Emerging Markets - Stocks FX Rise on Hopes of Smaller Fed Hikes

Emerging markets offer investors a lot, but also present significant risks. These markets can experience dramatic swings in currency values, unstable governments, political unrest and less developed economic growth than their developed counterparts.

Despite these risks, emerging market stocks (EM stocks) can provide investors with significant investment gains over time. They have become an increasingly sought-after option for those seeking to diversify their portfolios without sacrificing growth potential.

Stocks

Emerging Markets- Stocks Rise on Hopes of Smaller Fed Hikes

The stock market continues to surge despite a difficult week, primarily due to the Federal Reserve's decision to pause its long-running interest rate increases. Optimists on Wall Street welcomed that news; however, they're still waiting for Powell to announce any plans to reduce rates.

Emerging market traders, which include countries like Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, have seen their currencies appreciate since the end of last year. On Friday morning, the Emerging Market Currency Index rose 0.3% while MSCI's Emerging Market equity gauge surged 1.4%.

Investors can use exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds to gain exposure to emerging markets, which offer a wealth of potential investment opportunities. However, if you're new to this sector, it is essential that you comprehend both its risks and rewards before investing in any stocks or ETFs associated with emerging markets.

Emerging markets can be considered riskier than developed nations, and their value may fluctuate drastically if affected by currency swings or political unrest. This could limit any investment gains you might make.

Emerging markets are growing at a faster rate than more established ones, which has attracted investors to invest there. Furthermore, these investments often offer higher returns than other investments.

However, investing in emerging markets carries risks due to their often unstable governments, lack of liquidity and weak economies. Therefore, it's essential to conduct a thorough assessment of a country's economy before investing in any of its stocks.

Furthermore, some emerging markets are facing high levels of inflation or deflation which could significantly diminish their stocks and economic growth. These effects could have a substantial effect on investment portfolios as well as individual investors' bank accounts.

Financial tightening cycles from central banks around the world, such as those of the Fed and European Central Bank, have had an adverse effect on many emerging markets. While investors anticipate that paused interest rate hikes by the Fed will help stimulate growth in these sectors, caution should still be exercised not to overinvest at this time.

Currencies

Due to the strong dollar, rising inflation and weak economic growth in many emerging markets (EM), many have become increasingly vulnerable to financial stress. This threat includes political instability, changes in market policy, tax increases, loss of subsidy and resource extraction regulations.

As these countries become more advanced and connected to global markets, they must make decisions that guarantee their sustained development. This requires investing in companies with the capacity to produce innovative products and services.

Emerging markets often offer higher returns than developed economies, but they are also more vulnerable to risks like corruption and the instability of political systems. These issues may lead to greater volatility and lower long-term investment returns in these emerging markets.

A robust emerging markets economy is essential for the global economy's stability, and it can help prevent another bout of financial stress. Unfortunately, any sudden shift in political circumstances or market conditions could have dire repercussions for an emerging market economy and its citizens.

Despite the concerns about emerging markets (EM), we believe that much of the universe remains mispriced in terms of valuations. We think investors are missing out on an opportunity to gain exposure to some of the world's largest economies while potentially benefiting from sustained outperformance in equities.

The MSCI EM Index, established in 1988, tracks 24 markets that account for 10% of global equity market capitalization. Based on their classification criteria, these economies are classified either as "emerging" or "developed."

This distinction is crucial, as it distinguishes countries with varying levels of development. Furthermore, it separates established markets from emerging ones, giving investors access to more opportunities in the latter without being subject to the risks inherent to more mature economies.

Over the last year, more and more analysts are predicting a delay in Fed hikes. This signals investors are beginning to anticipate a less-tightening cycle from Washington and could mean lower interest rates for emerging market countries (EM), which would be beneficial for both foreign exchange and equity returns.

Bonds

The Fed is raising interest rates as it attempts to manage inflation, leading to a sharp surge in the dollar. A stronger US dollar could pose problems for emerging markets that rely heavily on exports and have large debt loads.

Despite this, emerging markets appear more resilient to higher US rates than they were during past down liquidity cycles due to their currencies being supported by higher real interest rates and larger foreign exchange reserves. Furthermore, they possess more domestic growth drivers and less macroeconomic fragility than during previous hike cycles.

Investors fear a Fed hike could spark another "taper tantrum," similar to 2013, when investors withdrew from emerging market bond funds and sent prices tumbling. This concern stems from an endless cycle of central bank tightening in advanced economies which is restricting room for emerging markets to expand their economies.

Emerging market governments and central banks can still offer policy support if domestic inflation remains stable. However, if the Fed raises its interest rates, which would decrease spending and investment in these economies, they won't have any choice but to cut back.

Furthermore, higher interest rates could weaken emerging markets by raising the cost of credit and decreasing their competitiveness, particularly if they must pay more debt-service expenses or borrow at higher interest rates abroad. This would slow down their growth pace and may even trigger recessions in some countries.

It's essential to remember that bonds can be a risky investment. There are multiple elements which could negatively impact the value of your bonds, such as call and prepayment risk, credit risk, reinvestment risk and liquidity risk.

Are you considering including bonds in your portfolio? Speak with a wealth professional about how best to incorporate them and whether additional guidance is needed. They can assist in determining which type of bond best meets your objectives, investment horizon and objectives.

It is essential to remember that stocks and bonds are complementary assets and should be balanced within a portfolio. A well-diversified equity portfolio is ideal for investors who wish to protect their capital during periods of uncertain global economic climate.

ETFs

EMERGING MARKETS- Stocks FX rise on expectations of smaller Fed hikes

While the market remains volatile, investors are focused on how the Federal Reserve plans to proceed. They anticipate that they will slow down or pause their rate hike pace in coming months to give companies and consumers a break from rising costs and inflation, according to Spinelli.

In its next policy meeting, the Federal Reserve is widely expected to raise rates one quarter point. Stocks, however, have taken a hit and have tumbled to new lows as investors weigh rising interest rates against strong corporate earnings.

Investors should keep in mind that the cost of equity capital is on the rise, potentially constraining profits for companies as they attempt to expand revenues and boost share prices. This pressure has been compounded by Silicon Valley Bank's recent collapse, which has sent shockwaves through other banks due to fears of a wider spread epidemic.

Many investors are turning to ETFs as a means to diversify their investment portfolios. These funds offer access to various asset classes, sectors and geographies that may not be easily accessed through individual investments.

There are various ETFs that specialize in certain assets, such as stocks and bonds. Some were established to give people exposure to certain topics like cyber-security, while others track an index.

ETFs have seen success due to their greater liquidity and more cost-effective management fees compared to mutual funds. Plus, since ETF shares are traded on exchanges, investors can buy or sell them at any time stock prices fluctuate.

Additionally, since ETFs tend to be passively managed investments, the volume of trades that take place may be less than with mutual funds. This could make an attractive option for investors who want to minimize their overall tax bill and have high portfolio volatility.