Aviva Investors Lowers Expectations For Economic Growth And Risk Asset Returns

Aviva Investors, the global asset management arm of Aviva plc (‘Aviva’), believes that any early reversal of the recent growth slowdown is unlikely and inflation pressures will remain weak. In this environment, returns on risk assets, such as equities, are likely to be more challenged. The renewed easing bias of major central banks should provide some comfort to investors.

  • Equities position downgraded to neutral due to low growth expectations
  • Credit preferred in risk assets, specifically high yield and emerging markets
  • Modest preference to Government bonds as an important diversifier
  •  US remains preferred equity market, balanced by an underweight to emerging markets

The outlook for global growth has deteriorated over the past three months, largely due to ongoing trade tensions which have hurt business sentiment, particularly in manufacturing and export sectors. Although hostilities between China and the US have eased somewhat following the June G20 meeting, the dispute has not been resolved and could erupt again at any time.

World growth is likely to slow to around three per cent in 2019 and 2020. This is a little below the estimated trend pace, so will further ease any demand strains on capacity limits and prevent inflation rising much, if at all, over the next few years. We believe that recession will be avoided for now but think that the major risks, such as trade policy, are to the downside.

The combination of slower growth and muted inflation pressure means that major central banks have, rightly, adopted an easing bias. Growth worries are expected to weigh on risk asset returns, while the looser monetary policy stance will provide some support, justifying a relatively cautious stance on asset allocation.

Michael Grady, Head of Investment Strategy and Chief Economist at Aviva Investors, said:

“Growth concerns mean downside risk for equity returns. As a house, our current equity allocation is neutral, favouring the US over emerging markets. We expect recession to be avoided, so a nasty default cycle is unlikely, and as a result, credit should perform reasonably well.

“More dovish central bank action will help boost duration where we have a modest overweight, while the overall environment should be supportive for carry strategies. We expect the dollar to remain reasonably well supported.”

The full document can be read at: https://www.avivainvestors.com/en-gb/views/house-view/

For more information contact:

Steve Ainger

Head of Media Relations

James Morgan

Media Relations Manager

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

Except where stated as otherwise, the source of all information is Aviva Investors Global Services Limited (AIGSL). As at # July 2019. Unless stated otherwise any views and opinions are those of Aviva Investors. They should not be viewed as indicating any guarantee of return from an investment managed by Aviva Investors nor as advice of any nature. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but has not been independently verified by Aviva Investors and is not guaranteed to be accurate. Past performance is not a guide to the future. The value of an investment and any income from it may go down as well as up and the investor may not get back the original amount invested. Nothing in this material, including any references to specific securities, assets classes and financial markets is intended to or should be construed as advice or recommendations of any nature. This material is not a recommendation to sell or purchase any investment.

In the UK & Europe this material has been prepared and issued by AIGSL, registered in England No.1151805. Registered Office: St. Helen’s, 1 Undershaft, London, EC3P 3DQ. Authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority. In France, Aviva Investors France is a portfolio management company approved by the French Authority “Autorité des Marchés Financiers”, under n° GP 97-114, a limited liability company with Board of Directors and Supervisory Board, having a share capital of 17 793 700 euros, whose registered office is located at 14 rue Roquépine, 75008 Paris and registered in the Paris Company Register under n° 335 133 229. In Switzerland, this document is issued by Aviva Investors Schweiz GmbH, authorised by FINMA as a distributor of collective investment schemes.

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The name “Aviva Investors” as used in this material refers to the global organization of affiliated asset management businesses operating under the Aviva Investors name. Each Aviva investors’ affiliate is a subsidiary of Aviva plc, a publicly- traded multi-national financial services company headquartered in the United Kingdom. Aviva Investors Canada, Inc. (“AIC”) is located in Toronto and is registered with the Ontario Securities Commission (“OSC”) as a Portfolio Manager, an Exempt Market Dealer, and a Commodity Trading Manager. Aviva Investors Americas LLC is a federally registered investment advisor with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Aviva Investors Americas is also a commodity trading advisor (“CTA”) and commodity pool operator (“CPO”) registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”), and is a member of the National Futures Association (“NFA”).  AIA’s Form ADV Part 2A, which provides background information about the firm and its business practices, is available upon written request to: Compliance Department, 225 West Wacker Drive, Suite 2250, Chicago, IL 60606

Aviva Investors

Aviva Investors is the global asset management business of Aviva plc. The business delivers investment management solutions, services and client-driven performance to clients worldwide. Aviva Investors operates in 14 countries in Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and the United Kingdom with assets under management of £331 billion as at 31 December 2018.

AVIVA PLC

  •  Aviva provides life insurance, general insurance, health insurance and asset management to 33 million customers.
  •  In the UK we are the leading insurer serving one in every four households and have strong businesses in selected markets in Europe, Asia and Canada. Our shares are listed on the London Stock Exchange and we are a member of the FTSE100 index.
  • Aviva’s asset management business, Aviva Investors, provides asset management services to both Aviva and external clients, and currently manages over £348 billion in assets. Total group assets under management at Aviva group are £490 billion.
  • Aviva helps people save for the future and manage the risks of everyday life; we paid out £34.6 billion in benefits and claims in 2017.
  • By serving our customers well, we are building a business which is strong and sustainable, which our people are proud to work for, and which makes a positive contribution to society.