Europe’s Energy Crunch, China Tensions and Dissecting the Market Melt-up

Open From geopolitical tensions to questionable economic fundamentals, investors have plenty to be concerned about. But markets, which climb the proverbial “wall of worry” have posted a meaningful rebound off summer lows. configuration options

From geopolitical tensions to questionable economic fundamentals, investors have plenty to be concerned about. But markets, which climb the proverbial “wall of worry” have posted a meaningful rebound off summer lows.

In this episode of CIO Perspectives, Bertie Thomson, Erika Pagel and Sid Ahl dissected recent market moves and the most pressing risks for markets, as well as how to position for longer-term opportunities.

The themes and topics discussed include:

• The outlook for Europe, which may be facing an energy crisis as colder weather approaches. With gas supplies tenuous, searches in Germany for firewood (“brennholz”) have skyrocketed according to Bloomberg.
• Semiconductor giant Taiwan Semiconductors as a lens to view rising tensions between China and Taiwan, and why China’s reliance on semiconductors from the company may serve as a silver lining.
• If inflationary dynamics may be easing in the U.S., implications for Fed policy and whether the typical 70% equity and 30% fixed income deserves a rethink in a year marked by such high-interest rate volatility.
• How to identify and potentially invest in high-quality companies with pricing power, which we believe are well positioned in the current environment and may offer attractive return potential over longer time horizons.
• Other potential pockets of opportunity in the market including the beaten-down biotech sector, emerging opportunities in the energy transition and the impact of the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act may have on the latter.

As always, we welcome your thoughts, feedback and questions.

Speakers:
Sid Ahl, CFA, CIO, Private Client, Endowments & Foundations
Bertie Thomson, CFA, Portfolio Manager
Erika Pagel, CIO of Sustainable Investing, Portfolio Manager

The recording of the webinar can be found here.

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