Fixed Income Outlook 2019: Asian Bonds Back in Vogue - Articles & Commentaries

ADDED:

22 January 2019

PREPARED BY:

In the following interview Esther Teo, Director of Fixed Income, Affin Hwang Asset Management shares her outlook for the Asian bond market as conditions start to ease after a turbulent 2018 and why credit selection is key in a late-cycle.

1) What are your expectations and outlook for the fixed income market in 2019?
The global fixed income space endured a challenging stretch over the past year as the US Federal Reserve continued to hike rates in 2018. Emerging market bonds sold off sharply due to a surge in the USD and specific EM country currency crisis such as in Turkey and Argentina, which prompted a reversal of flows from EMs back to the US. Heightened trade tensions between US and China also dampened sentiment in the region.

Looking forward to 2019, we expect to see some of these headwinds recede as we approach the end of the tightening cycle. More dovish comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell suggests that the central bank would be more patient and accommodative in steering its rate-hike cycle and unwinding its balance sheet.

Currently, Fed funds futures are pointing towards zero rate hikes for 2019 and a chance of a rate cut in 2020. We expect fixed income to deliver positive returns in 2019 and we see attractive valuations in EM bonds. We also expect EM currencies to be more stable as USD strength is near its peak.

Downward Revisions
Expect downward revisions in rate projections:

Fed Funds Futures pricing-in a pause to tightening in 2019
Core inflation to hover +/- 2%
Narrowing growth divergence between US and the rest of the world

On the domestic front, we expect the same market drivers from 2018 – i.e. strong domestic liquidity and lack of supply to continue to support the local bond market in 2019. We expect GDP growth to moderate to 4.5% - 4.8% this year with lower domestic consumption and a lack of major infrastructure spending as the government tighten its belt. Expectations of a rate cut by Bank Negara (BNM) in the 1H’19 could prop-up demand for government bonds and also bode well for the MGS market.

2) On the credit-side, do Investment Grade (IG) bonds or High Yield (HY) bonds look more appealing?
Bonds have come back in favour as valuation are looking more attractive overall. Post sell-off in 2018, valuations have corrected to far more palatable levels especially within the HY-space with some issuers even offering yield levels of above 10% in the region.

However, credit selection will be key as default rates tend to rise going into a late cycle. The Chinese onshore space may be more vulnerable to defaults as fundamentals deteriorate and refinancing pressures increase. However, we have since seen the People's Bank of China (PBoC) cutting the reserve requirement ratios (RRR) and pumping-in liquidity to shore up the bond market.

We will stay prudent in our credit selection process with a focus on quality and liquid names. In terms of portfolio duration, we intend to have a shorter duration bias, given that the Treasury yield curve is still relatively flat.

3) How should investors position their portfolios then for 2019? Should investors tilt their exposure towards bonds over stocks?

We believe that investors should have a long-term asset allocation plan and be diversified across asset classes. Bonds have a valuable role to play in a portfolio as they provide an added measure of stability by providing regular income streams. Drawdowns in bond prices are also less severe compared to drawdown in equities by providing an anchor to one’s portfolio and provide capital preservation

Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by Affin Hwang Asset Management Berhad (hereinafter referred to as “Affin Hwang AM”) specific for its use, a specific target audience, and for discussion purposes only. All information contained within this presentation belongs to Affin Hwang AM and may not be copied, distributed or otherwise disseminated in whole or in part without written consent of Affin Hwang AM.

The information contained in this presentation may include, but is not limited to opinions, analysis, forecasts, projections and expectations (collectively referred to as “Opinions”). Such information has been obtained from various sources including those in the public domain, are merely expressions of belief. Although this presentation has been prepared on the basis of information and/or Opinions that are believed to be correct at the time the presentation was prepared, Affin Hwang AM makes no expressed or implied warranty as to the accuracy and completeness of any such information and/or Opinions.

As with any forms of financial products, the financial product mentioned herein (if any) carries with it various risks. Although attempts have been made to disclose all possible risks involved, the financial product may still be subject to inherent risk that may arise beyond our reasonable contemplation. The financial product may be wholly unsuited for you, if you are adverse to the risk arising out of and/or in connection with the financial product.

Affin Hwang AM is not acting as an advisor or agent to any person to whom this presentation is directed. Such persons must make their own independent assessments of the contents of this presentation, should not treat such content as advice relating to legal, accounting, taxation or investment matters and should consult their own advisers.

Affin Hwang AM and its affiliates may act as a principal and agent in any transaction contemplated by this presentation, or any other transaction connected with any such transaction, and may as a result earn brokerage, commission or other income. Nothing in this presentation is intended to be, or should be construed as an offer to buy or sell, or invitation to subscribe for, any securities.

Neither Affin Hwang AM nor any of its directors, employees or representatives are to have any liability (including liability to any person by reason of negligence or negligent misstatement) from any statement, opinion, information or matter (expressed or implied) arising out of, contained in or derived from or any omission from this presentation, except liability under statute that cannot be excluded.

download