Report

Establishing Our Whereabouts

As we move to within two weeks of the next US rate hike expectations are that the turmoil seen so far this year in Asian equity, fixed income and currency markets will continue. Rising interest rates, slowing economic growth and tumultuous politics will ensure that the poor performance seen so far this year will extend into the second half. But is that right?

We do not think so. Yes, interest rates are rising but they are doing so from exceptionally low levels. Yes, the political noise is deafening - especially that coming from an increasingly unpredictable White House. But no, economic growth is not slowing and no, we are not in the late stages of the economic cycle. Markets need to re-learn simple economics: commodity prices, freight rate prices and interest rates (the price of capital) are telling us the same thing: economic growth is strengthening. the main beneficiaries from the cyclical global upswing are Asian exporters. The recent weakness in markets around the region is a golden buying opportunity.

Best for now
Jim
Provider
Asianomics Group Ltd
Asianomics Group Ltd

Asianomics, founded by Dr Jim Walker in 2007 and based in Hong Kong, specialises in economic analysis research, cross-referencing their work with credit cycles, profit cycles and cash flows. Asianomics focus is on developments in the Asia-Pacific region, and they also cover developed markets like the US and Europe.

The Austrian Economics model provides a framework for the economic research. The basis of the School of Austrian Economics is that economies work more efficiently and effectively when companies and individuals are free from excessive interference by government and special interest groups. The Asianomics economic research team includes Deputy Chief Economist Sharmila Whelan who is recognised for non-consensus thinking and her depth and quality of primary research, and Chief Economist Dr. Jim Walker.

Asianomics’ subscribers have access to regular economic commentary, stand-alone Country Reports, Special Reports and Investment Strategy Reports. Dr. Jim Walker also provides weekly webcasts.

Dr. Jim Walker is regarded as one of Asia’s leading economists. Prior to setting up Asianomics, he was the Chief Economist at CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets, where he worked for more than 16 years. He has achieved numerous ‘Best Economist’ rankings in the Asiamoney, Institutional Investor and Greenwich surveys of fund managers. 

Previous successful calls include:

  • In 1995 Dr. Jim Walker wrote about the prospect of Asia being forced off its de facto dollar peg “within the next two-three years”. The Asian Crisis, precipitated by the Thai baht devaluation, began in July 1997.
  • Forecasted the US 2007 downturn and financial sector meltdown in series of ‘Apocalypse’ reports.
  • Called early the upswing in the Indian stock market in the final quarter of 2013.

Recent Recommendations:  

  • Overweight China - We are overweight Chinese equities with momentum improvement in the economy.
  • Short Sterling, Long Renminbi - China’s currency offers good upside with a positive carry.
  • Short European Financials, Long Indian Financials - This is the simplest pair trade to play superior demographics and growth in Asia relative to the region with the biggest problems.
  • Long EM Asia, Short Developed countries - South and SE Asia, and direct investors from North Asia, are ‘buy and hold’ investment bets.

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Jim Walker

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