Each month, senior leaders of Hancock Whitney's Asset Management team discuss the latest news and events that impact markets and the economy.
Key takeaways this month:
- Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is still ongoing. The imposed sanctions and restrictions that have resulted are causing tremendous amounts of uncertainty in markets (equities, bonds, commodities, currencies, etc.); global supply chains; transportation; banking networks; economies; and other geopolitical relationships.
- The uncertainty of outcomes and quickly rising production costs for companies are leading to significant volatility in equity markets across the globe. Despite this, U.S. equity markets have risen modestly since the invasion began.
- Rising commodity prices will put even more pressure on inflation, putting the Fed in a difficult spot amidst economic uncertainty. Markets still anticipate a 25 basis point move in March. U.S Treasury yields have also been very volatile as market participants balance rising inflation and a less accommodative Fed with renewed demand from investors seeking the safety of U.S. Treasuries.
- Economic data continues to be promising, and combined with the dissipation of COVID sets up the possibility for strong economic growth in the spring. The primary uncertainty for growth ahead concerns the potential inflationary impact of the disturbance from the energy markets.
- Energy markets prices rose dramatically as sanctions and market participants simply refusing to deal in Russian oil has led to severe concerns regarding supply going forward.
Watch and listen to the video call below:
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