1. Real Fed Fund Rate
For the first time in more than a decade, the overnight real rate (Fed target rate minus PCE core rate) in the US is positive. The real rate should rise as the Fed continues to raise interest rates.
Why it Matters
A positive real rate on cash alleviates the need for investors to chase yield in riskier asset classes. A growing positive real return for cash makes it a viable asset class again. This could be one factor behind the recent cheapening of gold as a store of value.
2. Investor Sentiment
Despite the turmoil in emerging market debt and equities, investor sentiment remains strong. According to Morgan Stanley data, most indicators point a little more toward “exuberance” than “fear”.
Why it Matters
Everybody is looking for the catalyst to signal the top in US equities; whether it is from peak earnings, tight monetary policy, or a slowdown in global growth. Regardless of the source, most tops are also associated with excessive levels of euphoria. We are not there yet.
3. LATAM FX
The JP Morgan LACI Index of LATAM currencies hit a new low yesterday. Once again, Brazil led the way down. Brazil has the largest weight in the index (ARS 10%, BRL 33%, CLP 12%, COP 7%, MXN 33% PEN 5%).
Why it Matters
Investor focus on EM currencies has moved from Turkey to Brazil. 1-month volatility on USDBRL has spiked. We have to watch for spillover effects into developed market risk assets.
4. Small Caps
The small-cap outperformance is largely attributed to the strength in the USD and exposure to a potential trade disruption. There may be additional return sensitivity to the eventual turn of the credit cycle when investors shun weaker balance sheets.
Why it Matters
Small cap equities (Russell 2000) made a new all-time high yesterday, with the index up almost 12% YTD. The index composition from a credit quality perspective, however, is much worse than the S&P: 60% of the Russell 2000 is below IG vs 10% for the S&P 500.
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This material is intended to report solely on the investment strategies and opportunities identified by III Capital Management (“III”). Additional information is available upon request. Information herein is believed to be reliable, but III does not warrant its completeness or accuracy. Opinions and estimates constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This material is not an offer or a solicitation for any managed account or fund product of III. Such an offer or solicitation can only be made pursuant to the applicable offering document and otherwise in accordance with applicable futures and securities laws.
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