Investment Outlook - April 2020

We believe the expansion phase of the credit cycle is over. Several countries are now heading into downturns, largely because of the demand shock from COVID-19. However, we have been impressed by the global monetary and fiscal policy response so far. We anticipate a broad rebound later this year on the back of meaningful stimulus recently put in place. Risk assets have already discounted much of the negative news to come and we are finding value across asset classes.

Jae Park and Michael Giles on the COVID-19 Crisis, Credit Cycle and Investing with Conviction

It’s been said before, but the truth is, this crisis appears to be very different than others we’ve experienced. It's not an asset bubble tied to exuberance, greed, default, fraud or mismanagement of a country, currencies or anything else in our man-made economic system. This crisis has potential for a much more severe impact because all non-essential economic activity has halted abruptly. The question is, where is the bottom? The answer depends on policy actions and how we all collectively handle this crisis.

Can the Fed Fix the Treasury Market?

When the world’s biggest debt market starts having major liquidity issues, investor panic rises to a whole new level. On March 12 and 13, after about a week of extraordinary dysfunction in the US Treasury market, the Federal Reserve issued a major crisis response, expanding Treasury purchases and repurchase operations to boost liquidity and shore up so-called risk-free assets. Will it be enough to fix the Treasury market? Here’s our take.

Big-Picture Insights from the Loomis Sayles Alpha Strategies Team

A few key insights from the Loomis Sayles’ Alpha Strategies team on current conditions, upcoming challenges and potential portfolio positioning and solutions.

Quick Takes on the Market and Economic Impact of the Coronavirus

Key takeaways from the Loomis Sayles' Research Teams on the market and economic impact of COVID-19.

Focusing On Stock Selection In Todays Market Environment

Until very recently global equity markets were being driven to record highs due to lower interest rates and a consensus that world growth would continue unimpeded while in the last two weeks we have witnessed a major correction driven by uncertainty about the impact of the coronavirus on world growth and corporate earnings growth.

The Coronavirus: Distinguishing Short-Term Tumult from Long-Term Impact

Markets have sent a clear message in recent days: investors are afraid of the coronavirus. The disease’s global progression and containment measures are seen as impediments to global economic recovery.

Eileen Riley named one of the top female portfolio managers in the US

Eileen Riley, co-portfolio manager of the Loomis Sayles Global Equity Fund, has been named one of Citywire’s top 20 female portfolio managers in the US for the second year in a row.

Wuhan Coronavirus: Key Variables to Watch

There is no shortage of alarming and depressing news when reading about the Wuhan coronavirus. The World Health Organization has declared a global health emergency. There are still many unknowns, but there are some indications that the outbreak may not be as severe as our worst fears. Here’s what I’ll be watching as the outbreak unfolds.

First Quarter Investment Outlook