Picture your Future. Save for it by earning 1.5% on a 1-year Term Deposit Account! Learn more.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Franklin Templeton


Franklin Templeton’s Notes from the Trading Desk offers a weekly overview of what their 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.

Equity markets drifted lower last week as investors focused on further disappointing macro data from both the United States and Europe.
In addition, nerves around the Brexit situation weighed on sentiment as the October 31 deadline looms large. It was a quieter week in Asia,
with China closed for most of the week.

The Digest

Macro Meltdown?

Weak global macro was a major theme once again last week. A slowdown in global purchasing manager index (PMI) data was one of several disappointments.

The German composite PMI figure fell into contraction for the first time in six years, adding weight to recession fears for the powerhouse.

Eurozone inflation slid further below the European Central Bank’s (ECB) 2% target, coming in at 0.9% for September, its lowest monthly rate in three years.
Factory activity also slumped at its fastest pace since 2012.

Early this week, we’ve seen additional weak data from Germany: month-on-month factory order figures have dropped further than expected.

In the light of the disappointing German data, we’ve seen further pressure on German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government to provide fiscal stimulus.

Merkel has publicly said that her government will stick by its “balanced budget” policy, but reports last week suggested that a number of measures have already been drafted
as part of a two-phase plan. Pressure further increased last week as two prominent German economic institutes cut 2019 and 2020 gross domestic product growth forecasts.

Looking at last week’s data from the United States, the discussion over whether a recession is approaching has increased as it felt like the global slump was finally seeping into the
US economy. However, not all the signals from the United States are recessionary. The unemployment rate for September (unveiled on Friday) was at a 50-year low, and initial jobless
claims, often an early barometer for recessionary risk, remain benign.

Market Reaction

Weaker macro weighed on sentiment, particularly on Wednesday
as equity markets in Europe and the United States fell. It looked as though the equity market was finally registering some of the concerns about global growth that have been reflected
in the bond market for some time.

However, towards the end of Thursday there was a “bad news is good news” feel for the United States. The S&P 500 Index managed to reverse early losses on Thursday to close the
day in positive territory.

The latest market data (based on Fed funds futures) saw the probability of a further US interest rate cut in October rise to 80%, up from just 40% at the start of week, pleasing
dovish investors.

There also seems to have been a reluctance among investors to continue to sell equities ahead of Friday’s September employment report. In the end, the non-farm payroll figure
disappointed, but not nearly as much as some had feared.

Given this backdrop, European equities underperformed. However, there were other forces at play around Thursday’s selloff, including a move from the World Trade Organization (WTO)
to allow the United States to impose tariffs on European Union products, beginning on October 18.

A desire to lock in some profits at the start of the fourth quarter likely also drove the stark selloff.

The first three quarters of the year were the best for equity markets since 1997. Given the dire performance seen in the fourth quarter of 2018, investors who have already seen
their portfolios perform reasonably year-to-date may be unwilling to risk undoing any of that performance at this stage, leading to a lack of real buying.

The UK stood out, with the FTSE 100 Index selloff the worst in percentage terms since the day following the EU referendum in 2016.

Brexit Enters the End Game (Again)

Ahead of the October 31 deadline for the United Kingdom’s EU departure, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivered his much-anticipated amendments to the Withdrawal Agreement to EU leaders.

The main focus was on the proposed alternative arrangements around to the Irish/Northern Irish border which removes the contentious so-called “backstop”.

Interestingly, Johnson finds himself in the opposite position to his predecessor Theresa May: his deal has the potential to gain the backing of Parliament, but apparently not from the
approval of the EU.

Importantly, UK Government lawyers stated on Friday afternoon that they will comply with the so-called Benn Act which requires the prime minister to send a request
for an extension to the EU should a deal not reached by October 19.

Sterling was relatively unmoved through last week as investors contemplate what the latest developments mean for the UK government’s chances of getting Brexit done.

The exporter-heavy FTSE 100 Index closed down on the week, but we think this probably has more to do with the broader macro move and a weaker dollar.

This week sees the UK negotiators in Europe, in a final attempt to thrash out an agreement ahead of the EU summit on October 17.

Last Week

Europe

European equities traded lower and closed last week down, with all major indices and sectors lower.

Dismal global macro data was a cause for concern, as discussed. Also weighing on equities was confirmation that the United States would be allowed to enforce tariffs on €7.5
billion worth of EU products following a WTO ruling.

The announced tariffs were less than had been feared, but the move still weighed on sentiment as the EU hinted towards potential retaliation.

The United States and EU are set to meet for trade talks next Monday (October 14). With this, those sectors more sensitive to growth outlook and tariffs were the worst performers.
Defensive sectors outperformed cyclicals.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte looks ready to test the EU’s tolerance as he delivers Italy’s 2020 budget. The document was approved by the cabinet on Monday last week and falls
short of the EU’s debt reduction targets, failing to reduce Italy’s deficit.

The tone between the EU and Italian government remains friendly at present, and relations have certainly improved with the new government in place. However, this will be something
to keep an eye on.

Portugal held a general election on Sunday and as polls had predicted, Socialist Prime Minister Antonio Costa will remain in power for a second term. The market impact has
been muted, given that there will be little change and this was expected.

Americas

US equities were lower last week, with weaker data earlier in the week knocking sentiment. Markets did recover ground later in the week as the September employment data—while
mixed—was not as bad as some commentators had feared. Furthermore, with the mixed macro data, hopes of further US Federal Reserve interest-rate cuts have risen sharply,
underpinning equity market performance.

Last week saw energy names lag as crude oil prices fell following news Saudi Arabia was getting production back on track.

There was a lot of US Fedspeak last week. New York Fed President John Williams said that outlook for the US economy is a mixed picture. He added there were a number
of crosscurrents leading to slower growth. This Wednesday, the minutes from the last Fed policy meeting are due for release and may give an interesting perspective on
the splits within the Fed over the rate path ahead.

With China closed last week, newsflow on the trade tensions was limited, but we expect this will change in the coming week as Chinese delegates are in Washington for fresh talks.
Chinese Vice Premier Liu He will lead the talks.

Asia   

Asian equities were worse-off in a quieter week with Chinese markets closed from Tuesday onwards as the country celebrated Golden Week last week.

Hong Kong equities continue to be under pressure amid another week of demonstrations.

Japanese equities were one of the key laggards in the region, albeit on low volume. Japanese data of late has also been poor with consumer confidence now at an eight-year low.
Also with 54% of exports going to China and the rest of Asia, the economic slowdown there continues to bite.

Australian equities underperformed last week, despite the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) lowering interest rates once again this year to 0.75%, which was in-line with consensus
expectations. RBA Governor Philip Lowe did state that he would be willing to reduce rates again if conditions warranted it.

Week Ahead

We expect rhetoric from the US/China trade talks and UK/EU Brexit talks to be drivers for markets this week. Given the macro backdrop, Wednesday’s Fed minutes release will garner
more interest than usual in our view.

Economic Data

  • Data releases in Europe this week: French Trade Balance and Italian Retail Sales on Tuesday; German Trade Balance, Italian Industrial Production, UK GDP and Trade Balance on Thursday;
    and German and Spanish consumer price index (CPI) on Friday.
  • In the United States: purchasing price index data (PPI) on Tuesday; CPIs on Thursday
  • In Asia and Pacific: Chinese PMIs on Tuesday; Japanese PPIs on Thursday.

Politics

  • Brexit headlines will likely continue to dominate as EU leaders establish whether or not Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal is agreeable.
  • US trade talks with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He to begin on Monday.

Monetary Policy

  • A series of ECB and Fed (including Chair Jerome Powell) speakers on Tuesday.
  • Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) minutes on Wednesday.


Franklin Templeton Key risks & Disclaimers: 

What Are the Risks?

All investments involve risk, including 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. Past performance is not an indicator or guarantee of
future performance.

This article reflects the analysis and opinions of Franklin Templeton’s European Trading Desk as of 7 October 2019, 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 and may be deducted from the invested amount therefore lowering the size of your 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 t
he 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.

Join MeDirect today to access the tools you need to put your money to work on your own terms.

Latest news articles

MeDirect continues to support the performing arts in Malta through a new agreement with ŻfinMalta, the national dance company. The agreement will help ŻfinMalta deliver an exciting progamme during the 2024-2025 season.
All News

MeDirect partners ŻfinMalta for a new season

MeDirect continues to support the performing arts in Malta through a new agreement with ŻfinMalta, the national dance company. The agreement will help ŻfinMalta deliver an exciting progamme during the 2024-2025 season.

Uneven earnings call for granularity
All News

BlackRock Commentary: Uneven earnings call for granularity

Strong corporate earnings have driven U.S. and Japanese equity overweights, with fundamentals taking precedence over valuations, while European opportunities remain selective due to weaker earnings growth, highlighting AI-driven U.S. potential and targeted gains in sectors like European financials.

Experience better Banking

The sooner you start managing your money, your way, using the best-in-class tools, the sooner you’ll see results. 


Sign up and open your account for free, within minutes.

MeDirect_Multi-Devices-cards

You are leaving medirect.com.mt

Please be aware that the external site policies, or those of another MeDirect website, may differ from this website’s terms and conditions and privacy policy. The next website will open in a new browser window or tab.

 

Note: MeDirect is not responsible for any content on third party sites, nor does a link suggest endorsement of those sites and/or their content.

Login

We strive to ensure a streamlined account opening process, via a structured and clear set of requirements and personalised assistance during the initial communication stages. If you are interested in opening a corporate account with MeDirect, please complete an Account Opening Information Questionnaire and send it to corporate@medirect.com.mt.

For a comprehensive list of documentation required to open a corporate account please contact us by email at corporate@medirect.com.mt or by phone on (+356) 2557 4444.