Equities are expected to outperform bonds as global economy is projected to continue growing, Barclays said in its Q1 2019 "Compass" report, which examines major asset classes globally, and provides tactical recommendations on portfolio asset allocations. The report outlined that carefully calibrated risks can help investors steady their ships after a turbulent 2018. In particular, the report highlighted how investors will be well served by leaning towards a diverse pool of developed and emerging market equities, while considering the importance of maintaining a well-diversified long-term core investment portfolio. The report, prepared by Barclays, shares the latest views on their long- term Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA). It also highlighted short-term tactical adjustments recognizing investment opportunities emerging from shorter-term cyclical views on asset classes and markets across the world. Commenting on the report, Bjorn Holderbeke, Head of Investment Advisory, Middle East and North Africa, said: "Our first ‘Compass' report of 2019 points to the main themes we anticipate across investment portfolios this year and that we continue to expect equities to outperform bonds. With the volatility in Q4 2018 a wake-up call to many investors, it is important to note that the anomaly was the low volatility witnessed in 2017. Throughout 2019, volatility will likely revert to historical averages in an environment of slower but ongoing global economic growth in the later stages of this economic cycle." He added: "Equities remain the most attractively priced asset this year, as we believe investors are currently overly pessimistic. We see opportunities in Blue Chip stocks globally, where brand image, market share and technological leadership give companies an edge in a potentially inflationary environment. In emerging market Equities, we like the risk/reward following the strong underperformance in 2018, and Asia is our preferred region." Moreover, it said "for their part, bonds provide a slightly more appealing shelter from potential volatility. As investment allocators, we think investors will be best served by a strategic mix of assets, coupled with active, expert portfolio management to achieve long-term returns." The latest edition of Compass shows an overweight position on Developed Markets Equities. Leading indicators related to this asset class currently indicate mid-to-high single digit percentage returns for the year ahead, with dividend yield and earnings growth offsetting possible revaluations. Emerging Markets Equities also maintain an overweight allocation in the moderate risk portfolio as a leveraged exposure to the continued the global growth. Asian markets remain as the preferred region, with Korea, Taiwan, China (offshore) and India showing the most promise on a long- term basis. Allocation to Commodities and Real Estate moved up from underweight to neutral benchmarks in 2019 Q1. As suggested by Barclays' current tactical and strategic asset allocation studies, Developed Government Bonds and High Yield & Emerging Market Bonds also assume neutral positions. Meanwhile, Alternative Trading Strategies, Investment Grade Bonds and Cash and Short-Maturity Bonds are all classified as underweight in the latest report, with more favorable investment opportunities awaiting investors. — SG
