Global food prices are rising rapidly, driven by a mix of lingering supply-side bottlenecks from Covid-19, the Russia-Ukraine war and unfavourable weather conditions. Food security has now become a key concern for consumers and governments - how prepared are we for this brewing storm?

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The only certainty about the markets recently is volatility. Given the macro environment and geopolitical factors at play, how should investors recalibrate their investment approach and risk appetite? Have markets fully reflected the impact of higher rates and if not, how should investors gear up for the prospect of greater uncertainty ahead?

For more of our latest market insights, visit:  https://www.bankofsingapore.com/insight-listing.html?

Inflation is called the bondholder’s worst enemy, and for good reason, as it has a pernicious impact on fixed income investments.

We recently had a headline inflation number of 8.6%, the highest since 1981, and coincidentally, one of the worst 1H for fixed income investments in modern memory, with USD credit portfolios down in double digits, and some down as much as 15 -18%.

Given these moves, there are two key concerns bond investors might logically be wondering – first, if there is any way to insulate one’s portfolio against rising rates, and second, if there is no sure-fire way to hedge against rising rates, then should one abandon the asset class altogether?

Tune in to our latest podcast with Todd Schubert, Head of Fixed Income Research, to find out more.

This month the Fed raised its fed funds rate by 75bps to 1.50-1.75% to curb soaring inflation in the US. This was the Fed’s first 75bps rate increase since 1994. We think the current Fed tightening cycle is likely to be very similar to 1994’s aggressive cycle.

In 1994, the Fed raised interest rates at every meeting of the year by 50bps and finished the year by increasing the fed funds rate by 75bps at the last meeting of the year.

We expect the current Fed hiking cycle to be similarly rapid in 2022. Tune in to our latest podcast with chief economist, Mansoor Mohi-uddin, to find out more.

The current debate between the bulls and the bears rages on – the bulls believe that we should not waste a good market correction, while the bears believe the worst is still not over and we will be seeing more downside…

What is clear is that with this tussle, volatility will remain in the near to medium term, largely due to heightened inflation risks and a more challenging operating environment.

It has been a tough year for equities, and the question on everyone’s mind is, will this be ending soon?

In this podcast episode, Carmen Lee, our investment strategist at Bank of Singapore, reviews the latest market conditions and how investors should prepare themselves in the coming weeks.

Global equity markets, especially the US, experienced another wild ride last week.

The earnings growth in the US, is visibly turning downwards and investors are increasingly less confident about the ability of the Fed to engineer a soft landing of the economy. Inflation and supply chains remain increasingly concerning, as well as the impact of China’s ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, and the potential that it could add to persistence of inflation, especially in the US.

Neo Bee Leng, investment strategist at Bank of Singapore, reviews the latest market conditions and how investors should prepare themselves in the coming weeks.

What started off as a small ripple, is now turning into a bigger wave of USD rally, and the two key drivers behind the rise of the King Dollar, are a hawkish Fed, and slowing growth outside the US.

In this podcast episode, Sim Moh Siong, currency and commodity strategist at Bank of Singapore, explores the key considerations which investors should pay attention to over the coming weeks. Tune in to find out more.

As the war in Ukraine enters its third month, there is still little visibility on a resolution to the conflict in the near term and disruptions to the supply of energy and other commodities are fuelling widespread price increases that threaten to hurt global demand.

Investors remain concerned about the rising risk of a stagflationary path ahead for the world economy, marked by slow growth and high inflation – and these concerns are weighing heavily on risk appetite and overall sentiment.

In this podcast episode, Conrad Tan, investment strategist at Bank of Singapore, explores the three key market drivers which investors should pay attention to over the coming weeks.

The Russia-Ukraine war and its spill over effects on energy and commodity prices continue to dominate market sentiment, furthermore, recent events have brought about the re-emergence of commodities that historically haven't been part of the energy transition conversation, specifically natural gas and nuclear.

What are the foreseeable opportunities and threats for the energy sector moving forward?

We speak to guest speakers Joy Perry from Wellington Commodities, and Alastair Bishop from BlackRock, to share their expert insights on energy transitions, impact of geopolitics and inflationary expectations, sustainable investing and other significant structural trends that will drive energy markets going forward.

Speakers:

Investing in a rising rate environment is going to require a new paradigm and a new perspective. 

Join our fixed income research advisers as they discuss the near-term outlook and strategies on how to position for rising rates and inflation. The team also explores investor opportunities amidst the current market environments, particularly in emerging market sovereigns and the EM corporate universe.

Speakers: