Omnis Managed Portfolio Service
June 2024 | Monthly update
Market-moving events
Sunak's election gamble. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a general election, surprising many, including his own party. His decision to go the polls came after official figures showed inflation has slowed to 2.3% and the economy is growing after slipping into recession. He may also have sensed the economic landscape is unlikely to improve before the end of the year.
Fed holds rates. The US Federal Reserve (Fed) voted to hold policy rates steady for the sixth consecutive time at 5.25% to 5.5%. Although inflation eased to 3.4% in April, it remains high, pushing back rate cut expectations. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said inflation rate cuts would not happen until he has greater confidence that price growth was falling towards the 2% target.
Euro area recovery begins. Europe’s outlook is improving. The region emerged from recession in the first quarter and growth is picking up, while slowing inflation has boosted hopes of rate cuts. In contrast, the US economy has slowed sharply to its weakest rate in almost two years, suggesting the inflation surprise seen earlier in the year is unlikely to be repeated.
Investment highlights
Rally of the unloved. Developed markets have continued to outperform emerging markets. At a sector level, utilities, communications and financials have outperformed consumer discretionary, staples, healthcare and technology, reversing a previous trend. Meanwhile, value stocks have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity after a period dominated by growth stocks
Rate cuts are on the way. Market forecasts for interest rates have fallen in line with central bank expectations, which have been on a mission to tame investor optimism until the trajectory of inflation became clearer. However, the battle is not yet over and policymakers remain sharply focused on inflation data before making any decisions
We remain cautiously positioned. We have an overweight allocation to bonds and slight underweight in equities. Although stock markets have rallied, a weaker economy could put pressure on company revenues. Our central case remains falling inflation, a peak in the interest rate cycle and a soft landing, but with a larger than normal risk of a deeper recession.
Omnis Managed Portfolio Service
This document details the changes made to the portfolios within the Omnis Managed Portfolio Service and any investment management changes in the underlying funds over 12 months.
Asset allocation
Take a look at our latest asset allocation in the Omnis Managed Portfolio Service.
Issued by Omnis Investments, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered address: Auckland House, Lydiard Fields, Swindon SN5 8UB. This update reflects our view at the time of writing and is subject to change. The document is for informational purposes only and is not investment advice. We recommend you discuss any investment decisions with your financial adviser. Omnis Investments is unable to provide investment advice. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information but no assurance or warranties are given. Past performance should not be considered as a guide to future performance. Approved by Omnis Investments on 3 June 2024.
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