February market update

In February markets were dominated by Coronavirus fears, triggering significant performance in high quality fixed income assets.  As the virus is now likely moving into a global pandemic phase, economies are likely to collectively suffer with both lower demand and significant supply disruptions.  There isn’t a magical human policy which can easily make this go away.  Interest rate cuts and liquidity will help, but they cannot solve the clear and present dangers we are currently facing.   That’s worth thinking about as we look forward over the coming months, because we don’t think liquidity helps with supply issues this time.  

JCB believes that the global environment was already slowing into the onset of this outbreak, but it is almost certain that economies will suffer intense slowdowns as a result. JCB is only just now starting to receive virus effected economic data for February. Looking at China data to date (as the earliest country to experience COVID-19) it has been far worse than expected.  This could trigger a cashflow crisis in corporates, JCB holds grave fears for markets and Central Bankers ability to help in a ‘supply’ side shock.  

Very weak manufacturing data from China

The depth of the shock is very sobering indeed, with the official Chinese Government manufacturing data and the private sector manufacturing series for February posting outcomes far worse than the depths of the global financial crisis (GFC). This type of economic outcome is likely in all virus-affected geographies over rolling time frames as the virus spreads, as is currently the case in Europe and the USA.

The outlook for bonds in the short term

For bonds there are two fairly clear pathways forward as we see it.  

1) The virus has already created significant supply and demand destruction, putting large pressure on corporate cashflows, killing incoming economic data. Hoping for the best, if the virus can be contained in the days and weeks ahead, markets will still require huge policy accommodation to deal with this shock (we are seeing the start now as the RBA cut rates 25 basis points, the US Federal Reserve (the Fed) cut rates by a 0.50% emergency, the first since GFC, the Bank of Canada cut by 0.50%, and Hong Kong also followed suit.  Rate cuts and liquidity programs will see bonds, as well as other assets continue to perform well.  

2) Our worst fears are realised, the virus drags on for a prolonged period and triggers a global credit event.  In this instance return ‘of’ capital will be paramount, rather than return ‘on’ capital and Government Bonds would be one of the few standalone asset classes to provide that certainty plus providing significant liquidity.  In this instance we would expect strong returns both on an outright and relative basis to other asset classes.

Liquidity is the key in this uncertain terrain

JCB cannot stress enough the possibility that markets may totally seize.  The speed and velocity of the current moves in an algorithmic dominated world are quite astounding versus what we previously experienced in the GFC.  A total panic moment could potentially be ahead if the plumbing of the financial system cannot be lubricated – the credit markets must find a way to re-open and provide corporates the ability to roll existing debt obligations forward.  

Currently there is a very serious liquidity crunch unravelling, as parts of the funding markets and most of the corporate credit market are frozen.  To date, Central Bank rate cuts have clearly not resolved these issues. It is highly likely the Fed and other Central Banks will need to inject an avalanche of additional stimulus and liquidity (in other words more rate cuts, liquidity provision, extended swap lines, uncapped repurchase agreements and further Quantitative Easing).

This information is provided by JamiesonCooteBonds Pty Ltd ACN 165 890 282 AFSL 459018 (‘JCB’). Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This information should not be considered advice or a recommendation to investors or potential investors in relation to holding, purchasing or selling units and does not take into account your particular investment objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any information you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to these matters, any relevant offer document and in particular, you should seek independent financial advice.