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Dec 15, 2020

Buoyed by ultra-low interest rates and fiscal stimulus, financial markets calmed and stocks rose to record levels as economic normalization drew closer and the recovery progressed.

Economy

  • The pandemic remains the key challenge for economies as we approach the New Year, with case counts and fatalities reaching near record levels.
  • Tighter restrictions to combat the virus may lead to some economic slippage at the end of 2020, but there are reasons to be optimistic.
  • The economic recovery has been exceeding expectations, vaccine developments are promising and markets have responded positively to the outcome of the U.S. presidential election.
  • Although the economy may encounter hurdles in the very near term, our economic-growth forecasts for 2021 have featured more upgrades than downgrades and they are now modestly above the consensus.

RBC GAM GDP forecast for developed markets

RBC GAM GDP forecast for developed markets

Source: RBC GAM

Fixed Income

  • Central bankers have expressed a commitment to keeping short-term interest rates extremely low to stimulate economies and financial markets even as the recovery gains traction.
  • Longer-term bond yields have a bit more room to rise, but the scope for increases is limited by secular pressures such as aging demographics, slowing population growth and an increased desire for saving versus spending.
  • Our new modelling forecasts that sovereign bond yields everywhere will drift just slightly higher over the next year, acting as a modest headwind to total returns for bondholders.

U.S. 10-year T-Bond yield

Equilibrium range

U.S. 10-year T-Bond yield

Note: As of November 30, 2020. Source: RBC GAM, RBC CM

Equity Markets

  • Stocks surged from their March lows due to a combination of massive stimulus, a gradual reopening of economies and, more recently, the promise of imminent vaccines.
  • We recognize that optimism is elevated and, while stocks may be expensive by some measures, investors are paying up for a recovery in earnings that is just beginning.
  • The equity-market rally has broadened from a handful of U.S. mega-cap technology stocks to a much larger base of companies, industries and regions that are more economically sensitive.
  • With the economy entering a period of normalization supported by low interest rates and ample fiscal stimulus, stocks continue to offer superior return potential versus fixed income. As a result, we added 2.5 percentage points to our equity allocation during the quarter, sourced from fixed income.

Major indices’ price changes

Since December 31, 2019

Major indices’ price changes

Note: As of November 30, 2020. Chart represents price changes in major indices from a December 31, 2019 starting point. Source: Bloomberg, RBC GAM

Discover more insights from this quarter's Global Investment Outlook.

Disclosure

This document is provided by RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) for informational purposes only and may not be reproduced, distributed or published without the written consent of RBC GAM or its affiliated entities listed herein. This document does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy or to sell any security, product or service in any jurisdiction; nor is it intended to provide investment, financial, legal, accounting, tax, or other advice and such information should not be relied or acted upon for providing such advice. This document is not available for distribution to people in jurisdictions where such distribution would be prohibited.



RBC GAM is the asset management division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) which includes RBC Global Asset Management Inc., RBC Global Asset Management (U.S.) Inc., RBC Global Asset Management (UK) Limited, RBC Global Asset Management (Asia) Limited, and BlueBay Asset Management LLP, which are separate, but affiliated subsidiaries of RBC.



In Canada, this document is provided by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (including PH&N Institutional) which is regulated by each provincial and territorial securities commission with which it is registered. In the United States, this document is provided by RBC Global Asset Management (U.S.) Inc., a federally registered investment adviser. In Europe this document is provided by RBC Global Asset Management (UK) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In Asia, this document is provided by RBC Global Asset Management (Asia) Limited, which is registered with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong.



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This document has not been reviewed by, and is not registered with any securities or other regulatory authority, and may, where appropriate, be distributed by the above-listed entities in their respective jurisdictions.



Any investment and economic outlook information contained in this document has been compiled by RBC GAM from various sources. Information obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable, but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made by RBC GAM, its affiliates or any other person as to its accuracy, completeness or correctness. RBC GAM and its affiliates assume no responsibility for any errors or omissions.



Opinions contained herein reflect the judgment and thought leadership of RBC GAM and are subject to change at any time. Such opinions are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be investment or financial advice and should not be relied or acted upon for providing such advice. RBC GAM does not undertake any obligation or responsibility to update such opinions.



RBC GAM reserves the right at any time and without notice to change, amend or cease publication of this information.



Past performance is not indicative of future results. With all investments there is a risk of loss of all or a portion of the amount invested. Where return estimates are shown, these are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as a prediction of returns; actual returns may be higher or lower than those shown and may vary substantially, especially over shorter time periods. It is not possible to invest directly in an index.



Some of the statements contained in this document may be considered forward-looking statements which provide current expectations or forecasts of future results or events. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties. Do not place undue reliance on these statements because actual results or events may differ materially from those described in such forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Before making any investment decisions, we encourage you to consider all relevant factors carefully.



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© RBC Global Asset Management Inc. 2020

Publication date: (December 15, 2020)