Significance
The idiosyncratic vulnerabilities that built up in financial markets in 2018 are morphing into a more pronounced global growth scare, exacerbated by concerns about the US Federal Reserve (Fed) being too hawkish. The combination of slower euro-area and Chinese growth and US monetary tightening is weighing on asset prices and increasing volatility after a year in which almost every major asset class suffered a loss. Monetary stimulus withdrawal is the focal point, as it has been the main support for markets since 2008.
Impacts
Ten-year US Treasury bond yields are down 50 basis points since April; global growth worries will make such ‘safe havens’ more attractive.
Amid the worries, emerging market (EM) equities are up 1.5% from an October 29 low and may be more resilient than in previous downturns.
The Brent crude oil price will be to the lower end of 50-80 dollars/barrel in 2019 amid growth and oversupply worries, reducing inflation.