This week was busy with macroeconomic data publications:
In the US, we had Q4 GDP report below expectations at 1.9%, which does not mean the US economy is slowing significantly. This figure was penalized by larger than anticipated trade balance deficit. The good news is that investment picked up, which bodes well for the next quarters. On top of that, PMI came out above expectations, which says basically the same thing: the US are doing fine.
In the UK, Q4 GDP came out better than expected. The economy grew 2.2% in 2016. Nice performance in this Brexit referendum year! Logically, investors have unwound some more short GBP trades, which pushed sterling +1.6% vs USD and EUR this week.
Eurozone economy continues on its improving trend, with this week PMI indices. We had a very solid German manufacturing PMI and good figures as well coming from France. French consumer confidence reached its 2007 high.
- Regarding bond yields, the move higher extended. Our medium term view remains unchanged, we continue to think German bonds are too expensive.
- We remain positive on Euro equities, we think investor positioning is on the low end and that EPS growth should help make a good year.
Kind Regards.
More about:
- La Française Allocation Share Class R
- La Française Allocation Share Class I
- La Française Allocation Share Class S
The information and material provided do not, by any means, represent advice, offers, solicitations or recommendations for investing in specific investments. All statements reflect the opinions of their authors at their publication date and do not constitute a contractual commitment on behalf of the management company. These assessments are subject to change without notice, within the prospectus’ limitations, which is the only legally binding document. La Française Group declines liability in any form for any direct or indirect damage resulting from the use of this publication or the information that it contains. This publication may not be reproduced in full or in part, disseminated or distributed to any third party without the prior written consent of La Française Group.
La Française Allocation is a French UCITS in regards to the 2009/65/CE Directive. The Fund received AMF authorization on July 15th 2003 and was launched on July 31st 2003. The strategy changed as of July 19th 2012. Management company : La Française Asset Management – Paris – approved by the “Autorité des Marchés Financiers” under N GP97076 on July 1st, 1997.
For more information regarding the French regulatory authority - Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) – please visit www.amf-france.org.www.amf-france.org.