Technical Tailwinds May Lift EMFX
November 26, 2021
Read Time 2 MIN
Performance of emerging markets local currency bonds has been negatively impacted by the U.S. dollar’s strength since mid-year, despite the higher real yields and upside growth surprises in many emerging markets. However currency returns can be volatile, and external factors can have a bigger short-term impact on an emerging markets currency (EMFX) even if relatively attractive fundamentals may provide longer term support. In addition, we believe there are technical factors that may serve as a tailwind to emerging markets local currency bonds, particularly if there is a pause or reversal of recent dollar strength.
First, flows into the asset class have been extremely subdued, and have significantly lagged other sectors of emerging markets debt. In fact, cumulative net flows over nearly a decade have been flat, and mostly negative over the period. Over the same period, the market value of emerging markets local currency debt increased by approximately 50%1, and cumulative net inflows into U.S. dollar denominated debt have steadily increased since 2016.
Cumulative Flows into Dedicated Emerging Markets Bond Funds
Source: EPFR Global, Barclays Research.
Another factor we believe may provide technical support is the level of foreign ownership of EM sovereign bonds. The level of foreign investor participation varies in each market, and operational, regulatory and tax considerations can limit the ease at which a foreign investor can trade local bonds, in addition to a market’s relative attractiveness and liquidity. Among countries represented in the J.P. Morgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index, the level of foreign ownership ranges from 4% to 48%, with a weighted average of approximately 21%, which has generally declined over the past six years.2 That compares to approximately 33% in the U.S.3 Only 5% of government bonds in China, which has a 10% weight in the index, is owned by foreigners. The relative attractiveness versus developed markets, easing of investment restrictions, and global index inclusion are factors that we believe will lead to continued increases in this level. India, which is not currently included in global bond benchmarks but is on index watch for inclusion by J.P. Morgan with the potential to reach a 10% weight, has only 2% foreign participation in its sovereign bonds.
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DISCLOSURES
1 Source: J.P. Morgan as of 10/31/2021. Based on the market value of the J.P. Morgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index from January 2013 to October 2021.
2 Source: Morgan Stanley.
3 Source: Congressional Research Service, “Foreign Holdings of Federal Debt,” July 9, 2021.
Please note that VanEck may offer investments products that invest in the asset class(es) discussed herein.
J.P. Morgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index tracks local currency denominated EM government debt. The index weighting methodology limits the weight of countries with larger debt stocks.
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.
This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. 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. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck.
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.
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DISCLOSURES
1 Source: J.P. Morgan as of 10/31/2021. Based on the market value of the J.P. Morgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index from January 2013 to October 2021.
2 Source: Morgan Stanley.
3 Source: Congressional Research Service, “Foreign Holdings of Federal Debt,” July 9, 2021.
Please note that VanEck may offer investments products that invest in the asset class(es) discussed herein.
J.P. Morgan GBI-EM Global Diversified Index tracks local currency denominated EM government debt. The index weighting methodology limits the weight of countries with larger debt stocks.
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.
This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the securities mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. 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. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck.
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.