Here’s our summary of the markets

Governments and central banks remain committed to generous stimulus measures. This combined with pent-up consumer demand and a strong wave of capital expenditures, forms a robust backdrop for the global economy.

GDP growth in the United States is robust, and the service sector recovery is now driving the rebound and labor market recovery. The US Fed’s goal is to reach “maximum employment” before any interest rate hikes are envisaged.

European GDP growth lags around six months behind the US. Overall, the environment is characterized by economic reopening with uncertainties to the summer holiday season in Southern Europe. The ECB continues to dictate the yield curve.

China’s economic data have been moderating lately, and a soft outlook remains the base case, despite strong absolute growth numbers. On July 1, China’s Communist Party will celebrate its 100th anniversary under the slogan “follow the Party forever”.

Conclusion: We expect equities to outperform bonds over the next three to six months. That said, the equity market has likely run ahead of itself. To keep the rally alive, valuations need to be confirmed by the upcoming Q2 earnings season and/or driven by the current emerging capital expenditure cycle. The next market phase or “new normal” will be determined by slightly higher inflation, moderate rate hikes, and tempered GDP growth numbers. Looking beyond 2022, the economy might enter a stagnation or even stagflation phase. With so many inflection points, capital markets are about to enter a riskier and more volatile spot.

Don’t miss our complete 3rd quarter 2021 investment letter.

Previous 2021 quarterly investment letters:
Q2 2021
Q1 2021