Equity markets make a bullish start to 2023

In January’s episode of the Evelyn Partners Investment Podcast Cherry Reynard and Daniel Casali look at how easing inflationary pressures are driving the market’s recent rally, with energy prices falling and supply chains mending. The reopening of China is also welcome, reducing the risk of a hard landing for the global economy. Nevertheless, investors still need to keep an eye on rents and wages in the months ahead.

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Easing inflationary pressures have prompted a surge in equity markets in the first few weeks of the new year. Investors have also been encouraged by the reopening of China, which looks set to support the global economy. At the same time, supply chain bottlenecks are improving and commodity prices are falling. Along with lower valuations, this has improved risk appetite.

However, there is still plenty to worry about, with a mild recession likely for the majority of major world economies. There remains uncertainty on inflation and interest rates, with certain measures stubbornly high. The environment merits cautious positioning.

With this in mind, higher-yielding options have some appeal in the year ahead. Dividend-paying companies are likely to prove popular with nervous investors. The energy sector, plus consumer staples and utilities all score well on dividends, as does the UK market. Investors may gravitate to these areas over the next 12 months.