2023 Outlook: Jamie Ross, Portfolio Manager
“Equity markets are inexpensive and, unless we see significant earnings downgrades over the next 12 months, such low equity market valuations are unlikely to be sustainable.”
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2022 has been a very difficult year for European equities and, in particular, for the more growthy/quality end of the market. Interest rates and inflation expectations have risen sharply, whilst geopolitical concern has been a near constant. Value has been the place to be, more specifically defensive value. We have underperformed the market.
Heading into 2023, we are starting to see a more balanced debate emerge on the likely future direction of monetary policy and on the sustainability of heightened inflation.
Coupled with this, equity markets are inexpensive and, unless we see significant earnings downgrades over the next 12 months, such low equity market valuations are unlikely to be sustainable.
A final observation is that, according to survey data, European equities are deeply out of favour with international investors.
So what does this mean for 2023? In summary, after a tricky 12 months, we have cheap and out of favour European equities and a more balanced debate between Growth and Value positioning. The first of these factors leaves me confident that European Equity markets can have a positive year. The second of these factors is more difficult to interpret, however, I am hopeful of a more balanced market, less driven by style (Growth versus Value) factors and more driven by stock-specific performance. In a more positive environment, one may expect a recovery in areas such as Consumer Discretionary, Information Technology and Industrials.
Inflation: The rate at which the prices of goods and services are rising in an economy. The CPI and RPI are two common measures. The opposite of deflation.
Monetary policy: The policies of a central bank, aimed at influencing the level of inflation and growth in an economy. It includes controlling interest rates and the supply of money. Monetary stimulus refers to a central bank increasing the supply of money and lowering borrowing costs. Monetary tightening refers to central bank activity aimed at curbing inflation and slowing down growth in the economy by raising interest rates and reducing the supply of money. See also fiscal policy.
These are the views of the author at the time of publication and may differ from the views of other individuals/teams at Janus Henderson Investors. References made to individual securities do not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security, investment strategy or market sector, and should not be assumed to be profitable. Janus Henderson Investors, its affiliated advisor, or its employees, may have a position in the securities mentioned.
Past performance does not predict future returns. The value of an investment and the income from it can fall as well as rise and you may not get back the amount originally invested.
The information in this article does not qualify as an investment recommendation.
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