The market faced many challenges in 2020, and global economies continue to adjust to changing markets. Ayesha Akbar, portfolio manager, examines growth among the bond market, China, Europe and USA to determine trends and opportunities when it comes to property markets, COVID impacts, technology, emerging markets, inflation and more. While China adopted the strategy of “never letting a good crisis go to waste” in 2020, their property market has been causing a decline in overall market performance. Ayesha touches on policy announcements that have taken place to relieve this issue. Contrarily, the bond market has been thriving due to China’s real estate struggles, and these trends look promising. Europe has been facing road bumps due to Brexit and COVID, but energy and cyclical stocks provide opportunities for returns and will be further studied for longevity. Current consumer trends in the US show high consumer spending that suggests continued growth - even with fear of inflation. Mass growth and inflation concerns will be closely followed and should better indicate long-term patterns in the coming months.

Recorded on November 19, 2021.

Transcript (PDF): https://www.fidelity.ca/cs/Satellite/doc/transcript_podcast_fidelityconnects_akbar_19nov.pdf