Market Commentary: August 2021

5 min read     I     Date: 26 Aug 2021

Global Outlook

Global equity markets continued to have mixed performances in July with the developed markets maintaining their uptrend while the Asia-Pacific markets generally lower. The S&P 500 and STOXX Europe 600 rose 2.3% and 2.0% respectively while the best performing Asian markets were Indonesia (1.4%), and Singapore (1.2%). The performances of the bond indices were positive ranging from +0.2% to +1.3%.

The United States (U.S.) 10-year bond continued to trend lower in July between 1.10 - 1.20% from 1.30 - 1.50% the month before on the back of short-covering activities by investors. Market is now expecting the U.S. 10-year bond yields to end 2021 at a level lower than 1.50 - 1.80%, which was previously projected.

We continue to prefer Asian equities on a long-term basis on the broadening of recovery in corporate earnings including financials, industrials, and energy.
 

General outlook of the two capital markets: Fixed Income & Equity 
 

Region: Developed economies

     fixed income

  1. Our view – neutral.
  2. PMIs (Purchasing Managers’ Index) in the U.S. and European Union (E.U.) continued to remain above 60, which indicates the positive outcome of greater vaccine roll-out, re-opening of economies and large stimulus packages.
  3. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield moved lower to 1.10 - 1.20% underpinned by technical factors. Market now expects U.S. 10-year bond yields to end 2021 between 1.50 - 1.80%..

     equity

  1. Our view – positive. 
  2. PMIs in the U.S. and E.U. continued to remain above 60, which indicates the positive outcome of greater vaccine roll-out, re-opening of economies and large stimulus packages.
  3. Remain Overweight on U.S., E.U. & Japan. Strong PMIs and better execution of vaccination roll out would benefit consumers and corporate profitability.

Region: Regional (Asia-Pacific ex-Japan)

     fixed income

  1. Our view – neutral.
  2. Pockets of opportunity in local Asian currencies and Chinese credits as yields remain relatively attractive.
  3. We forecast Asian bonds to provide a return of 3.25% to 3.75% in 2021.
     

     equity

  1. Our view – positive.
  2. Asian economies especially China & North Asia continued to post healthy data which would translate into actual growth.
  3. Portfolios are positioned for cyclical recovery and long-term growth drivers such as financials, e-commerce, internet of things, cloud computing and electric vehicles.
     

Region: China

     fixed income

  1. Our view – neutral.
  2. Asian economies especially China & North Asia continued to post healthy data which would translate into actual growth.
  3. Portfolios are positioned for cyclical recovery and long-term growth drivers such as financials, e-commerce, internet of things, cloud computing and electric vehicles.

     equity

  1. Our view – neutral.
  2. Policymakers announced measures to align the education and food delivery industries. In July, the manufacturing PMI drop to 50.4 from 50.9 and the Non-manufacturing PMI dropped to 53.3 from 53.5 the month before.
  3. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Politburo meeting in end July, highlighted the that current growth is unbalanced and yet to solidify. This is likely a signal of the end of the current policy tightening cycle.

Region: Domestic (Malaysia)

     fixed income

  1. Our view – neutral.
  2. Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed its BBB+ rating for Malaysia, with stable outlook. Interest rates are expected to remain accommodative for a longer period owing to the spike in COVID-19 cases.
  3. Portfolio duration is maintained at 1.05x. Private credits are preferred over government bonds. Names with stronger fundamentals and liquidity are preferred.

     equity

  1. Our view – neutral.
  2. Interest rates are expected to remain accommodative for a longer period owing to the spike in COVID-19 cases.
  3. We remain neutral owing to prolonged movement control order and lack of catalyst. Adopting a balanced approach to the market, we focus on reopening plays such as financial, consumer discretionary and selected transport. Growth names would come from technology.

Our Strategy

  • We continue to prefer equities over fixed income.
  • Tactically we would like to recommend an increase in exposure to funds that are focussed on developed markets. This is to participate in the earlier hard re-opening of their economies by developed economies (vis-à-vis emerging economies) as they were able to vaccinate at a faster pace and contain the spread of COVID-19.
  • In the near term, the market is cautious over China as there are concerns of more potential regulatory changes. We view these new policies to bring about sustainable benefits for the economy; hence there are real opportunities to position for the eventual ‘recovery’, albeit the short-term volatilities. We hold a positive view on China’s new economic direction and the benefits to earnings. In addition, China’s capital markets are large and deep and would reward skilful stock selection.
  • Note that income is integral for a well-diversified portfolio. In short, investors are advised to focus on:
    • Diversified across the themes of renewal, revitalise and recovery.
    • Growth, quality and income while tactically complementing with cyclicals and value.
    • Maintaining long-term focus as the next economic upcycle is about to unfold.

Our Fund Options
 

1. Universal Funds

 Risk ScaleFund Options
Low

funds

High		Conservative •    Principal Islamic Money Market Fund
Mildly conservative•    Principal Lifetime Bond Fund
•    Principal Islamic Lifetime Enhanced Sukuk Fund
•    Principal Islamic Lifetime Sukuk Fund
•    Principal Islamic Global Sukuk Fund
•    Principal Islamic Lifetime Enhanced Bond Fund
Moderate•    Principal Lifetime Balanced Income Fund
•    Principal Islamic Lifetime Balanced Fund
Mildly Aggressive •    Principal Asia Pacific Dynamic Income Fund
•    Principal Asia Pacific Dynamic Mixed Asset Fund
•    Principal DALI Global Equity Fund (Islamic Global Equity Fund)
•    Principal Global Real Estate Fund 
Aggressive•    Principal Global Titans Fund
•    Principal Global Millennial Equity Fund
•    Principal Asia Pacific Dynamic Growth Fund
•    Principal Greater China Equity Fund
•    Principal China Direct Opportunities Fund
•    Principal Greater Bay Fund

 

 

 

2. Islamic Funds

 Risk ScaleFund Options
Low
funds
High		Conservative •    Principal Islamic Money Market Fund
Mildly conservative•    Principal Islamic Lifetime Sukuk Fund
•    Principal Islamic Global Sukuk Fund
Moderate•    Principal Islamic Lifetime Balanced Fund
•    Principal Islamic Lifetime Balanced Growth Fund
Mildly Aggressive •    Principal DALI Global Equity Fund MYR
•    Principal DALI Asia Pacific Equity Growth Fund
•    Principal Islamic Asia Pacific Dynamic Income & Growth Fund 
Aggressive•    Principal Islamic Asia Pacific Dynamic Equity Fund
•    Principal Islamic Small Cap Opportunities Fund

 

 

 

 

3. EPFMIS Universal Funds

 Risk ScaleFund Options
Low
funds
High		Conservative •    Principal Islamic Money Market Fund
Mildly conservative•    Principal Islamic Lifetime Enhanced Sukuk Fund
•    Principal Islamic Lifetime Sukuk Fund
Moderate•    Principal Islamic Lifetime Balanced Fund
Mildly Aggressive •    Principal Asia Pacific Dynamic Income Fund
•    Principal Titans Income Plus Fund 
Aggressive•    Principal Global Titans Fund
•    Principal Greater China Equity Fund

 

 

 

4. EPFMIS Islamic Funds

 Risk ScaleFund Options
Low
funds
High		Conservative •    Principal Islamic Money Market Fund
Mildly conservative•    Principal Islamic Lifetime Enhanced Sukuk Fund
Moderate•    Principal Islamic Lifetime Balanced Fund
Mildly Aggressive •    Principal DALI Asia Pacific Equity Growth Fund
Aggressive•    Principal Islamic Asia Pacific Dynamic Equity Fund
•    Principal Islamic Small Cap Opportunities Fund

 


You may obtain a copy of the Prospectus/Information memorandum/Disclosure Document and its Product Highlight Sheet (if any) for the above-mentioned funds at our offices, distributors or our website at www.principal.com.my.
 

Click here to download the PDF format


Disclaimer:
We have based this document on information obtained from sources we believe to be reliable, but we do not make any representation or warranty nor accept any responsibility or liability as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. Expressions of opinion contained herein are those of Principal Asset Management Berhad only and are subject to change without notice. This document should not be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe or sell Principal Asset Management Berhad’s investment products. Investing involves risk and cost. You should understand the risks involved, compare and consider the fees, charges and costs involved, make your own risk assessment and seek professional advice, where necessary.