Montgomery wishes you a Merry Christmas
It is difficult to believe we have now been navigating a COVID-infected world for almost two years. Two years of uncertainty and tumult tests everyone’s resolve and resilience. And as we approach Christmas, Omicron represents another variant again throwing a spanner in the works of everyone’s holiday plans.
Markets however have proven resilient, perhaps much more so than would typically be expected. Even during a week in which the US Federal Reserve signaled rate hikes for 2022, the market took the hawkish development in its stride. Just as it was in 2017, 2018 and 2019, bad news is good news.
I am reminded however of the emergence of COVID-19 in early 2020. Back then even that development was initially dismissed by investors. The first case of SARS COVID-19 in South Korea was announced on 20 January 2020, and then in Italy a month later, on 21 February. On March 4, 2020, however the US S&P500 was trading within four per cent of its level at the commencement of the year. The market subsequently fell precipitously but not before languidly flirting with record highs. That weakness of course was an opportunity.
We believe the longer-term picture for wage growth, inflation and interest rates is benign. The billions invested in automation technology will gently and persistently displace jobs, lowering wage growth pressures. The resumption of migration will also alleviate wage pressures in the short term. And reduced union influence and relevance – the consequence of declining union membership since the 1970s – will also serve to keep a lid on wage growth. For those reasons consumer price inflation, we currently believe, is a short-term and transitory phenomenon.
Nevertheless, markets can react to both realities and fears, so while our long-term picture is benign, we cannot rule out short term volatility. Should volatility emerge over the course of the Christmas break however, our long-term view requires us to be ready to take advantage of it.
Meanwhile, we will all be taking a much-needed break from blogging over the Christmas and new year period, ready and recharged to guide you through 2022 from January 17.
I sincerely hope Christmas delivers the blessing of peace and safety for you and your family. May the greatest gift of grace that is Jesus provide you also with the spirit of love, the comfort of faith and the beauty of hope. And may 2022 see peace on Earth.
Merry Christmas!
Yours,
Roger Montgomery
Roger Montgomery is the Founder and Chairman of Montgomery Investment Management. Roger has over three decades of experience in funds management and related activities, including equities analysis, equity and derivatives strategy, trading and stockbroking. Prior to establishing Montgomery, Roger held positions at Ord Minnett Jardine Fleming, BT (Australia) Limited and Merrill Lynch.
This post was contributed by a representative of Montgomery Investment Management Pty Limited (AFSL No. 354564). The principal purpose of this post is to provide factual information and not provide financial product advice. Additionally, the information provided is not intended to provide any recommendation or opinion about any financial product. Any commentary and statements of opinion however may contain general advice only that is prepared without taking into account your personal objectives, financial circumstances or needs. Because of this, before acting on any of the information provided, you should always consider its appropriateness in light of your personal objectives, financial circumstances and needs and should consider seeking independent advice from a financial advisor if necessary before making any decisions. This post specifically excludes personal advice.
