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R B C W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T
GLOBAL INSIGHT
P E RSP ECT I V ES F ROM T H E G LO BA L PO RT FO LI O A DV ISO RY COMMI TT EE
For Important and Required Non-U.S. Analyst Disclosures, see page 20.
Global Insight
April 2016
Table of Contents
10 Data Driven
Winters bite had investors fearing the worst was yet to come, but the
markets rally reminds us that its wise to resist embracing extreme
views.
All values in U.S. dollars and priced as of March 31, 2016, market close, EST, unless otherwise noted.
Class March, putting the correction in the rear-view mirror. Most developed markets
= + are now fairly valued rather than compellingly valued, although this does not
Equities preclude additional price appreciation.
Investor sentiment remains fickle, shifting with the global markets latest
Fixed
direction. We recommend to resist reacting to short-term market moves
Income
and instead to focus on opportunities. Global equities seem likely to deliver
worthwhile returns this year. U.S. recession risks have diminished, China policy
Expect below Expect above stresses have eased, and developed markets earnings should rise moderately
average average excluding the Energy Sector.
performance performance
We would accumulate high-quality stocks, particularly if the market pulls
back, and maintain a full commitment to equities at the long-term targeted
See Views Explanation below for details allocation level.
Source - RBC Wealth Management
Fixed Income
Credit markets recovered much of their lost ground, and spreads narrowed
significantly in March as global economic data firmed, Europe loosened its
unconventional monetary policies further, and commodities rallied. This lifted
credit market valuations, pushing parts of the high-yield market to extended
levels. We recommend being more selective about adding exposure to credit
markets, although there are still attractive opportunities in investment-grade
securities and select high-yield sectors.
Central bank policy should remain a key focus of fixed income markets
throughout 2016. A U.S. rate hike seems highly unlikely in the near term due to
lingering global risks but could occur in the summer and/or later this year. For
other major central banks, the marginal benefits of implementing additional
stimulus measures are low, in our view.
Views Explanation
(+/=/) represents the Global Portfolio Advisory Committees (GPAC) view over a 12-month investment
time horizon.
+ Positive implies the potential for better-than-average performance for the asset class or for the region
relative to other asset classes or regions.
= In-line implies the potential for average performance for the asset class or for the region relative to
other asset classes or regions.
Negative implies the potential for below-average performance for the asset class or for the region
relative to other asset classes or regions.
Small-cap stocks have been out of favor for the past two years compared to large
caps as the Russell 2000 and S&P SmallCap 600, the main small-cap benchmarks,
have trailed the S&P 500 Index in a meaningful way (see lower left chart). The
underperformance was even more pronounced during the recent equity market
correction as the Russell 2000 slid 26% from June 2015 through the market low on
February 11, while the S&P 500 declined 14% during the same period.
Revving Up
The growth potential of small-cap stocks exceeds that of large caps, and is especially
attractive in this subpar economic environment, in our opinion.
This year, profit growth should be difficult to come by for many mature, large
companies because we believe U.S. GDP is likely to advance by only 2% or so, well
below the pace recorded at this stage of previous expansion cycles. Looking a bit
further out on the calendar, the consensus forecast is for the large-cap S&P 500 to
grow earnings by 5% in the next 12 months. That is a respectable growth rate given
global economic headwinds, but is below the high single-digit to low double-digit
level we would expect if the economy were firing on all cylinders.
The S&P SmallCap 600 seems well positioned to deliver earnings growth at almost
twice the rate of the S&P 500 in the next 12 months, and should achieve higher
revenue growth (see right chart). The magnitude of expected excess earnings growth
is above the average rate of this expansion period.
Small caps fit in well with our longstanding recommendation to tilt portfolios toward
growth stocks during this subdued period of economic growth. We believe investors
will pay up for growth when there are fewer instances of it occurring, which should
result in greater demand for small caps.
In the past two years, small-cap price-to-earnings (P/E) ratiosthe amount investors
are willing to pay for every dollar of earningshave compressed to a greater degree
than for large caps. As a result, small caps are trading at the lower end of their
long-term range compared to large caps, and are just off their lowest level since this
economic recovery began in March 2009 (see left chart).
Because small caps and large caps are two very different categories, especially when
it comes to growth profiles, it is appropriate to compare P/E ratios based on expected
earnings growthknown as P/E-to-growth (PEG). The SmallCap 600 trades at a
slightly higher P/E than the S&P 500, but has stronger earnings growth prospects,
so its PEG ratio is much more attractive. In this apples-to-apples comparison, small
caps are nearly as cheap as they have been anytime during this bull market (see right
chart).
S&P SmallCap 600 vs. S&P 500 P/Es S&P Smallcap 600 vs. S&P 500 P/E-to-Growth
Small-Cap P/E Ratio Divided by Large-Cap P/E Ratio Large-Cap PEG Minus Small-Cap PEG (inverted)
1.10
1.5
1.00
Small Caps Cheaper Small Caps Cheaper
0.90 2.0
2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 Sep '09 Sep '11 Sep '13 Sep '15
Source - RBC Wealth Management, Bloomberg; 12-month Source - RBC Capital Markets, FactSet; data as of 3/21/16;
forward data through 3/21/16 12-month forward consensus estimates
Small-cap valuations also score well based on our more robust proprietary
multifactor model that not only includes P/E ratios, but incorporates price-to-book
ratios and free cash flow yields, and is adjusted by sector. The chart on the following
page illustrates that small-cap stocks are the most attractive theyve been relative to
large caps in over 16 years based on this complex valuation model.
2.0
Small-cap valuations
1.5 are the most attractive
Large Caps Attractive
1.0 compared to large-
1 standard deviation
0.5 caps in over 16 years.
0.0
-0.5
-1 standard deviation
-1.0
-1.5 Small Caps Attractive
-2.0
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Note: S&P 500 represents large-caps; S&P 600 represents small-caps. Composite
valuation is made up of the following metrics which are adjusted by sector: Price-
to-Earnings (trailing 12-mo.), Price-to-Book, Free Cash Flow Yield (trailing 12-mo.).
Chart represents six-month moving averages of the composite valuations (S&P 600
minus S&P 500). Z-score is a statistical measurement of a scores relationship to its
mean. A Z-score of 0 occurs when the current score is equal to the historical mean.
A Z-score of 1 represents a 1 standard deviation event; 68% of all events fall within
1 standard deviation (assuming a normal distribution curve).
Source - RBC Wealth Management, Bloomberg; data through 2/29/16
A Small Indication
Small-cap price momentum has been building recently. We view this as a positive
indicator for the U.S. economy, and it could ultimately trigger a technical buy signal.
Since the markets low on February 11, the Russell 2000 and SmallCap 600 were
first out of the gate. They have each climbed almost 17%, outperforming the 12.6%
advance in the large-cap S&P 500.
The moves for all three indexes, particularly the small-cap benchmarks, support our
thesis that the U.S. economy will avoid a recession over the next 12 months, at least.
Small caps generally do not perform this well when GDP is about to wilt because
small-cap profits are more directly tied to the domestic economy compared to large
caps.
Additionally, the recent outperformance of small caps has moderately improved the
technical indicators for this category. While it will take more to generate a technical
buy signal, one could occur sometime this year as institutional investors become
more confident in U.S. economic prospects.
In our view, there is enough fundamental support from stronger earnings prospects
and attractive valuations to warrant a position in small caps that is above the strategic
recommended level for investors with growth-oriented portfolios and above-average
risk tolerances. Small caps are not appropriate for more conservative investors
because they are usually volatile, and while their profits tend to grow faster than large
caps, that growth is not always predictable.
Frdrique Carrier
London, United Kingdom
frederique.carrier@rbc.com Q. Could you share a quick primer on the potential for an exit by Britain
(or Brexit) from the EU?
A. Sure. On June 23, Britons will go to the polls to vote on whether or not to remain
a member of the EU, a membership which gives the U.K. unfettered access to the
worlds largest common market. Currently, the Remain camp leads by a slight
majority. A vote to leave is not our base case, but with odds of some 35%, it is a
significant risk. The repercussions would be felt not only in the U.K. and in the EU,
but also possibly globally. For now, we expect volatility to increase for U.K. and
European assets ahead of the referendum.
Q. How will investors outside of the U.K. and Europe feel the impact of
Brexit in their portfolios?
A. With just over 7% of S&P 500 revenues coming from the U.K. and Europe, the
impact of a Brexit vote might seem inconsequential. Yet, we urge investors not to be
too dismissive.
An expected setback in U.K. and European domestic demand due to uncertainty and
potentially long negotiations following the vote would dent the profitability of U.S.
businesses with British and perhaps European operations. It is also conceivable that
the uncertain implications for the EU from Brexit could help push the U.S. dollar
even higher, further crimping corporate earnings. We would thus be cautious on
U.S. companies with particularly large U.K. and European exposures. Heightened
volatility is also likely, in our view, and the prospect for weaker earnings could hurt
investor sentiment.
Q. What are the implications for European equity markets if Brexit occurs?
One impact of Brexit on the EU would be through the trade channel. The EU sends
10% of its exports to the U.K., and this has made a positive contribution to EU growth.
The expected fall in domestic demand in the U.K. following a Brexit vote could affect
demand for these imported EU goods and services.
Ireland, a member of the EU with strong economic ties with the U.K., would be
particularly exposed: as much as 15% of its total exports are destined to the U.K.
Importantly, a vote to leave does not bode well for the cohesion of the EU. Other
countries, emboldened by the U.K.s move, could also demand special rights to
better suit their own interests. Moreover, without the U.K. the EU would lose a
reform-minded member, which could erode its resolve to move towards more market
friendly policies in the long term.
Many people view the U.K. as a counterweight to the dominating influence of France
and Germany, and its absence would alter the delicate balance of power within the
EU. For a region where political cohesion is key but facing a myriad of challenges,
such as populist politics, a refugee crisis, and government bankruptcy in Greece and
perhaps Portugal, this would be an unwelcome additional challenge. An eventual
existential crisis cannot be ruled out.
Q. What would be the economic impact of a vote to leave for the U.K.?
A. In the short term, we would expect weaker economic activity for two reasons.
First, U.K. exports, roughly half of which are currently sent to the EU, would fall as
they would no longer benefit from reduced trade barriers. Second, capital investment
would decline. The U.K. has been a large recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI),
as it is seen as a market with flexible labour laws with full access to the European
single market. Without this access, we would expect investment to be deterred,
though incentives, such as tax breaks, could eventually soften the blow.
Lower FDI would be a concern to the U.K. economy, which depends on it to fund its
yawning current account deficit that is the largest in the developed world at 4.7% of
GDP. Without FDI, we would expect the GBP to have to weaken in order to redress
balance, raising the prospect for episodes of intense currency volatility.
Volatility and GBP weakness would likely dent consumer confidence as well. We
would expect monetary policy to remain loose even though inflation may increase
due to a weaker pound.
In the long term, the economic impact of Brexit would depend on the kind of
relationship a departing U.K. would form with the EU. Maintaining access to the
EUs single market will be the key, yet it may be largely out of the U.K.s hands. The
EU is unlikely to give better terms to the U.K. for fear of encouraging other potential
leavers.
Q. What are the implications for the U.K. from a financial markets
perspective for fixed income and equities?
A. As the most liquid U.K. financial asset, we would expect the GBP to weaken further
against the USD and to a lesser extent against the EUR in the case of a leave vote.
Conversely, GBP would likely bounce back should the probability of Brexit decline.
For fixed income, we would expect risk aversion to increase Gilt yields and credit
spreads to widen if the probability of Brexit increases. In a Brexit scenario, credit
downgrades should not be ruled out.
Data Driven
What a difference a few short weeks
Equity Views
can make.
Region Current
Through most of January and
February, investors worried the bottom Global =
might be falling outespecially for United States =
Canada =
commodities. Oil plummeted below
Continental Europe =
$30/bbl, hitting fresh lows every day
United Kingdom
and prompting panicky speculation
Asia (ex-Japan) =
that sub-$20 oil was just around the
Japan +
corner. Short contract positions in oil Source - RBC Wealth Management; see RBCs Investment
soared. Copper and other industrial Stance for Views Explanation.
commodities slumped.
other developed economies is poised
Some of the more excitable pundits to accelerate to a more satisfying,
asserted this was all evidence the U.S., comfortable pace.
and by implication all other developed
economies, were about to slide For our part, equity investors should
imminently into recession. Investors resist embracing extreme views. We
apparently took notenot only did look for most developed economies to
equity markets sink to new cycle lows, continue to muddle along for as long as
but measures of investor pessimism credit conditions remain constructive.
reached levels last seen at the worst GDP growth should be fast enough
moments of the financial crisis. to permit corporate sales to advance
And then markets rallieda relief by 3%5% in the coming 12 months,
rally by many accounts. Oil surged by and earnings by 4%7%. Combined
50% off its distress lows, iron ore prices with dividends, this would imply all-in
moved sharply higher, while copper returns from equities in the 6%9%
and most other metals strengthened. range. Its not mouth-wateringin fact,
somewhat disappointing by historical
Interest rates on less-than-investment- standardsbut more than adequate
grade bonds, which had spiraled compared to available alternatives.
Jim Allworth up to extreme heights early in the
Vancouver, Canada We continue to recommend global
jim.allworth@rbc.com year, implying widespread corporate
defaults to come, fell and have portfolios maintain a full benchmark
Kelly Bogdanov commitment to equities.
San Francisco, United States
continued to fall. Importantly, most
kelly.bogdanov@rbc.com U.S. economic data releases over
Patrick McAllister the past two months have exceeded Regional Highlights
Toronto, Canada market expectations, capped off by the
patrick.mcallister@rbc.com United States
latest solid employment report and the
Following the S&P 500s swift
Frdrique Carrier re-acceleration of the manufacturing
London, United Kingdom
12.6% rally off the February low,
economy.
frederique.carrier@rbc.com we anticipate the market will
We think a U.S. recession is off the consolidate or pull back in the near
Yufei Yang
Hong Kong, China tableif it was ever on it. On the other term. In our view, investors should
yufeiyang@rbc.com be prepared to build or add to
hand, we acknowledge its difficult to
make a case that growth in the U.S. and positions in high-quality stocks.
-20%
-25%
January February March
* The country labels represent the following indexes: S&P/TSX, S&P 500, FTSE All-
Share, Hang Seng, STOXX Europe 600, TOPIX
Source - RBC Wealth Management, Bloomberg; data through 3/31/16
110 bps
Six-month Range Average Current Corporate bonds
100 bps have rallied on the
90 bps ECBs plan to buy
80 bps corporate bonds,
70 bps but valuations
60 bps
in conservative
50 bps
sectors are now
Services
Discretionary
Consumer
Industrials
Utilities
Financials
Telecom
Staples
Consumer
less compelling.
9,500
in recent weeks.
9,000
8,500
8,000
Mark Allen
Toronto, Canada
7,500
mark.d.allen@rbc.com
Jan 2014 Jul 2014 Jan 2015 Jul 2015 Jan 2016
94
Paul Bowman
London, United Kingdom 92
paul.bowman@rbc.com
Apr '15 Jul '15 Oct '15 Jan '16 Apr '16
Canada In Transition
Q4 was the second quarter of positive growth in 2015.
Q1 should extend the streak. House construction
firm, business capex (mostly energy), and government
weak. Consumer attitude restrained by resource sector
2.4% 2.3% 2.5%
weakness. Mfg. sales ex-petroleum products growing
consistently, led by autos. Ditto for exports including 1.2% 1.0% 1.8%
1.9%
services and tourism all helped by weak loonie. Energy 1.1%
capex plans still falling. 2014 2015 2016E 2017E
Eurozone Strengthening
Q4 was 11th successive quarter of positive growth.
Spain GDP up a very solid 3.5% in 2015. France uneven,
Italy lagging. Bank lending standards continue to ease,
loans to private sector up year over year. 2.0%
1.5% 1.5%
0.8%
PMIs weaker in Feb., but improved in March. Q1 growth 1.3%
should improve on Q4. Refugee crisis, fractious politics 0.4% 0.3% 0.5%
is weighing on consumer sentiment. Full year GDP
2014 2015 2016E 2017E
growth to hold steady in 2016, improve in 2017.