Franklin Templeton’s Notes from the Trading Desk offers a weekly overview of what our professional traders and analysts are watching in the markets. The European desk is manned by eight professionals based in Edinburgh, Scotland, with an average of 15 years of experience whose job it is to monitor the markets around the world. Their views are theirs alone and are not intended to be construed as investment advice.
The Digest
Last week saw equity markets lurch from one headline to the next, as investors tried to understand the fallout from the bleak news from Ukraine. Markets plunged on Thursday morning in the wake of Russia’s invasion, only to bounce back towards the end of the week. The situation for markets remains incredibly fluid with sentiment brittle. On the week, the MSCI World Index was down 0.1%, the S&P 500 Index up 0.8%, the STOXX Europe 600 down 1.6% and the MSCI Asia Pacific Index down 3.8%.
Market Turmoil Following Russian’s Invasion of Ukraine
Thursday saw equity markets gap lower, suggesting Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Thursday was not priced into markets, although a late rally in the United States saw markets recover losses. Whilst it was well known that Russian troops were massed on the Ukrainian border, it seems most did not expect Russian President Vladimir Putin to launch such an assault. On the day, European equities slumped 3.3% and the Russian market saw its largest decline on record, a fall of 33%. This is the fifth-worst stock market performance globally on record (BBG).
In contrast, the US market rallied in the last hours of the session, to end the day up 1.5%. Notably, the Nasdaq had its largest intraday swing since 1971, also closing higher.
Energy prices saw sharp gains, with brent crude oil up 4.7% to US$97.93 (hitting U$105.79 last week), West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil up 1.5% to US$91.59, and the Dutch Gas 1m forward up 23.3% (it was up as much as 59%).
Friday saw European equities recover ground, catching up with the rally in the United States. Reasons cited for the bounce were an easing of commodity prices from the highs, some reassuring words from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the sanctions announced by the West which did not initially include SWIFT. With that, the moves for European equities on the week were not as extreme as one would have expected, and US equities even ended the week in positive territory. Russian equities bounced 20% on Friday.
Despite the positive end to the week for markets, developments over the weekend have progressed quickly and the West announced stricter, more far-reaching sanctions on Russia and Russian assets. Notably, a “select” number of Russian banks will be removed from the SWIFT international payments system to “ensure that these banks are disconnected from the international financial system and harm their ability to operate globally”. Details are still to be confirmed. In addition, it is clear there is a broader move to reduce exposure to Russian assets, with BP announcing plans to exit the Rosneft partnership and the Norges Sovereign wealth fund stating it will divest its Russian assets following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In that context, markets are weaker today, with European equities weakening and the Russian local market (MOEX) suspended. The FX market is open, and the ruble is down sharply, hitting a record low against the US dollar. The Russian central bank has also announced an interest-rate hike from 9.5% to 20%. Unsurprisingly, European defence names such as BAE Systems are soaring as European countries vow to ramp up spending.
With so much noise out there, we think it is important to try and take a step back and assess the economic implications of this crisis.
The inflationary pressures are clear, with commodity prices soaring. Russian gas exports are important to Europe. It is well known that the pain from the gas price moves (+50% on Thursday) is significant, particularly for Germany and Italy. The Italian government has said it is reviewing options, including reopening shuttered coal plants. In Germany, the government is reported to be considering delaying the phasing out of nuclear power, which is quite remarkable, given the Green party is in the government coalition.
On the agricultural side, it’s worth remembering that Russia and Ukraine account for approximately 29% of global wheat exports and about 18% of all corn exports. Fighting has been seen in the Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea coast, which are crucial chokepoints for the country’s grain exports. Wheat and corn prices rose to multi-year highs. Furthermore, fertilizer prices have also rallied, as Russia was the world’s largest exporter of nitrogen products as recently as last year.
In light of recent events, some economists are raising their inflation forecasts.
Credit markets are also a key consideration as uncertainty sees the cost of financing rise. European credit spreads widened on Thursday of last week, and highly levered companies will likely be in focus. ECB President Christine Lagarde said the central bank will do what is needed to ensure price and financial stability, and reiterated that liquidity will be available. In addition, with more extreme sanctions on Russian finances, central banks will be alert to financial systemic contagion.
Central bank reaction will be key for investor sentiment. There are already signs the ECB will slow the pace of any tightening, with ECB member Robert Holzmann saying that the Ukraine conflict may delay the end of the ECB’s stimulus effort (March), in a sign that policy could take an unexpected dovish turn. With that, markets see a reduced chance of an ECB rate hike by year end.
The Week in Review
United States
US equities showed some relative resilience last week to close higher overall on a holiday-shortened week. The focus was firmly on events in Ukraine and subsequent economic sanctions Russia faced from the United States and others. Whilst Russia’s military advance in Ukraine drove broad risk-off moves, US stocks seemed to benefit from their geographical distance from the conflict as stock markets experienced a firm bounce on Friday.
With regards to the Fed’s reaction, the probability of a 50 basis point (bps) hike in March appears to have fallen, given the more moderate recent commentary from a range of Fed speakers. However, the expected number of hikes for 2022 appears unchanged, as higher commodity prices continue to drive inflation concerns. Also, Fed Governor Waller said last week that he still supports a 50 bps hike in March and 100 bps worth of hikes in the first half of 2022 if inflation data warranted it. That now means there are three voters (Waller, Bullard and Bowman) who are now publicly open to a 50 bps hike in March. With many continuously moving parts, this does set the Federal Open Market Committee up for an interesting debate.
There was a clear defensive skew to US stock market performance last week. Health care, real estate investment trusts (REITs), utilities and communication services stocks closed higher, while consumer discretionary, consumer staples and financials finished lower on the week. Energy stocks were higher helped by the move in WTI prices. The sector is now up more than 20% year to date in the United States. . Despite the focus being on macro-driven events last week, it remains busy on the earnings front too. With the majority of S&P 500 companies having reported, earnings are surpassing estimates, and fourth-quarter estimates have also risen.
Asia
Asian equities closed last week broadly lower following the rise in geopolitical tensions. The MSCI Asia Pacific closed the week down as investors debated whether Russia’s invasion of Ukraine would be an isolated event or would have broader, global read-through. The Hang Seng was the notable laggard in the region, but Taiwanese stocks were also weaker with reports Taiwan had detected nine Chinese military aircraft in its southwestern air defence identification zone. Chinese equities were helped by reports that the central bank’s monetary policy adjustments in March are likely to be looser than expected. The China Securities Journal reported that the central bank may further lower the benchmark Loan Prime Rate in March if credit expansion falls short of expectations.
Week Ahead
Clearly, all the focus is on the situation surrounding Russia/Ukraine. The first talks between Russia and Ukraine today will be a focus. In addition, details of the sanctions against the Russian financial system will be key. Aside from that, US President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address will be closely watched, as will Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s senate banking committee appearance.
In terms of macro data, of note we get Purchasing Management Index data (PMIs), eurozone Inflation data and the US February employment report.
Monday 28 February:
- Spain Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Tuesday 1 March:
- Italy HICP Inflation & New Car Registrations
- Germany HICP Inflation
- US Construction spending & Manufacturing ISM
Wednesday 2 March:
- Germany Unemployment Change
- Eurozone CPI Estimate
- US Beige Book
Thursday 3 March:
- Eurozone Producer Price Index
- US Factory orders & Nonmanufacturing ISM
Friday 4 March:
- Germany Trade & CA Balance
- Italy gross domestic product
- Eurozone Retail Sales
- US February Nonfarm Payrolls & Unemployment Rate
Franklin Templeton Key risks & Disclaimers:
What Are the Risks?
All investments involve risks, including the possible loss of principal. The value of investments can go down as well as up, and investors may not get back the full amount invested. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. Bond prices generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. Thus, as prices of bonds in an investment portfolio adjust to a rise in interest rates, the value of the portfolio may decline. Investments in foreign securities involve special risks including currency fluctuations, economic instability and political developments. Investments in developing markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors, in addition to those associated with their relatively small size and lesser liquidity.
Any companies and/or case studies referenced herein are used solely for illustrative purposes; any investment may or may not be currently held by any portfolio advised by Franklin Templeton. The information provided is not a recommendation or individual investment advice for any particular security, strategy, or investment product and is not an indication of the trading intent of any Franklin Templeton managed portfolio.
Past performance is not an indicator or guarantee of future performance. There is no assurance that any estimate, forecast or projection will be realised.
This article reflects the analysis and opinions of Franklin Templeton’s European Trading Desk as of 28 February 2022, and may vary from the analysis and opinions of other investment teams, platforms, portfolio managers or strategies at Franklin Templeton. Because market and economic conditions are often subject to rapid change, the analysis and opinions provided may change without notice. An assessment of a particular country, market, region, security, investment or strategy is not intended as an investment recommendation, nor does it constitute investment advice. Statements of fact are from sources considered reliable, but no representation or warranty is made as to their completeness or accuracy. This article does not provide a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any country, region, market, industry or security. Nothing in this document may be relied upon as investment advice or an investment recommendation. The companies named herein are used solely for illustrative purposes; any investment may or may not be currently held by any portfolio advised by Franklin Templeton. Data from third-party sources may have been used in the preparation of this material and Franklin Templeton (“FT”) has not independently verified, validated or audited such data. FT accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss arising from use of this information and reliance upon the comments, opinions and analyses in the material is at the sole discretion of the user. Products, services and information may not be available in all jurisdictions and are offered by FT affiliates and/or their distributors as local laws and regulations permit. Please consult your own professional adviser for further information on availability of products and services in your jurisdiction.
Issued by Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited (FTIML) Registered office: Cannon Place, 78 Cannon Street, London EC4N 6HL. FTIML is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
MeDirect Disclaimers:
This information has been accurately reproduced, as received from Franklin Templeton Investment Management Limited (FTIML). No information has been omitted which would render the reproduced information inaccurate or misleading. This information is being distributed by MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc to its customers. The information contained in this document is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or other professional advice nor does it commit MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc to any obligation whatsoever. The information available in this document is not intended to be a suggestion, recommendation or solicitation to buy, hold or sell, any securities and is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness.
The financial instruments discussed in the document may not be suitable for all investors and investors must make their own informed decisions and seek their own advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in financial instruments or implementing strategies discussed herein.
If you invest in this product you may lose some or all of the money you invest. The value of your investment may go down as well as up. A commission or sales fee may be charged at the time of the initial purchase for an investment. Any income you get from this investment may go down as well as up. This product may be affected by changes in currency exchange rate movements thereby affecting your investment return therefrom. The performance figures quoted refer to the past and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance or a reliable guide to future performance. Any decision to invest in a mutual fund should always be based upon the details contained in the Prospectus and Key Investor Information Document (KIID), which may be obtained from MeDirect Bank (Malta) plc.