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July 11, 2022
The month of June saw broad-based declines across major asset classes. Rising inflation and the prospect of aggressive rate hikes led investors to price in a higher probability of recession. Year-to-date, the total returns of most equity markets declined by more than 15% and the sharp drop in long-term bonds was on par with that of the NASDAQ (Chart 1). Meanwhile, the bubble in cryptocurrencies appeared to burst as Bitcoin collapsed 40.0% in the month of June and 58.8% year-to-date. Although our portfolios were impacted by the correction, they saw considerably less volatility than market indices (Table 1).
Global central banks are tasked with the challenge to bring inflation down from multi-decade highs. The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 75 basis points to 1.75% in June, the largest increase since 1994, and signaled more rate hikes were likely required. The S&P 500 has fallen by a median 24% in the twelve U.S. economic contractions following World War II; the S&P 500 dropped 22.9% from its last peak suggesting that markets now appear to reflect a recession scenario. While the global economy is slowing as we expected, we believe it is premature to conclude current events will trigger a broad-based recession.
As we detail in LBA’s July Economic and Capital Markets Outlook, the balance of risks differs across regions. The economies of Canada and the U.S. are in a better position to address a cycle of monetary tightening. Both countries are important producers of natural resources with reasonable debt levels. At the consumer level, excess savings accumulated during the pandemic continue to offset gradually rising debt servicing costs and higher living expenses born by consumers. Furthermore, the demand for labour in these countries remains high, incomes are rising, and unemployment rates are at multi-decade lows. The situation in Europe is more challenging due to the continent’s dependence on Russian energy imports and the cost-of-living squeeze on consumers from surging energy and utility bills. The prospect of a recession in emerging market countries varies. India is expected to maintain its strong growth momentum and China’s fiscal and monetary policy stimulus together with a lifting of its strict COVID restrictions are showing signs of boosting activity. Near-term growth prospects are less positive for Brazil and South Africa, while Russia is expected to be mired in a multi-year recession. On balance, we expect global real GDP to decelerate from 6.1% in 2021 to 2.9% in 2022 and 2.6% in 2023.
As global investors seeking to buy companies with solid fundamentals and strong long-term growth prospects, the recent declines offered us an opportunity to initiate new positions and increase our allocation to companies trading below our assessment of fair value. Since the beginning of the year, we reduced our exposure to the energy and materials sectors, realizing important profits, and reallocated this capital to well-valued companies that are leaders in their industry. Some examples of recent purchases include:
Though we do not discount the potential for continued volatility as we progress through this period of uncertainty, we believe the investment landscape presents interesting opportunities. Our equity portfolios are attractively valued at 9.2x forward earnings, 5.6x cash flow and offer a 3.4% dividend yield.
We are confident that our portfolios remain well-positioned to weather the challenges from a slowing economy and rising interest rates. The strategy to maintain credit quality high and duration low has substantially limited the impact of higher rates on our bond portfolios. Equity holdings have benefited from exposure to commodities and defensive sectors, while our avoidance of overvalued technology stocks has shielded the portfolios from the large declines experienced in this segment of the market. Recent volatility provided an opportunity to invest in well-capitalized companies with strong growth prospects. We will continue to monitor the market for possible dislocations from fair value, searching for long-term investment opportunities. We believe our portfolios can navigate growth headwinds and capture secular trends, while still offering reasonable value.
(1) Performance results reflect the reinvestment of dividends, income and other earnings and are presented net of all foreign withholding taxes. Reclaimable withholding tax refunds are recognized when received. The benchmark is fully invested and its returns include the reinvestment of dividends, income and other earnings and are presented net of withholding taxes. Performance results are presented before management and custodial fees but after trading commissions.
Composites and benchmarks information:
The information and opinions expressed herein are provided for informational purposes only, are subject to change and are not intended to provide, and should not be relied upon for, accounting, legal or tax advice or investment recommendations. Any companies mentioned herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not considered to be a recommendation to buy or sell. It should not be assumed that an investment in these companies was or would be profitable. Unless otherwise indicated, information included herein is presented as of the dates indicated. While the information presented herein is believed to be accurate at the time it is prepared, Letko, Brosseau & Associates Inc. cannot give any assurance that it is accurate, complete and current at all times.
Where the information contained in this presentation has been obtained or derived from third-party sources, the information is from sources believed to be reliable, but the firm has not independently verified such information. No representation or warranty is provided in relation to the accuracy, correctness, completeness or reliability of such information. Any opinions or estimates contained herein constitute our judgment as of this date and are subject to change without notice.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. All investments pose the risk of loss and there is no guarantee that any of the benefits expressed herein will be achieved or realized.
The information provided herein does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It should not be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell a security. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. There is no representation or warranty as to the current accuracy of, nor liability for, decisions based on such information.
This presentation may contain certain forward-looking statements which reflect our current expectations or forecasts of future events concerning the economy, market changes and trends. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to, among other things, risks, uncertainties and assumptions regarding currencies, economic growth, current and expected conditions, and other factors that are believed to be appropriate in the circumstances which could cause actual events, results, performance or prospects to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
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