Global economy enters "goldilocks" period

(London): Stronger global growth and returning inflation should continue to support risk assets, but is likely to lead to a more challenging environment for fixed income, according to the fourth-quarter House View from Aviva Investors.

Global GDP could rise to between 3.5 and 3.75 per cent  this year and in 2018. Inflation is likely to hit two per cent by the middle of next year in the US, with a more gradual rise in the Eurozone and Japan.

With central banks starting to unwind a decade of extraordinary monetary policies, market volatility could
rise from close to historical lows as correlations break down. The US Federal Reserve has raised rates four times and started to unwind its asset holdings, while the European Central Bank is expected to begin reducing quantitative easing at the start of 2018. Despite the uncertainty around Brexit, even the
Bank of England has hinted it may raise rates soon.

Equities are likely to fare better than fixed income in this environment, with Eurozone and EM equities
offering better relative value than US stocks. EM debt, both in local and hard currencies, currently offers more attractive opportunities than developed market sovereign and corporate debt

Ian Pizer, Head of Investment Strategy at Aviva Investors, said:

“The threat of deflation has passed and inflation is slowly returning to levels close to central bank targets. Stronger growth has led to tighter labour markets, which is resulting in upward pressure on wages. Robust global growth will continue to support these trends, justifying central banks’ decisions to start withdrawing stimulus or consider doing so. The global reflationary environment, alongside reduced central bank liquidity, will be supportive of risk assets but leaves global rates markets more challenged.”

Notes to Editors

The information and opinions contained in this document are for use by the financial press and media only. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information or opinions contained in this document nor should they be seen as advice. 

The press release is provided on the basis that Aviva Investors Global Services Limited is not causing the communication of a financial promotion under exemption of the Financial Promotion Order, as Aviva Investors Global Services Limited has no control over the way in which an article based on this press release is prepared and published by the financial press and media.

Except where stated as otherwise, the source of all information is Aviva Investors Global Services Limited (“Aviva Investors”) as at x September 2017. Unless stated otherwise any views, opinions expressed 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.  Past performance is not an indicator for future returns. 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.

Issued by Aviva Investors Global Services Limited, registered in England No. 1151805.  Registered Office: St Helen's, 1 Undershaft, London, EC3P 3DQ.  Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

RA17/1248/31122017

Steve Ainger

Head of Media Relations

Laura Cocker

Media Relations Manager

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