Related: Commentary – Corporate Profits Plunge in Most Recent GDP Report
What does this mean for asset allocation? The twin policies of globalization and deregulation have been key background factors that have supported financial markets. After the Berlin Wall fell, this policy pair was dubbed “the Washington Consensus,” which became the blueprint for how the world economy should work. That policy consensus appears to be breaking down mostly because it requires a global hegemon to enforce the consensus.
The ill-advised Middle East wars and the unsustainable weaknesses of the Washington Consensus (which required excessive debt to compensate for the lack of income growth) have now called into question the entire policy project. If the Washington Consensus fails and nations retreat into nationalism, inflation and global unrest will almost certainly follow. Rising inflation would favor stocks and cash over bonds.
In addition, virtually everything we know about foreign investing has occurred with the U.S. playing the hegemon role. If the U.S. no longer fully provides the public goods that come with being the superpower, foreign investing faces a new and difficult future with greater uncertainty. Much of our asset allocation process is determining the interplay of shorter term and longer term factors. The Brexit situation is another factor in that process.
Disclosure Information
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Information provided in this report is for educational and illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as individualized investment advice or a recommendation. The investment or strategy discussed may not be suitable for all investors. Investors must make their own decisions based on their specific investment objectives and financial circumstances. Opinions expressed are current as of the date shown and are subject to change.