SLIDE 25 Economic and Macro Environment Outlook
The opinions expressed are based upon subjective judgments and will evolve as future events unfold. Data source: Loomis Sayles Economics, Bloomberg, Moody’s Investors Services, Consensus Economics As of 9/20/2011
- Monetary policy in advanced economies will remain loose for a long time.
- Emerging markets may soon ease, eventually leading to a new tightening
cycle perhaps as soon as next year.
- US trade balance will improve, supported by stronger exports and a
weaker dollar
- Many foreign central banks continue to fight currency appreciation with
capital controls and managed exchange rates.
MACRO ENVIRONMENT
Credit Cycle Global Rebalancing Will Support US Growth Over the Long Run
- Europe has been enduring tight fiscal policy, particularly in the
periphery and in the UK. The debt ceiling debate started the US down a similar path although it continues to avoid addressing its long-term structural issues.
- US tax rates and government spending programs will be changed
dramatically at some point (health care, defense, agriculture, oil sector, personal tax rates).
- As gridlock dominates the legislature, long-term planning is
difficult if not impossible.
Fiscal Uncertainty Across Advanced Economies US Economy
- The risk of a second half growth recovery materializing is
diminishing as confidence falters, wealth has deteriorated and surveys of capital expenditures are fading
- Exports are likely to slow depending on outcomes of Chinese
tightening and the European debt crisis.
- Companies have strong profits and cash flow while labor faces
weak job and wage growth.
- The unemployment rate will remain high and inflation low.
- Fiscal tightening will be a drag on growth in 2012 and/or 2013.
- The Fed is on hold at least through Q3:2012
- Slower but continued economic growth in the US and Europe which
aggravates pressure on European fiscal budgets.
- The resulting fall in bond yields and the escalating European crisis have
pushed credit spreads wider.
- Europe is still expected to muddle through but more extreme volatility
may be needed in order to achieve meaningful resolution, politically.
- Very strong US corporate and bank balance sheets should limit default
rates if a recession were to occur. Spreads are likely to compensate for future defaults.
2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012 GDP Growth 3.0% 1.6% 2.1% 4.2% 3.1% 3.5% 1.7% 1.7% 1.4% 7.8% 6.5% 6.0% 6.2% 4.9% 4.0% CPI Inflation 1.6% 3.2% 2.2% 2.8% 3.8% 3.1% 1.8% 2.7% 2.0% 2.6% 3.6% 3.0% 7.3% 7.6% 7.1% Current Account Balance (Billions $) (471) (480) (433)
179.0 218.0 598 510 510 (56.5) (71.3) (101.5) Interest Rates (10-Year); end of year 3.40% 2.00% 2.75%
Year-end Forecast
U.S. Domestic Global Western Europe Asia Pacific
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