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Outlook

2024 Global Investment Outlook

Our investment experts examine the intersection of falling interest rates, a slowing economy and moderating inflation to reveal possible risks — and opportunities — across markets in the year ahead.

  • Markets & Economy
  • Fixed Income Insights
  • Multi-Asset Insights
  • Equity Insights
Format
Article
Executive Summary
Video

Key Points

What it is

Our annual outlook lays out our views on economic growth, interest rates, inflation and key asset classes — and what it all means for investors.

Why it matters

The path of inflation, interest rates and the economy — along with global political risks — likely will drive investment performance in 2024.

Where it's going

Equities appear expensive as economic growth likely decelerates, meriting caution by investors. High yield bonds may provide an attractive alternative.

We started 2023 with expectations of low global economic growth and elevated fears of recession. However, significant government aid in the U.S. and Europe, and the strength of U.S. consumers, stabilized growth. A faster-than-expected decline in inflation has led to expectations of rate cuts in 2024 and we believe those expectations, along with enthusiasm over artificial intelligence, have contributed to strong positive returns for risk assets.

 

While we see declining inflation in 2024, we also expect economic growth to decelerate. Given this economic outlook, global political risk and expensive , we are cautious about equity performance but find high yield bonds attractive.

 

Below, we highlight key topics from our complete 2024 Global Investment Outlook paper.

 

 

Economic Growth

 

In the U.S., we anticipate a soft landing as the most likely scenario, where inflation (Exhibit 1) and the labor market cool off in 2024, leading the Fed to possibly start cutting rates in mid-2024. We expect economic growth to slow to the 1% to 1.5% range, avoiding a recession, while the unemployment rate may rise to around 4%. We note that 2024 is a U.S. presidential election year, but we don’t expect the election to dictate monetary policy decisions. The coming election does, however, provide an added incentive for the current administration to support the economy.

 

The eurozone economy proved surprisingly resilient in 2023, but two military conflicts near its border complicate the outlook. The Russia-Ukraine is approaching a costly stalemate, casting a lingering shadow over Europe’s supplies of food and energy. If Israel’s conflict with Hamas reduces oil flows, we think the eurozone will quickly feel the burden of higher energy prices. Compared to the eurozone, the U.K. has struggled more with inflation while its incomplete network of trade agreements and weakness in the pound have raised import prices. Prospects for the U.K.’s growth remain muted, and downside risks are elevated.

 

In Asia, China may enter a prolonged period of slower growth after four decades of a startling economic rise. The country’s once-booming property sector is crumbling, with several leading developers in serious trouble. Spillover from property markets to other areas of the economy is dragging growth below the government’s annual targets. For a nation accustomed to a dazzling pace of growth, 2024 will likely feel recessionary to China.

EXHIBIT 1: INFLATION IS A CRITICAL FACTOR

 

U.S. Inflation moderated in 2023. Its trajectory during 2024 will be critical to the U.S. economy’s outlook.

Credit_Outlook_Exhibit_1

Sources: Northern Trust Asset Management, Bloomberg. Year-over-year (y/y) data from 11/30/2018 through 11/30/2023.

Interest Rates

 

With inflation in the U.S. still well above the Fed’s target, we view the outlook for U.S. interest rates over the next six to 12 months as closely connected to the path of inflation. We expect inflation to decline gradually, likely resulting in lower and flatter Treasury yield curve as 2024 (Exhibit 2) with the Fed possibly starting to cut rates mid-year. In the meantime, we see potential for a bumpy ride for U.S. yields in the near-term. We think the European Central Bank also will want to feel sufficiently confident they have won the battle on inflation before cutting rates in order to avoid the risk of reigniting inflation or causing economic stagnation. We see the end of the second quarter as the earliest starting point for cuts, barring material changes in the economic data. Stickier inflation in the U.K. suggests the Bank of England’s moves will lag central banks in Europe and U.S. We expect interest rates to be held for a prolonged period as the most likely scenario, with the second half of 2024 as a likely timeframe for any normalization to begin.

EXHIBIT 2: LOWER AND FLATTER U.S. CURVE

 

We expect inflation to decline gradually, likely resulting in a lower and flatter Treasury yield curve in 2024.

Credit_Outlook_Exhibit_2

Source: Bloomberg

High Yield Bonds

 

We think stable fundamentals will support valuations and a benign default outlook provides an attractive backdrop for total return potential. High yield bonds’ historically limited downside relative to equities could offer support as investors contend with risks associated with a slowing economy. Larger and more diversified high yield issuers are in a better position to weather economic adversity compared to smaller companies, and the high yield market is effectively of its highest quality in history (Exhibit 3). With BB- and B-rated issuers comprising close to 90% of the asset class, we believe default exposure is low.

EXHIBIT 3: HIGH YIELD CREDIT QUALITY AT HISTORICALLY HIGH LEVEL 

 

Compared to its 20-year average, the credit quality of the high yield market is relatively high, with BB- and B-rated issuers comprising close to 90% of the asset class.

Credit_Outlook_Exhibit_3

Source: Bloomberg

Equities

 

Just a handful of technology-related companies contributed to last year’s equity rally and the corresponding increase in valuations, fueled by the promise of artificial intelligence. Despite flat earnings growth and profit margins at near-record levels, analysts’ consensus earnings growth expectations remain strongly positive for the next two years. While we’re sanguine about the potential of artificial intelligence, we believe the near-term returns from the technology will come piecemeal and investors will find those returns difficult to gauge and time accurately. As a result, near-term growth and margin expectations supporting current equity prices and valuations may prove overly bullish.

 

We find further evidence of concern through the equity risk premium, or the difference between the forward earnings yield (earnings divided by price) of the S&P 500 and the real 10-year Treasury yield. This reflects the relative attractiveness of holding equities, a risky asset, over less-volatile Treasury bonds. The equity risk premium is at its lowest point in the since 2006 (Exhibit 4), suggesting limited rewards for investing in equities.

 

Although somewhat less pronounced, a similar story has played out outside of U.S. large caps. In 2023, developed non-U.S. equities returned more than 18%, U.S. small caps were up over 16% and emerging markets weighed in at 10%. In all cases, returns have depended more on stretching valuations rather than on positive earnings growth. While we are predicting a global soft economic landing in 2024, we expect earnings growth to fall short of analysts’ expectations. As a result, we expect downside risk to most major global equity markets.

EXHIBIT 4: RISK PREMIUM SUGGESTS MINIMAL REWARDS FOR INVESTING IN U.S. STOCKS

 

The equity risk premium — the difference between the forward earnings yield of the S&P 500 and the real 10-year Treasury yield — reflects the relative attractiveness of holding equities, a risky asset, over less-volatile Treasury bonds. The equity risk premium is at its lowest point since 2006, suggesting limited rewards for investing in equities.

Credit_Outlook_Exhibit_4

Sources: Northern Trust Asset Management, Bloomberg. Equity risk premium is defined as the forward earnings yield of the S&P 500 Index less the real 10-year Treasury yield. Data from 1/6/2006 through 10/13/2023.

Real Assets

 

Global real estate, which underperformed in 2023, appears positively positioned for 2024, with greater clarity on the path of inflation and interest rates. We expect global listed infrastructure to continue to serve as a useful tool for diversification, inflation protection and income generation. Many areas of the asset class may benefit from a decline in interest rates, given their bond-like profile. With natural resources, we think persistent cash flows, tight commodity markets, stronger balance sheets and lower capital expenditures make the asset class an important hedge against higher inflation and geopolitical tensions. Natural resource equities also remain attractive from a valuation standpoint (Exhibit 5), when compared to both historical metrics and the broader equity market.

EXHIBIT 5: ATTRACTIVE REAL ASSET VALUATIONS

 

Global real estate, global listed infrastructure and natural resources valuations are below median, aiding their prospects for 2024.

Credit_Outlook_Exhibit_5

Sources: Northern Trust Asset Management, Bloomberg, UBS. Global Real Estate valuation uses price to NAV (net asset value) estimates from UBS based on its global coverage universe (developed regions only). Median uses earliest monthly valuation data: 1990 (Global Real Estate), 2007 (Global Listed Infrastructure) and 2010 (Natural Resources). Normal range is +/- 1 standard deviation from the median. Data as of 11/30/2023.

Falling Inflation and Rates, Rising Political Risk

CIO of Global Asset Allocation Anwiti Bahuguna, Ph.D., explains how rate cuts and lower inflation likely will accompany slower economic growth and a rise in global political risks in 2024 — meriting some caution with equities.

In 2024, we see inflation and interest rates declining across the globe, and a resilient U.S. consumer likely  helping to  avoid a recession. Global political risks have risen with the growing conflict in the Middle East and continued war in Ukraine. Further, political polarization is driving contentious elections worldwide. European stocks face a challenging environment and U.S. equities, though more promising, appear expensive. As a way to help manage these risks, high yield bonds could prove a good fit for 2024. Let’s take a closer look.

 

Lower inflation will likely trigger the reduction of interest rates globally in 2024.  Supply-chain disruptions from the pandemic have largely ended, causing goods-related inflation to retreat. However, housing-related inflation and wages continue to rise, contributing to stubborn services inflation. We expect that housing related inflation will likely soften this year, triggering an overall reduction in U.S. inflation. U.S. rate cuts may start around mid-year. European central bankers likely will want to be certain of having conquered inflation before reducing interest rates. Meanwhile, U.K. inflation risks remain elevated. 

 

Forward-looking markets responded to declining inflation and the promise of AI with a global equity rally last year. While US large caps surged more than 26% in 2023, earnings stayed flat, and valuations therefore expanded. Thus, U.S. large caps merit some caution. Global markets followed a similar pattern, though to a lesser extent.

 

Declining inflation and rate cuts will likely come with a slowing economy and political unrest that may dampen investment gains globally. In this environment, high-yield bonds look promising as credit quality is high and default risks remain low..

Main Point

Cautious on High Expectations

Equity prices, in particular in the U.S., have become expensive on market expectations of lower inflation, central bank rate cuts, a durable global economy and earnings growth. While we think the U.S. will avoid recession and global interest rates will decline, we suspect over-optimism by the market as companies could struggle to meet earnings estimates in 2024 and global political risks remain elevated. High yield bonds may aid investors by limiting losses relative to equities in times of volatility.

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Opinions and forecasts discussed are those of the author, do not necessarily reflect the views of Northern Trust, and are subject to change without notice.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Northern Trust Asset Management (NTAM) is composed of Northern Trust Investments, Inc., Northern Trust Global Investments Limited, Northern Trust Fund Managers (Ireland) Limited, Northern Trust Global Investments Japan, K.K., NT Global Advisors, Inc., 50 South Capital Advisors, LLC, Northern Trust Asset Management Australia Pty Ltd, and investment personnel of The Northern Trust Company of Hong Kong Limited and The Northern Trust Company.

 

Issued in the United Kingdom by Northern Trust Global Investments Limited, issued in the European Economic Association (“EEA”) by Northern Trust Fund Managers (Ireland) Limited, issued in Australia by Northern Trust Asset Management (Australia) Limited (ACN 648 476 019) which holds an Australian Financial Services Licence (License Number: 529895) and is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), and issued in Hong Kong by The Northern Trust Company of Hong Kong Limited which is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission.

 

For Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) markets, this information is directed to institutional, professional and wholesale clients or investors only and should not be relied upon by retail clients or investors. This document may not be edited, altered, revised, paraphrased, or otherwise modified without the prior written permission of NTAM. The information is not intended for distribution or use by any person in any jurisdiction where such distribution would be contrary to local law or regulation. NTAM may have positions in and may effect transactions in the markets, contracts and related investments different than described in this information. This information is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, its accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed, and is subject to change. Information does not constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy, is not intended as investment advice and does not take into account all the circumstances of each investor.

 

This report is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, an offer, solicitation or recommendation with respect to any transaction and should not be treated as legal advice, investment advice or tax advice. Recipients should not rely upon this information as a substitute for obtaining specific legal or tax advice from their own professional legal or tax advisors. References to specific securities and their issuers are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended and should not be interpreted as recommendations to purchase or sell such securities. Indices and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Information is subject to change based on market or other conditions.

 

All securities investing and trading activities risk the loss of capital. Each portfolio is subject to substantial risks including market risks, strategy risks, advisor risk, and risks with respect to its investment in other structures. There can be no assurance that any portfolio investment objectives will be achieved, or that any investment will achieve profits or avoid incurring substantial losses. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee returns or eliminate risk in any market environment. Risk controls and models do not promise any level of performance or guarantee against loss of principal. Any discussion of risk management is intended to describe NTAM’s efforts to monitor and manage risk but does not imply low risk.

 

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Performance returns and the principal value of an investment will fluctuate. Performance returns contained herein are subject to revision by NTAM. Comparative indices shown are provided as an indication of the performance of a particular segment of the capital markets and/or alternative strategies in general. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly in any index. Net performance returns are reduced by investment management fees and other expenses relating to the management of the account. Gross performance returns contained herein include reinvestment of dividends and other earnings, transaction costs, and all fees and expenses other than investment management fees, unless indicated otherwise. For U.S. NTI prospects or clients, please refer to Part 2a of the Form ADV or consult an NTI representative for additional information on fees.

 

Hypothetical portfolio information provided does not represent results of an actual investment portfolio but reflects representative historical performance of the strategies, funds or accounts listed herein, which were selected with the benefit of hindsight. Hypothetical performance results do not reflect actual trading. No representation is being made that any portfolio will achieve a performance record similar to that shown. A hypothetical investment does not necessarily take into account the fees, risks, economic or market factors/conditions an investor might experience in actual trading. Hypothetical results may have under- or over-compensation for the impact, if any, of certain market factors such as lack of liquidity, economic or market factors/conditions. The investment returns of other clients may differ materially from the portfolio portrayed. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific program that cannot be fully accounted for in the preparation of hypothetical performance results. The information is confidential and may not be duplicated in any form or disseminated without the prior consent of (NTI) or its affiliates.

 

Forward-looking statements and assumptions are NTAM’s current estimates or expectations of future events or future results based upon proprietary research and should not be construed as an estimate or promise of results that a portfolio may achieve. Actual results could differ materially from the results indicated by this information.

 

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