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Emerging Markets Bonds: EMFX Key to 2020 Returns

April 16, 2020

Read Time 2 MIN

 

At current valuations, we expect that emerging markets local currency bond returns will primarily be driven by currencies for the remainder of the year. If global growth shows signs of a recovery and the stimulative efforts of emerging markets central banks are successful, emerging markets currencies (EMFX) may rally from here as risk appetite and the search for yield re-emerges.

Emerging markets central banks have responded to the recent downturn by prioritizing growth and financial stability over inflation. Many have aggressively cut rates, and in some countries, quantitative easing (QE)-style open market operations have been implemented. Most of the countries in the J.P. Morgan GBI-EM Global Core Index went into the current downturn with the benefit of high real interest rates (nominal rates adjusted for inflation), and have been able to support growth through conventional monetary policy in contrast to developed markets, which already had near-zero or negative real rates. As opposed to previous episodes of risk aversion and capital outflows, we believe external vulnerabilities are reduced for many countries, foreign currency reserves are higher and the downside risks to growth appear to outweigh inflation pressures for now.

One result of lower rates amidst the current risk-off environment has been a steep decline in the values of many emerging markets currencies, particularly those of oil exporters such as Mexico and Russia. In terms of real effective exchange rates, which account for changes in price levels and the balance among a country’s trading partners, the average valuation of emerging markets currencies has not been this low since 1999 and is well below historical averages.

Real Effective Exchange Rates Attractive by Historical Standards


Real Effective Exchange Rates Attractive by Historical Standards

Source: J.P. Morgan and VanEck. Real Effective Exchange Rate Index represents the weighted average of the real effective exchange rates of the countries in the J.P. Morgan GBI-EM Global Core Index using 3/31/2020 country weights.

The approach being taken by emerging markets central banks is untested, and there are several risks to this scenario, in our view. Further growth downgrades would negatively impact currencies, as well as worsening fiscal and current account balances, inflation pressures, and accelerating capital outflows. Although oil importers make up the majority of the index, a prolonged period of severely depressed oil prices may also keep pressure on commodity sensitive currencies.

DISCLOSURES

Please note that Van Eck Associates Corporation serves as investment advisor to investment products that invest in the asset class(es) included herein.

This content is published in the United States for residents of specified countries. Investors are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed in this content. Nothing in this content should be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell shares of any investment in any jurisdiction where the offer or solicitation would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction, nor is it intended as investment, tax, financial, or legal advice. Investors should seek such professional advice for their particular situation and jurisdiction.

The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck, and these opinions may change at any time and from time to time. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are valid as of the date of this communication and subject to change without notice. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. Historical performance is not indicative of future results. Current data may differ from data quoted. Any graphs shown herein are for illustrative purposes only.

J.P. Morgan GBI-EM Global Core Index (GBIEMCOR): tracks local currency denominated EM government debt. The index weighting methodology limits the weight of countries with larger debt stocks, with a maximum of 10% and a minimum of 3%.

Index returns are not Fund returns and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses. Certain indices may take into account withholding taxes. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses. Index returns assume that dividends have been reinvested.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. Bonds and bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. As with any investment strategy, there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be met and investors may lose money. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

DISCLOSURES

Please note that Van Eck Associates Corporation serves as investment advisor to investment products that invest in the asset class(es) included herein.

This content is published in the United States for residents of specified countries. Investors are subject to securities and tax regulations within their applicable jurisdictions that are not addressed in this content. Nothing in this content should be considered a solicitation to buy or an offer to sell shares of any investment in any jurisdiction where the offer or solicitation would be unlawful under the securities laws of such jurisdiction, nor is it intended as investment, tax, financial, or legal advice. Investors should seek such professional advice for their particular situation and jurisdiction.

The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck, and these opinions may change at any time and from time to time. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are valid as of the date of this communication and subject to change without notice. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. Historical performance is not indicative of future results. Current data may differ from data quoted. Any graphs shown herein are for illustrative purposes only.

J.P. Morgan GBI-EM Global Core Index (GBIEMCOR): tracks local currency denominated EM government debt. The index weighting methodology limits the weight of countries with larger debt stocks, with a maximum of 10% and a minimum of 3%.

Index returns are not Fund returns and do not reflect any management fees or brokerage expenses. Certain indices may take into account withholding taxes. Investors cannot invest directly in the Index. Returns for actual Fund investors may differ from what is shown because of differences in timing, the amount invested and fees and expenses. Index returns assume that dividends have been reinvested.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. Bonds and bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. As with any investment strategy, there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be met and investors may lose money. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.