwinding would support USD and JPY vs. risk-taker currencies. In the base case, a Chinese recovery should support the AUD in the medium term, but a dip below parity is likely in the short term.
European sovereign crisis, ECB policy
With Greek elections out of the way, the main focus lies on Spain and a second potential ECB rate cut. Any improvement in Spain should support the euro; a rate cut would probably hurt it. Key date: 4 Oct, ECB meetings
US growth and Fed policy response
Will the Fed add further QE, possibly even unlimited? How will the presidential elections change political power in Washington? Key dates: 24 Oct, FOMC meeting; 6 Nov, US presidential elections
UBS CIO FX forecasts
For further information please contact CIO asset class specialist Thomas Flury, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
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27.09.2012 3-month 6-month 12-monthAmericasUSDBRL 2.04 1.95 1.90 1.85USDMXN 12.8 12.7 12.5 12.3AsiaUSDCNY 6.30 6.30 6.30 6.20USDINR 53.3 53.0 54.0 55.0USDIDR 9'590 9'400 9'400 9'400USDKRW 1'119 1'100 1'080 1'050USDSGD 1.23 1.21 1.20 1.19EMEAEURPLN 4.15 4.30 4.15 3.90EURHUF 285 290 300 300EURCZK 25.0 26.0 25.0 24.3USDTRY 1.79 1.75 1.75 1.72USDZAR 8.22 8.10 7.90 7.70USDRUB 31.3 33.0 32.0 31.0
EM currenciesRecommendationsTactical (6 months)•
Several EM currencies look attractive at current levels and we advise investors to keep existing holdings for further gains while increasing exposure to our preferred EM currencies (KRW, SGD, MXN, ZAR), using the JPY, USD, and EUR for funding.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
We recommend EM currencies backed by stable fundamentals as a strategy to diversify currency exposure.
• Our favorites include the Chilean peso, Czech koruna, Polish zloty, Chinese renminbi, Korean won, Malaysian ringgit and Singapore dollar.
UBS CIO EM FX forecasts
UBS View
See table for current exchange rates and CIO forecasts
• We think the Fed's announcement of another round of quantitative
easing (QE3) could further support
emerging market currencies in the short term, while the Fed's pledge to keep interest rates low for longer could provide them with further upside potential.•
In the medium term, we maintain a positive view on emerging market currencies, and higher short-term
rates provide a pick-up relative to developed market currencies. We think investors are well-advised to hold EM FX exposure across regions. Lower tail risks in Europe should be especially supportive of the higher-yielding currencies in EMEA and Latin America.•
Long-term investors should diversify into emerging market currencies using USD, EUR, and JPY exposure.
Using these currencies as funding source can lower the volatility for investors as opposed to using only the USD as a funding currency. • We remain cautious on the Hungarian forint and Indian rupee.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialists Michael Bolliger, [email protected] or Teck Leng
Tan, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Source: Bloomberg, UBS, as of 27 September 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Positive scenario
> 6% outperformance of EM FX against G4 currencies over a 6-month horizon
• Macroeconomic data comes in stronger than expected and contagion risks in Europe subside further.
EM exchange rates could appreciate swiftly against G4 currencies (USD, EUR, JPY, GBP).
Negative scenario
> 5% depreciation of EM FX across regions against USD over a 6-month horizon
• Global growth prospects suffer a prolonged deterioration and the European debt crisis intensifies. EM
exchange rates could see a significant, although likely temporary, sell-off across regions. Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
What we're watching Why it matters
Inflation dynamics in EM
Inflation dynamics are important to forecast central bank policy rate
decisions. Monetary easing typically weighs on EM currencies, while rate hikes tend to be supportive. Key policy rate announcement dates:
3 Oct,
Poland; 10 Oct, Brazil; 11 Oct, Indonesia
European sovereign crisis Setbacks in sentiment will likely lead to bouts of EM currency depreciation and elevated volatility across regions, providing attractive entry points for investors.
US growth Growth in the US is key for risk sentiment, growth prospects in EM, and US monetary policy decisions. Positive surprises tend to support EM currencies. Key date: 4 Oct, European Central Bank meeting
Section 2.D
Asset class views
NTAC: Commodities, Listed real estate, Hedge funds and Private equity
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Commodities overview
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialists Dominic Schnider, [email protected] or Giovanni Staunovo, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Preferences (6 months)Commodities – Key points
•
Broadly diversified commodity indices have appreciated a meagre 1% over the last four weeks. The strongest performance contribution came from base and precious metals, up by 8.3% and 6.7%, respectively. Growth supportive communication/actions from the Fed and the ECB, a weaker USD, and Chinese stimulus measures allowed several sectors to perform well.
•
While a third round of quantitative easing is positive for gold in the next few months, ebbing QE news flow at a later stage (6-12 months) might challenge the necessary investment demand inflows to balance the market.
From a portfolio context we furthermore wish to bring risk slightly down and we
thus stay neutral on gold.•
Fundamental news flow for the
energy sector has been less supportive, which explains the
rather poor performance of crude oil in relative and absolute terms. While we still see weak fundamentals for the oil price in 4Q12, a weaker USD due to QE3,
ongoing social turmoil in the
Middle East and North Africa region and the risk that the Iranian topic has the potential to heat up after the US presidential elections are likely to keep the oil price around USD 105/oz in 6 months. Therefore, we change our allocation from underweight to neutral.
•
The rally in base metals echoed a rise in risk appetite
across financial markets rather than a
change in the underlying supply and demand balance. We therefore suggest that investors do not
chase the recent uptrend in base metals on a broad basis. Monetary and fiscal policy has yet to become growth effective. Moreover, the pace of the uptrend should still be set by China, where we only expect growth momentum to accelerate moderately. A lack of growth acceleration in China will leave the sector vulnerable, as the supply side is likely to react positively on the recent price run up.
•
On an aggregated basis agricultural commodities should crawl higher. Although softs prices
should be under pressure, the grains still have room to appreciate by 10% to 20%. Demand rationing for corn and soybeans remains a key topic for us, as it is unlikely to materialize with current prices. Thus, we should see USDA demand estimates revised higher and weigh on inventories. Risk to this view relates to an upward revision in planted acreage in the US.
On the softs side, firm export activity
from Brazil in sugar and coffee should be a burden until the end of October.
•
In an environment where key central banks pledge their commitment to support economic growth, reduce unemployment, or finance government spending needs, commodities are likely to see higher prices on average. We therefore shift our commodity allocation
from
underweight to neutral.
Commoditiestotal
PreciousMetals
Energy
Base Metals
Agricultural
new old
neutralunderweight overweight
Source: UBS CIO WM Global Investment Office
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Precious metals Preference: neutral
RecommendationsTactical (up to 6 months)•
Although it is possible for gold to test its all-time high level in the next three months, we are aware that the metal has already appreciated firmly ahead of the QE3 announcement, which requires an ever growing amount of investment demand to hold the current upward trajectory. We would furthermore prefer to reduce risk and therefore keep our neutral stance on gold.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
To protect investors' portfolios from unorthodox monetary policy measures, holding gold exposure is a viable and attractive strategy. Alternatively, we recommend palladium as well as platinum. Structural supply issues with regard to platinum and a reduction in Russian stock sales of palladium speak in favor of PGM exposure, despite higher volatility.
Gold (25 Sep): USD 1,765/oz (last month: USD 1,672/oz)
UBS View (gold) Gold 6-month target: USD 1,850/oz•
The gold price has appreciated by 4% since the beginning of September with the Fed's open-ended
quantitative easing mainly driving the rally. Expectations of QE3 triggered purchases of nearly 3 million ounces in physically backed gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) since Bernanke's speech at Jackson Hole and we have seen a sharp increase in futures and option positions. •
The Fed's commitment to print money in an attempt to lower unemployment will leave real interest
rates in negative territory and put the USD under pressure. We think it is possible for gold to test or even surpass its all-time high of USD 1,921.2/oz over the next three months, as we believe the inflows into gold, combined with physical bar and coin purchases, are unlikely to ebb in the coming months. •
Securing sufficient investment demand to push prices sharply higher is different from securing the
needed demand over a long period of time, and along these lines we see less support for the price over a 6-month perspective. Secondly, from a portfolio perspective we currently prefer to take some risk off the table instead of on, and we thus maintain our neutral stance on gold.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialists Dominic Schnider, [email protected] or Giovanni Staunovo, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Source: Bloomberg, COT, UBS, as of Sep. 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Investment demand for gold has increased steadilyIn million ounces
Positive scenario
6-month target: USD 2,250/oz
• Unorthodox monetary policy measures by the Fed start to weaken the USD persistently. Moreover, the
risk of a Eurozone breakup intensifies, which triggers a tidal wave of investment demand for gold.
Negative scenario
6-month target: USD 1,450/oz
• A hard landing of China and India or the Fed backing off from the recent monetary policy
announcements would be key drag on the yellow metal. The latter would have the strongest impact.
What we're watching Why it matters
Physical demand/supply Although we have seen weather conditions in India improving and the Indian rupee stabilizing, global jewelry demand is likely to remain extremely weak, which will be visible in the World Gold Council
mid-November release.
We expect mine activity in South Africa to be under pressure until the end of December when ANC elections take place. Hence, we are tracking mining news from South Africa closely, including the aggregated PGM IP numbers.
Investment flow
Monetary policy
In order to see the gold price reaching our target, investment inflows into physically backed ETFs need to continue. To gauge investor interest in gold (sector) a build-up in futures positions is likely to materialize as well.Key dates: 25 Oct, Fed meeting; 4 Oct, ECB meeting
0102030405060708090
100110
Nov-03 Nov-05 Nov-07 Nov-09 Nov-11Net futures positions by non-commercial accountsPhysically backed ETF holdings
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Energy Preference: neutral
RecommendationsTactical (6 months)•
OPEC is in a good position to balance the oil market, which should limit the price weakness. Along with this month's central bank support and with the geopolitical risks remaining we believe that the potential downside for the oil price has decreased and we change our oil recommendation from underweight to neutral.
Strategic (3–5 years)•
We regard the long end of the forward curve in crude oil as mispriced. To satisfy emerging market demand in the long run, prices around USD 90–95/bbl are unlikely to secure the needed investments to keep supply growing adequately. This gives strategically oriented crude oil investors the opportunity to build up some long-
term crude oil exposure over the next three to five years.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialists Dominic Schnider, [email protected] or Giovanni Staunovo, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Chinese crude oil imports declined sharplyIn million barrels per day
Positive scenario Brent 6-month target: USD 140–180/bbl
• Iranian oil exports are subject to a complete embargo, which would drain another 0.5–0.75 mbpd of
global crude oil supply. Alternatively, a military confrontation that affects crude oil supply via the Strait of
Hormuz would be the ultimate supply shock, requiring crude oil to be rationed on a large scale.
Negative scenario
Brent 6-month target: USD 75–80/bbl
• Political tensions lead to a breakup of the Eurozone or intensify the economic contraction. At the same
time, the Fed is not successful in pumping up growth. Supply-wise, a restoration of Iranian exports and no supply cuts by OPEC would push oil inventories firmly up and weaken Brent prices towards USD 80/bbl.
Brent (25 Sep): USD 111/bbl (last month: USD 115/bbl)UBS View (crude oil)
Brent 6-month target: USD 105/bbl
• Crude oil prices (Brent at around USD 110/bbl and WTI at around
USD 90/bbl) have fallen in recent
weeks, moving close to our 6-month price target.•
Global crude oil demand should grow by less than 0.2 mbpd q/q
in 4Q12. These rather poor figures
would be a continuation of weak Chinese import numbers seen for August. Chinese imports declined by 13% y/y
in August. The US oil demand remains weak as well, declining to
the lowest August (18.6 mbpd)
level in 15 years.•
Supply-wise, we see an increase in non-OPEC output and expect an expansion of 0.8-1 mbpd in 4Q12
after rather disappointing 3Q12 figures. With this increase the market should be adequately supplied and allow inventories to build. • Combining the mentioned demand and supply backdrop, crude oil prices are likely to decline in 4Q12.
However, a weaker USD, reduced economic tail risk for Europe, ongoing social turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa region and the risk that the Iranian topic heats up again after the US presidential elections are likely to keep the oil price around USD 105/oz in 6 months. Therefore, we change our allocation from underweight to neutral.
What we're watching Why it matters
Iran tensionsThe biggest risk related to a potential military confrontation is an Israeli air strike on nuclear facilities in Iran. A preemptive strike could easily destabilize the region even further and threaten global crude oil supply.
Supply
Demand
Changes in the US gasoline blending mandate with ethanol (made from corn) might fuel higher crude oil prices as spare capacity increases slides further.US crude oil supply progress (room to grow by 1.3 mbpd from 2011
to 2013) is a
vital offsetting factor to supply outages seen in the MENA region.Most of China's demand growth seems to be related to stock building (strategic and by refineries). If this is true, the import side should come
in on the weak side.
Oil market reports - Key date: 12 Oct, IEA Oil market report Source: Bloomberg, UBS, as of Sep. 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
1.5
2.5
3.5
4.5
5.5
6.5
Jan-04 Jan-06 Jan-08 Jan-10 Jan-12Chinese oil imports 12-month moving average
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RecommendationsTactical (6 months)•
The strong uptick in base metal prices is skating on thin ice, in our view. Real activity has yet to follow and support prices over a
longer time period. 60% of
upside potential on a 6-month horizon is likely to be behind us, making only copper and nickel attractive, with +10% expected return.
Strategic (2 years )•
Although the strongest performance should be visible in zinc and lead, with existing mine capacity expected to peak in 2014/15, the recent price strength makes such an investment unattractive based on timing. Given a structurally solid supply side, investors should avoid aluminum and nickel. A firmer supply side should also limit the upside in copper.
Base metals Preference: neutral
Current (25 Sep) (last month): Copper USD 8,176/mt(7,628);
Nickel
USD 17,930/mt(16,422);
Aluminum USD 2,058/mt(1,890)
UBS View
6-month target: Copper: USD 8,800/mt; Nickel: USD 19,000/mt; Aluminum: USD 2,200/mt
• Base metals have been one of the biggest beneficiaries of the recent risk-on mood of financial markets,
with the DJ UBS base metals index up 8.3% m/m. The cheap valuation of LME prices relative to Chinese prices and from a production-cost standpoint, combined with pessimistic growth expectations, provided ideal ground for unorthodox monetary policy statements to trigger a revaluation.• As China remains the biggest consumer of base metals, we think signs of stronger demand growth for
base metals has to follow in order to keep prices trending higher. Intentions to bring forward investment spending were well received by the market, which suggests that the deceleration in industrial activity should come to an end in late 3Q12. That said, to call for a sharp IP acceleration is still too early.•
Investors aiming to chase the rally should be very selective, as some metal prices may fall back. Our
former top pick – aluminum –
might see supply strengthening after the run-up, which would allow the
market surplus to grow. The same applies to zinc, where mine production of ore and concentrate has been strong and can quickly weaken prices again.•
We are less worried about nickel and copper. In the case of nickel, price strength still has some room
considering lower export activity from Indonesia. For copper, the potential outlook of restocking activity should not be underestimated. Although Chinese import demand for
copper has been solid this year,
partially due to financing deals, potentially higher demand from end consumers could keep import
activity up. With increased interest for real assets, investment demand in copper is likely to gear up as
well.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialists Dominic Schnider, [email protected] or Giovanni Staunovo, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Source: Bloomberg, UBS, as of Sep. 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Positive scenario
• China eases monetary policy aggressively, pushing credit growth
to 20% y/y. In the US the Fed is able to
lift GDP growth via QE3 and the ECB puts an effective backstop to declining industrial activity.
Negative scenario
• Chinese authorities keep GDP growth on a constant deceleration path. A severe escalation of the
Eurozone crisis (room for a break-up) triggers a setback in investment activity – including in Germany.
What we're watching Why it matters
Demand
Since central banks seem to be committed to growth, potential restocking activity
could lift metal prices higher in the short run –
focus on trade flows.
With regards to copper, the investment community is only marginally net long, which leaves room for more long positions to be built up.
SupplyCorporate mining news and especially production developments must be closely followed after the price rally. Indonesia's new export rules and
mining decisions
should have a price-supportive impact on aluminum, nickel and tin.
Economic data/forward curve
Chinese economic data (especially IP and loan growth by financial institutions and the GDP release for 3Q12) Key date: 18 Oct
Global industrial activity has yet to follow higher metal prices
-50%
-30%
-10%
10%
30%
50%
Jan-07 Jan-08 Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan-11 Jan-12
40
45
50
55
60
DJ UBS Indu. Spot Index change 3m/3m (lhs)Global Manufacturing PMI (rhs)
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Agriculture Preference: neutral
Current (25 Sep) (last month): Soybeans, USD 16.14/bu (17.38); Corn, USD 7.43/bu (8.02);
Wheat, USD 8.89/bu (8.68)
UBS View
6-month target: Soybeans: USD 17.0/bu; Corn: USD 9.00/bu; Wheat: USD 9.50/bu
• The latest USDA monthly report turned out to be bearish for grains, with year-end inventories revised
higher for corn and soybeans. Additional pressure for corn came from cheaper Brazilian corn prices, which grabbed export market share from the US. Although Brazilian corn exports can continue to weigh on US corn exports in the very short run, the tight global corn balance remains in place for 2012/13. For soybeans, only the South American crop can mitigate supply tightness –
a topic for the market in
December. Black sea and Australian production remains the focus of the wheat market. Despite being undersupplied by 3% of global wheat demand, sufficient inventories can digest the market deficit. •
The
softs are likely to battle with higher inventories. Sugar and coffee exports from Brazil should
remain strong in the coming months, thereby exerting a certain drag on prices. That said, renewed price weaknesses of 10% and more can be used to build up some longs from a 12-month perspective. The strength seen in cocoa prices is making the risk/reward for the commodity unattractive.•
Aggregating the above points, the risk/reward for being long the entire sector is not a given. We
therefore reiterate our neutral sector stance.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialists Dominic Schnider, [email protected] or Giovanni Staunovo, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Positive scenario Corn 6-month USD 10/bu; Soybeans 6-month USD 19/bu
• With forecasts for a milder El Niño, the yield potential for South American crops is likely to be lower.
Any deterioration in South American supply prospects would require additional demand to be rationed.
Negative scenario Corn 6-month USD 6/bu Soybeans 6-month USD 12.5/bu
• A change of the US ethanol-gasoline blending mandate would be a game changer. Increases in planted
acreage combined with a steep decline in US demand for exports and feed would weigh on prices.
What we're watching Why it matters
USDA WASDE report (monthly)
Revisions in acreage and yield estimates for the US crops remain a topic. Demand
estimates are important, too, as they are key drivers behind inventory levels at the end of the year. Key date: 11 Oct
US grains stock report(quarterly)
We expect the upcoming stock data for grains to be higher than the current estimates for ending stock of 2011/12. Weaker demand and early harvest should add to stock building. Key date: 28 Sep
USDA crop progress (weekly, Monday)
The US grain harvest is likely to be completed earlier than usual; this will exert limited downward pressure due to the strong cuts in production estimates.
COT (weekly, Friday) Investors' net long positions in futures are at high levels, but stable
RecommendationsTactical •
Despite the recent setback in corn prices, risk-seeking investors should still hold on to long positions in corn. Demand rationing is still required to limit the drag on inventories. The expected return target for a long position in corn stands at 15–20%.
Strategic •
Our expected return outlook for grains stands at around –12% over the next 12 months. With grain prices around historical highs, the supply side is highly likely to expand meaningfully in 2013/14 and pressurize prices at a later stage. On the soft side, 3Q12 does not offer the right timing to build up positions.
Source: Bloomberg, UBS, as of Sep. 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Diverging price performance of grains and softsDJ UBS Spot Indices
100
200
300
400
500
600
Jan-09 Jan-10 Jan-11 Jan-12
Grains Softs
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Listed real estate Preference: neutral
RecommendationsTactical (6 months)•
We continue to be neutral as listed real estate is expensive relative to equities. But is on the other hand supported by the low interest rate environment with solid earnings and inflation linked rent generating a stable cash flow.
Strategic (1 to 2 years)•
Real estate is expected to deliver attractive return on investment as valuation levels remain overall fair to supportive. We anticipate gradually higher payout ratios coupled with portfolio optimizations and ongoing cost-cutting. A weak economy limits future rental growth, but income is mostly protected from inflation.
Positive scenario UBS Global Index DTR (6-month target): 1,650
• Positive economic surprises in the US and Europe continue to successfully inflate investors' preference for
risk after recent deterioration, supported by monetary easing in the US, Europe and China. Also future
rental income growth expectation improves a little as refinancing costs remain low. •
Negative scenario UBS Global Index DTR (6-month target): 1,300
• US, European and Chinese growth rates disappoint investor expectations and cause the comparatively
high valuation levels in the US to partially correct, in turn significantly affecting global real estate. Furthermore, a more severe recession in Europe triggers a tightening of credit standards, making listed real estate more dependent than ever on bank financing at a time when
credit markets are already fragile. In
this environment, real estate may underperform global equities. Note: Scenarios
refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialist Thomas Veraguth, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Source: UBS, as of 17 September 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
* This is our relative preference within the global real estate sector based on UBS Global Real Estate Index domestic total return, which is not the overall sector view
UBS Global Index DTR (17 Sep): 1,500 (last month: 1,452)UBS View UBS Global Index DTR (6-month target): 1,600• Listed real estate has been one of the best performing asset classes year to date as valuations have gone
from being relatively cheap to fairly valued. As we have reduced tail risks in Europe and the US Fed has
extended its forward rate guidance this supports listed real estate. Listed real estate companies have been able to refinance their debt at lower yields and extend the duration boding well for continued profitability. Earnings yields over five-year swap rates are currently attractive due to low interest rates. •
Low to decent supply of commercial surfaces across the globe has led vacancy rates to gradually decline,
and low capitalization rates in core markets support capital values. Also, rental yields remain attractive compared to high grade bond yields. However, we see further capital appreciation as limited. The overall low interest rate and low growth environment means that listed real estate can still moderately perform.• Asia remains the positive performance generator, driven by very
low interest rates. Monetary easing by
the European Central Bank will continue to stabilize Europe, helping to offset poor performance in weaker countries. Japan's market fundamentals remain comparatively weak. We upgrade North America to neutral due to supportive Fed policy and also move Europe to neutral based on the backup of the ECB. Overall we maintain a relative preference for Asia ex Japan.
Preference (6 months)Our market preferences for listed real estate*
What we're watching Why it matters Capitalization rates and rental yields
We do not expect capitalization rates to decrease much from now. Rental yields have already been pushed down by decreasing bond yields; we see diminishing but still positive support from the interest curve, which has already flattened.
Transaction volumes and future rental growth in direct markets
Global commercial real estate transaction volumes are down year-on-year due to a lack of product in core markets and constraints in debt financing. Rental growth is subdued in the US or slightly negative for office surfaces (JP, HK).
Credit markets and financing costs
Lending conditions are still challenging for developers and private investors. Well financed public companies by contrast have a good access to credit and capital.
Australia
Singapore
Hong Kong
Japan
UK
Continental Europe
North America
Old New
-- ++neutral- +
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Hedge fundsRecommendationsStrategic (1 to 2 years)•
Recommendation: Active risk management is instrumental for capital preservation during adverse market conditions. At the moment, we therefore favor relative-value and event-driven strategies, since they are less correlated to equity markets and other risky assets than trading.
• Value proposition: Hedge funds should achieve robust performance over an extended horizon, while displaying limited volatility vis-à-vis equities and other risky assets. Hedge funds try to minimize downside losses in adverse market conditions (e.g. active risk management), which plays a crucial role in wealth appreciation. Similarly, hedge fund managers attempt to capture most of the upside of risky assets owning to valid value preposition.
UBS View Prefer Relative-value and Event-driven
• We expect hedge funds (HF) to offer positive asymmetric return characteristics due to active risk
management and stop-loss strategies. On the active risk side of the equation, we have seen lower gross exposure and net-market exposure within the overall hedge funds group, with traders being cautiously positioned. With systemic risk at bay, relative-value (RV ) and event-driven (ED) are favored. • The inherent hedging in relative-value is appealing. Credit relative-value managers should perform well
in this environment of higher fixed income volatility and increasing pricing anomalies created by central bank interventions and limited competition.•
While ED managers share some of the performance drivers, idiosyncratic bets reduce the correlation to
markets. The real reason to own this strategy, however, is the potential for outsized returns in distressed, high yield, and other credit investments as the Eurozone crisis plays out.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialist Cesare Valeggia, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Source: HFRI, UBS, as of 31 July 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Performance, year-to-date
Positive scenario Prefer Equity long-short
• Reduced uncertainty (e.g. resolution in Europe) lowers equities' correlation and volatility. This helps
bottom-up fundamental analysis and equity long/short managers the most. Also, CEOs will likely make
more corporate transactions that can be monetized by event-driven managers, and a clearer macroeconomic environment with more persistent trends would support CTA managers.
Negative scenario
Prefer Trading (Global Macro + CTA)
• So far this year, the market has remained plagued by short-term reversal, due to central banks'
intervention and stimulus effects, an obstacle for trend-following managers. Still, if the European deleveraging (or fiscal cliff, China hard landing) is unmanaged,
this could threaten risky assets. Trading
can do well if such a scenario unfolds. Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7).
What we're watching
Why it matters
Global equity direction/ economic cycle
The outlook for global equities is an important HF performance driver. The economic cycle impacts the strategies differently.
Correlation Correlation is an important performance/alpha driver for equity long/short, the largest HF strategy by assets under management.
Leverage Gross and net leverage are key to monitoring risk.
Volatility The direction influences certain HF strategies (e.g. convertible arbitrage).
Liquidity Particularly for large HF that are less nimble, to enter and exit their strategies.Regulation Volcker rule, USCITS III/IV
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Private equityRecommendationsStrategic (1 to 2 years)•
We prefer small-/mid-cap buyouts in
North America given the better economic outlook vs. Europe, higher transaction
certainty and more attractive entry prices. •
Investors looking for downside protection during economic uncertainty can consider large-cap buyouts in the US, which offer exposure to large, diversified companies at more attractive prices and ar
e
supported by liquid debt markets.•
In Europe, the crisis and ongoing deleveraging have led to attractive
opportunities for special situations. We
thus recommend investing in distressed
debt to benefit from the macroeconomic adjustment process and selling pressure
for many European banks. •
We advise investors make an ongoing allocation to private equity in emerging markets, which offers an attractive way to capture superior long-term growth and
gain access to small-/mid-cap companies
unavailable on the stock market.
For further information please contact CIO's asset class specialist Stefan Brägger, [email protected]
Please see important disclaimer and disclosures at the end of the document.
Note: We emphasize the equal importance of fund manager selection and the commitment strategy. Please note that private equity is an illiquid asset class and must be held at least until the end of the fund (10+ years).
Please note that UBS might not have a product available which reflects our UBS CIO private equity recommendations. Private equity is only suitable for qualified investors (> USD 5m investable
assets).
Positive scenario Prefer small-/mid-cap buyout and secondaries
• An abating Eurozone debt crisis and improved business confidence
would increase deal flow and exit
opportunities for private equity managers, but would also increase entry prices. In such a positive scenario, we would perceive commitment strategies to secondary funds as attractive for building exposure to an invested private equity portfolio.
Negative scenario
Prefer distressed debt
• A renewed escalation of the debt crisis would significantly impact deal activity, the availability of debt
and company owners' willingness to sell. At the same time, it would offer attractive opportunities within distressed strategies and lower entry prices for long-term private equity investors.
Note: Scenarios refer to global economic scenarios (see slide 7)
Prefer small-/mid-cap buyouts
in US/emerging
markets;
UBS View
distressed debt
in Europe
• The US remains the most active region globally for private equity (PE), with over 370 deals worth USD
34bn in Q2 2012, a +50% increase vs. Q1 and only slightly down (–15%) compared with the same period last year. In contrast, activity in Europe remains sluggish (–45% y/y) and is likely to remain subdued. • New PE transactions have become cheaper in the US, correcting by 8% in 1H 2012 versus last year. In
Europe, prices have not yet come down despite the Eurozone crisis, and remain above the US. However, prices in both markets remain above the low levels seen during 2002–2004 as dry powder remains high. •
We prefer buyout strategies in North America, given reasonable valuations, liquid debt markets and our
house view of economic outperformance vs. Europe. Emerging markets offer compelling opportunities for PE investors, especially outside the main hubs (China, Brazil), which have become expensive.
Source: S&P, UBS, as of September 2012
Note: Past performance is not an indication of future returns.
Entry prices in the US have adjusted and are below Europe despite the Eurozone crisis
What we're watching Why it matters Credit markets In H1 2012, leveraged loan issuance, an important ingredient of PE activity,
dropped 17% y/y in the US, but over 41% in Europe. The US debt market is much deeper than Europe's, raising over EUR 153bn of leveraged debt, while Europe achieved only EUR 16bn in 1H12 at less attractive conditions.
Secondary loan prices Prices for leveraged loans in the secondary market, a good reflector of market sentiment, have improved from the lows seen in September 2011. Average bids were 87.7 (12.3% discount) in Europe in June 2012, and 93.9
(6.1%) in the
US.
Purchasing prices (Enterprise value/EBITDA)
In H1 2012, buyouts in the US occurred at 8.1x, down from 8.8x seen in 2011. Prices in Europe were at 9.1x in the first half of 2012, +3% vs.
last year.
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 1H12
EV/E
BITD
A
Europe US
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Contact list
UBS WM Global Chief Investment OfficerAlexander [email protected]
UBS WM Head of InvestmentMark [email protected]
UBS WM Global Investment Office
Themes / UHNWSimon [email protected]
Kiran [email protected]
James [email protected]
Christopher [email protected]
Asset Allocation AdvisoryMark [email protected]
Karsten [email protected]
Achim [email protected]
Philipp Schö[email protected]
Asset Allocation DiscretionaryMads [email protected]
Christophe de [email protected]
Walter [email protected]
Markus Irngartinger, [email protected]
Oliver [email protected]
Matthias [email protected]
Regional CIO SwitzerlandDaniel [email protected]
Regional CIO Asia-Pacific (South)Kelvin [email protected]
Regional CIO Asia-PacificYonghao [email protected]
Regional CIO Emerging MarketsJorge [email protected]
UBS WM Regional Chief Investment Officers (CIO)
Regional CIO EuropeAndreas Hö[email protected]
Alternative InvestmentsAndrew [email protected]
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DisclaimerUBS CIO WM Research is published by Wealth Management & Swiss Bank and Wealth Management Americas, Business Divisions of UBS AG (UBS) or an affiliate thereof. In certain countries UBS AG is referred to as UBS SA. This publication is for your information only and is not intended as an offer, or a solicitation of an offer, to buy or sell any
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UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG.Version 05/2012.
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