By Kostya Etus, CFA® Head of Strategy, Dynamic Investment Management

Download the 3.10.22 Dynamic Market Update PDF for advisors’ use with clients 

This week, let’s review the three R’s of 2022: Russia, rate hikes and recession. The last “R” isn’t something we want to hear about during the post-pandemic rebound, however, let’s slow down and look at the data…

As the “Russia’s Impact on Global Markets and Economy” charts below show, Russia is a relatively small component of global markets and economy. While it’s the 11th largest economy in terms of GDP, it represents less than 2% of global production. In terms of market capitalization, it is even smaller, with a weight of less than 0.2% of the total global market (ranking 28th largest). While there will certainly be market and economic disruptions throughout the world, the severity of a global recession may be overstated.

Russia’s Impact on Global Markets and Economy

GDP Source: The World Bank. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?end=2020&start=1960&view=chart
Market Cap Source: Data from Morningstar Direct, MSCI ACWI Index as of 2/28/22

The Bad News

1. Oil and Gas Disruptions: Russia is dominant in production of oil and gas, representing about 12% of world oil production and 17% of natural gas production. A bulk of these exports are consumed by Europe, which will feel the most pain as oil prices reach the highest levels since 2008. The supply disruption will be felt across the globe with higher gas prices, as well as other oil dependent industries such as airlines.
2. Market Volatility Persists: Uncertainty about the war has created a high level of fear in the markets, leading to exaggerated stock market moves in reaction to media headlines. Unfortunately, recent positive corporate earnings announcements and strong labor reports have generally been ignored.
3. Economic Growth Headwinds: Increased prices for basic commodities, such as food and energy, will further increase inflation and translate into headwinds for economic growth. Meanwhile, the export-focused European Union could create prolonged supply chain and manufacturing disruptions.

The Good News

1. A World United: Most other disputes and tensions between major governments are forgotten as the world rallies together to support Ukraine. Countries are relying more on each other for resources and increasing political negotiations. This could provide the framework for additional trade agreements to support future growth for years to come.
2. Supportive Fiscal Policy: Inflation on food and gas prices could lead to further economic stimulus from governments around the world, as well as curb the risk of tax increases. Additionally, a renewed focus on security and defense spending will further boost government spending, providing tailwinds for economic growth.
3. Supportive Monetary Policy: While the Federal Reserve (Fed) still expects to raise rates in March, the expectation is now for smaller 0.25% hike as opposed to 0.50%. Overall, the Fed has communicated the desire to avoid adding to uncertainty in the face of extreme market conditions, pointing to a more steady and predictable monetary tightening.

As always, Dynamic recommends staying balanced, diversified and invested. Despite these short-term market pullbacks, it’s more important than ever to focus on the long-term, improving the chances for investors to reach their investment goals.

Should you need help navigating client concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dynamic’s Investment Management team at (800) 257-3840, ext. 4 or investmentmanagement@dynamicadvisorsolutions.com.

Photo: Cris DiNoto, Unsplash

Disclosures

This commentary is provided for informational and educational purposes only. The information, analysis and opinions expressed herein reflect our judgment and opinions as of the date of writing and are subject to change at any time without notice. This is not intended to be used as a general guide to investing, or as a source of any specific recommendation, and it makes no implied or expressed recommendations concerning the manner in which clients’ accounts should or would be handled, as appropriate strategies depend on the client’s specific objectives.

This commentary is not intended to constitute legal, tax, securities or investment advice or a recommended course of action in any given situation. Investors should not assume that investments in any security, asset class, sector, market, or strategy discussed herein will be profitable and no representations are made that clients will be able to achieve a certain level of performance, or avoid loss.

All investments carry a certain risk and there is no assurance that an investment will provide positive performance over any period of time. Information obtained from third party resources are believed to be reliable but not guaranteed as to its accuracy or reliability. These materials do not purport to contain all the relevant information that investors may wish to consider in making investment decisions and is not intended to be a substitute for exercising independent judgment. Any statements regarding future events constitute only subjective views or beliefs, are not guarantees or projections of performance, should not be relied on, are subject to change due to a variety of factors, including fluctuating market conditions, and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, many of which cannot be predicted or quantified and are beyond our control. Future results could differ materially and no assurance is given that these statements or assumptions are now or will prove to be accurate or complete in any way.

Past performance is not a guarantee or a reliable indicator of future results. Investing in the markets is subject to certain risks including market, interest rate, issuer, credit and inflation risk; investments may be worth more or less than the original cost when redeemed.

Investment advisory services are offered through Dynamic Advisor Solutions, LLC, dba Dynamic Wealth Advisors, an SEC registered investment advisor.