Markets slow amidst growing inflationary pressures
Markets slow amidst growing inflationary pressures
07 Jun 2021
XPS Investment Monthly Update
Month in brief
- Equity markets were broadly flat over the month
- Index-linked gilt yields fell amidst increasing inflationary pressures
- The funding level of a typical scheme is unlikely to have changed materially
Global equities were broadly flat over the month, with the continued positive uptrend following positive economic data being tempered by growing inflation concerns
In the UK, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported a 1.5% year-on-year rise in CPI inflation, the highest rate of price growth for a year, however the Bank of England followed expectations by keeping base interest rates at 0.1% and leaving the total levels of bond-buying unchanged, albeit at a slower purchasing rate. Economic growth and unemployment numbers improved as the UK lowered its COVID-19 alert level and restrictions were eased, with Government keeping a close eye on the increasing levels of the Indian variant within the country.
It was a similar story in the US, with CPI inflation rising 4.2% year-on-year to April, the largest annual increase since 2008. Throughout the month the US Federal Reserve (Fed) sought to reassure investors that inflationary pressures were likely to be temporary, and that it would maintain its accommodative monetary policy stance. At the end of the month, Joe Biden announced a $6trn spending plan for the 2022 fiscal year, with a significant proportion of this dedicated to tackling climate change – these plans will be subject to Congress approval.
Elsewhere, comments from the European Central Bank (ECB) remained dovish despite speculation of it tapering its bond-purchasing programme. Chinese regulators signalled a crackdown on the use of digital coins, and values of cryptocurrencies fell sharply as a result. In the Middle East, a ceasefire was reached between Israel and the Palestinian militant Hamas, after 11 days of fighting. Confidence in global tourism was partially restored following support for vaccination passports from tourism ministers from the G20 countries.
Index-linked bond yields fell over the month in light of increasing inflationary pressures, albeit nominals remained broadly flat. Investment grade credit spreads remained low, with Amazon setting a record for the lowest additional level of interest above US Government bonds than any US company had managed previously – as low as 0.1% for the shortest dated bonds. In the high yield bond market, returns were negative as credit spreads started to increase due to inflation concerns, having undergone a strong rally since April 2020, albeit some of the downturn can be attributed to the appreciation of sterling over the month.
We would expect there to be minimal change to the funding level of a typical scheme over the month, with rising inflation expectations offsetting any gains in asset value.
To discuss any of the issues covered in this edition, please get in touch with Ben Rogers, or your usual XPS contact.