coronavirus

Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine that sent global stock markets higher on Monday prompted double digit gains in value stocks while growth companies saw their share prices tumble. Is this the long-awaited rotation to value?

The CSSF is urging all financial sector workers to again work from home wherever possible. The new guidance comes after the Luxembourg government announced new restrictions to limit the spread of Covid-19 on Friday.

‘We are facing an unprecedented upsurge in coronavirus infections whose consequences cannot be measured at this stage’, the CSSF said in a press release. ‘The government indicated that the situation gives cause for concern during its press conference.’

Liquidity in Luxembourg’s funds is a key concern for the CSSF, Luxembourg’s financial regulator. With all asset class crashing over the last month, investors have had no easy safe-haven options, and many have sought to sell up and hold cash. However, to date, this stress appears not to have led to the suspension of any Lux fund.

The coronacrisis has hit the real estate sector hard. Much of the damage could prove to be permanent, as underlying trends are now accelerating and consumer behaviour could change permanently, says Michael Gobitschek, manager of the Skagen M2 fund.

‘Will we still travel as much as before the virus outbreak In two years’ time, for example? And we may be working from home a lot more’, Gobitschek asks.

Credit markets have been hit hard across the board. ‘Exiting at normal prices is now virtually impossible because there is hardly any liquidity.’ Only ETFs can still be easily sold, resulting in dramatic price declines. Can the ECB’s latest support package restore calm?

March is not even halfway through, but has already presided over the largest fall in the price of European high-yield bonds since October 2008. The BofA European Currency High Yield Index is already in the minus 8% this month, but the unprecedented fall in prices also offers opportunities. Within Europe, I would now rather invest in Italy than the UK or Germany.

The decision of the US Federal Reserve to cut interest rates once more and restart QE was expected by investors. But not on a Sunday afternoon. Asset managers characterise the sudden decision as ‘a defining moment’, for more than one reason.

The Fed and the Bank of England responded to the coronavirus fall-out with emergency rate cuts of 50 basis points. Now, all eyes are on the ECB.

The coronavirus is causing ‘a clear shock to the world economy’, according to Columbia Threadneedle. Janus Henderson calls the global spreading of the coronavirus ‘a real game changer that has dashed hopes of a V-shaped recovery in global growth.’ 
 
‘So far we are seeing two clear consequences: lower consumption and less supply,’ says Neil Robson of Columbia Threadneedle. He illustrates the first concern citing the Adidas market update last week, showing a 85% decline in activity in China.