Equity markets were making gains to start Wednesday’s session ahead of a difficult interest rate decision by the Federal Reserve due in the evening. The central bank is stuck between a rock and hard place as battling stubbornly high inflation with higher rates could potentially exacerbate weaknesses in the financial sector. Market participants are nevertheless mostly in agreement about the Fed’s move later Wednesday, largely anticipating a moderate 25-basis-point hike.
Expectations for the Fed’s future rate hikes fell rapidly in recent weeks after three US banks - Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate and Signature Bank - collapsed and Swiss banking giant Credit Suisse came under pressure. Recent moves by US authorities and a regulator-engineered agreement by UBS to take over Credit Suisse have settled market nervousness in recent days. In addition to guaranteeing deposits at two of the failed US banks, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said Tuesday that US authorities are looking into ways to protect bank depositors at smaller institutions if needed to ensure stability in the financial sector. Investors will not only watch out for the Fed’s interest rate decision on Wednesday evening but will also carefully note any details from Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell about how the central bank plans to keep the recent banking turmoil contained.
Measures already taken by central banks and the swift Credit Suisse takeover deal in Switzerland provided an increased sense of calm on markets Tuesday and a backdrop for bank stocks to come roaring back from the huge losses of recent trading sessions. The US banking benchmark KBW Bank Index ended Tuesday up nearly 5% while UBS stock gained about 12%.
Stock indices in New York also soared on Tuesday on the renewed sense of calm. The Dow Jones Industrial closed up almost 1% at 32,560.60 points and the S&P 500 gained 1.3%, finishing the day above the psychologically important 4,000-mark at 4002.87 points. On the Nasdaq, the indices gained about 1.4%, bringing the tech stock indices back to levels last seen in early February.
Markets in Asia were also making strong gains in early Wednesday trading. In Japan, the Nikkei 225 was trading up more than 2%. In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index rose about 1.7% and the Hang Seng Tech Index gained 0.9%. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite and the Shenzhen Component were up about 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively.
Corporate news in focus: No major corporate news scheduled for Wednesday.
Economic data in focus: UK Consumer Prices Index for February (08:00 CET), ECB President Christine Lagarde speaks at conference in Frankfurt (09:45) and Fed interest rate decision (19:00) followed by press conference (20:30).
All about global economic and market trends at a glance
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Editor: Alessandro Fezzi,
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Explanation of investment recommendations for stocks
We apply a “hybrid approach” (internal fundamental analysis combined with “theScreener”, an external, purely quantitative analysis tool). TheScreener is based on purely quantitative, i.e. computable variables such as (but not exclusively restricted to) profit adjustments of the past few weeks, stock valuation in relation to historical performance and comparison groups, the technical trend, performance in relation to the market etc. The assessment of the equity analysts, which is largely based on a qualitative analysis, does not need to match with the one of theScreener. For the overall judgement the assessment of the equity analysts overrides the one of theScreener. LGT Bank (Switzerland) Ltd. categorizes its analysis recommendations into five ratings: for a “Buy” recommendation we expect a relative outperformance compared with the sector. Only equities subjected to an internal fundamental analysis can be rated “Buy”. The recommendation “Attractive” is used for equities exclusively ranked by theScreener without any internal fundamental analysis as “slightly positive” or “positive”. A moderate relative outperformance versus the index is expected. For equities that we rate as “Hold” we expect a performance largely in line with the one of the sector. This can comprise both equities for which a fundamental analysis has been carried out as well as equities that theScreener ranks as “neutral” versus the index. The recommendation “Unattractive” is used for equities exclusively ranked by theScreener without any internal fundamental analysis as “slightly negative”. A moderate relative underperformance versus the index is expected. By contrast, “Sell” recommendations are based on the expectation of a relative underperformance compared with the sector. This can comprise both equities for which we are recommending “Sell” for fundamental reasons as well as equities that theScreener ranks as “negative” versus the index. Therefore the ratings always reflect a relative consideration versus the sector and/or specified index. The risk assessment is based on the individual judgement of the analyst (e.g. we assume a “high” risk for illiquid shares, highly indebted companies or shares from developing countries).
Reference regarding share valuation basis: The analysis compiled by LGT Bank (Switzerland) Ltd. are essentially based on secondary research relating to fundamental and quantitative analysis. Generally accepted valuation methods (valuation multiples, return figures, sector comparisons, comparisons with past valuations etc.) are used for this. The forecasts for the quantitative analysis are prepared with the help of mathematical-statistical procedures (see statements above concerning the analysis tool “theScreener”). Economic indicators such as interest rates, currencies, commodity prices and assumptions relating to the economy are included in the overall assessment. The mood of the market also affects the company valuation. Moreover, many of the approaches are based on estimates and expectations that may change quickly and without warning, depending on developments specific to the industry. Therefore, the recommendations derived from the analysis can also change accordingly. The investment judgements generally refer to a period of 6 to 12 months. However, they are also subject to market conditions and represent a snapshot of the situation. They may be achieved more quickly or more slowly or be revised upwards or downwards.
Explanation of investment recommendations for bonds
We employ both qualitative and quantitative methods to derive our recommendations, which are to be seen as relative to sector/quality peers among comparable maturities. “Buy” and “Sell” recommendations demand a qualitative in-house analyst opinion, in which we incorporate both historical and projected financial results and credit metrics as well as past and anticipated company and sector-specific observations and trends. We recommend “Buy” for a security for which we expect a strong relative outperformance compared to sector/quality peers among comparable maturities. We recommend “Sell” if we expect strong relative underperformance compared to sector/quality peers among comparable maturities. The ratings “Attractive”, “Hold” and “Unattractive” can be based purely on a quantitative approach, which includes the market price of credit risk, valuation of equities and associated instruments, corporate leverage, liability structure, size, and agency rating. We recommend “Attractive” for a security for which we expect a relative outperformance compared to sector/quality peers among comparable maturities. We recommend “Hold” if we expect an average performance compared to sector/quality peers among comparable maturities. We recommend “Unattractive” if we expect a relative underperformance compared to sector/quality peers among comparable maturities.
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Definition of rating categories of S&P and Moody’s which are relevant for us:
AAA/Aaa: Borrower with highest credit quality. Default risk also virtually negligible over the longer term
AA/Aa: Safe investment, default risk virtually negligible but more difficult to assess in the longer term
A: Safe investment as long as no unforeseen events impair the overall economy or sector
BBB/Baa: Average investment. However, problems must be expected if the overall economy deteriorates
BB/Ba: Speculative investment. Defaults must be expected if the economic situation deteriorates
B: Highly speculative investment. Defaults are likely if the economic situation deteriorates
For more information on our methodology for bonds, please contact your LGT relationship manager or your local LGT Group company.
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All selected third-party funds are subjected to a thorough quantitative and qualitative analysis process prior to inclusion in the LGT FundGuide. Selected third-party funds are also subject to a continuous monitoring process. Austria: Investment decisions should only be made on the basis of the current KIID and valid prospectus following consultation with an expert.
Country-specific information
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This recommendation was prepared by LGT and not by an independent financial analysis department. Therefore this recommendation does not meet all the statutory requirements for guaranteeing the impartiality of financial research. The Swiss Bankers Association Directives on the Independence of Financial Research do not apply to this recommendation. Investments in structured products entail a wide range of risks. Investment decisions should therefore only be made on the basis of the valid prospectus or complete documentation following consultation with an expert. This does not constitute financial analysis within the meaning of the Liechtenstein Ordinance on the Preparation of Financial Analysis according to the Law against Market Abuse in the Trading of Financial Instruments.
Information about foreign currencies were produced by LGT Bank (Switzerland) Ltd. and not by an independent financial analysis department. Therefore, forecasts, observations and price information are subject to change at any time and there is no guarantee that the information is complete. Investment decisions should accordingly be made in consideration of the investor’s personal risk tolerance and within the overall context of the portfolio. The Swiss Bankers Association Directives on the Independence of Financial Research do not apply to currency analysis. Such analyses do not constitute financial analysis within the meaning of the Liechtenstein Ordinance on the Preparation of Financial Analysis according to the Law against Market Abuse in the Trading of Financial Instruments.
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