October 2015
Schroders
Talking Point
Investment Weather Forecast - Fixed Income
Gareth Isaac, Fund Manager, Fixed Income
The outlook for the global bond markets remains constructive in the near-term. Although interest rates are
likely to rise in the US at some point this year, the Federal Reserve will only move gradually, and rates will then
likely rise to levels seen in previous tightening cycles. The reason that they can be so measured, despite a
marked improvement in the outlook for the US economy, is that inflation remains very low by historical
standards, and we expect inflationary pressures to remain benign for the foreseeable future.
Elsewhere in the world, interest rates in major economies are likely to remain on hold, which will support bond
prices. The market will also be supported by unconventional measures, by Central Banks, such as quantitative
easing. The European Central Bank has begun a long-term purchase programme, as have Japan, and these
measures will keep downward pressure on bond yields.
The one major concern for us is that the US Federal Reserve, in their desire to be slow and gradual, will leave
monetary policy too loose and medium-term inflationary pressures will build. US unemployment has fallen
sharply over recent years, and we’re starting to see the signs of improving wage growth. This increase in real
wages will drive consumption and may, ultimately, push up inflation, once the base effects from the commodity
decline pass through. Monetary policy works with a lag, and if the Fed wait until they see signs of inflationary
pressures building, they may need to hike more aggressively than the market expects, causing some adverse
market movements.
Another concern is that debt levels among European countries have risen to unsustainable levels. Much has
been commented on Greece, but many other countries have debt levels that are simply too high, and when the
next crisis or recession arises, then sustainability of those countries will be called into question.
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