Global and Thematic Equities Outlook
Alex Tedder, Head and CIO of Global and US Equities
Pricing power will be the key for global shares in 2022. Here's why.
The significant disruption to supply chains seen in 2021, largely linked to COVID-19-related capacity shutdowns and transportation bottlenecks, is set to diminish as we move into 2022.
Supply-chain backlogs historically adjust quite rapidly after periods of stress as the market responds to higher demand and rebuilds inventory. We see no reason to assume this won’t be the case in 2022, and, indeed, freight-shipping rates have already started to fall.
US Equities Outlook
Bob Kaynor, Head of US Small and Midcap Equities
Although the US economy is set to grow in 2022, higher costs and wage pressures could squeeze profit margins.
The combination of a healthy US consumer segment, higher government spending on infrastructure and social programs, and increased corporate capital expenditure (capex) could lead to higher growth over the next few years for the US economy. We believe growth will be broader-based and focused on improving supply chains, automation to tackle dependence on a tight labor market, and emerging areas of the market to address climate risk.
Emerging Markets Outlook
Andrew Rymer, CFA, Emerging Markets Investment Specialist
Slower growth in China and the Federal Reserve taper have contributed to a relatively downbeat outlook for emerging markets. Could the mood music be set to change in 2022?
As we head into 2022, it’s very encouraging that the rate of vaccinations in emerging markets has seen a marked acceleration, even as new variants such as Omicron continue to pose a risk. This has helped support economic growth, but an encore is unlikely in 2022.
China Outlook
Andrew Rymer, CFA, Emerging Markets Investment Specialist
Will economic growth stabilize in 2022? Could we see an easing in regulatory pressures?
After such a strong recovery from COVID-19 last year, 2021 was always going to be a different story for China. After all, China led the macroeconomic recovery after the initial outbreak of the pandemic; the so-called “first-in-first-out” effect.
Global and Thematic Equities Outlook
Alex Tedder, Head and CIO of Global and US Equities
Pricing power will be the key for global shares in 2022. Here's why.
The significant disruption to supply chains seen in 2021, largely linked to COVID-19-related capacity shutdowns and transportation bottlenecks, is set to diminish as we move into 2022.
Supply-chain backlogs historically adjust quite rapidly after periods of stress as the market responds to higher demand and rebuilds inventory. We see no reason to assume this won’t be the case in 2022, and, indeed, freight-shipping rates have already started to fall.
US Equities Outlook
Bob Kaynor, Head of US Small and Midcap Equities
Although the US economy is set to grow in 2022, higher costs and wage pressures could squeeze profit margins.
The combination of a healthy US consumer segment, higher government spending on infrastructure and social programs, and increased corporate capital expenditure (capex) could lead to higher growth over the next few years for the US economy. We believe growth will be broader-based and focused on improving supply chains, automation to tackle dependence on a tight labor market, and emerging areas of the market to address climate risk.
Emerging Markets Outlook
Andrew Rymer, CFA, Emerging Markets Investment Specialist
Slower growth in China and the Federal Reserve taper have contributed to a relatively downbeat outlook for emerging markets. Could the mood music be set to change in 2022?
As we head into 2022, it’s very encouraging that the rate of vaccinations in emerging markets has seen a marked acceleration, even as new variants such as Omicron continue to pose a risk. This has helped support economic growth, but an encore is unlikely in 2022.
China Outlook
Andrew Rymer, CFA, Emerging Markets Investment Specialist
Will economic growth stabilize in 2022? Could we see an easing in regulatory pressures?
After such a strong recovery from COVID-19 last year, 2021 was always going to be a different story for China. After all, China led the macroeconomic recovery after the initial outbreak of the pandemic; the so-called “first-in-first-out” effect.
Important Risks: Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. • Foreign investments may be more volatile and less liquid than US investments and are subject to the risk of currency fluctuations and adverse political and economic developments. These risks may be greater, and include additional risks, for investments in emerging markets, such as China. • Investments in particular sectors may increase volatility and risk of loss if adverse developments occur.
The views expressed herein are those of Schroders Investment Management (Schroders), are for informational purposes only, and are subject to change based on prevailing market, economic, and other conditions. The views expressed may not reflect the opinions of Hartford Funds or any other sub-adviser to our funds. They should not be construed as research or investment advice nor should they be considered an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security. This information is current at the time of writing and may not be reproduced or distributed in whole or in part, for any purpose, without the express written consent of Schroders or Hartford Funds.