- So far, so good! US economy and markets continue to defy downbeat investors’ expectations
- US equity market valuation remains stretched in absolute and relative terms… as TINA’s aunties are still hanging around in other markets such as in Europe or Japan
- Different dividend payout ratios, shares buyback programs, as well as different sectors’ allocations also explain valuation/performance differences across markets
- Anyway, the outperformance of US mega tech stocks experienced since the GFC may continue but I believe it should be, at minima, less significant from now.
- As a result, a wise recommendation for investors would be to diversify outside the “growthier” US equity markets/US mega tech cap
So far, so good! Both US companies’ earnings and economy continued to defy downbeat investors’ expectations (included mine) last week. However, as I mentioned one week ago, US equity remains at risk due to its historical and relative stretched valuation, especially in case of any disappointments down on the road (weaker growth, margin compression, regional banks trouble, higher for longer rates, the recurring debt-ceiling issue or pick your own mix of these toxic ingredients). In particular, its Equity Risk Premium has come back to very low levels while Europe and Japan remain quite elevated. It’s a function of both higher rates and more expensive equity valuation in the US, which is usually the norm because of its intrinsic “growth” and predominance characteristics.
Selected Equity Risk Premium (E/P -10y rate)

Another way to look at this stretched US equity valuation involves to refer to TINA… As you are aware, TINA (There Is No Alternative) has left the building and has now been replaced by TATA (T-Bills Are the Alternative) as US cash yield (around 5.3% currently) are far more appealing than UST 10y yield (3.5%) and US dividend yield (1.7%). But that’s a very US centric view… because if you look attentively around you, you will actually see that TINA’s aunties are still hanging around in other markets such as in Europe or Japan.
TINA is still hanging around in Switzerland, Euro Area and more than ever in Japan
Swiss cash, bond and equity yield



Dividend Payout Ratio in US, Japan and European Union

Selected equity market indices performances over the last 12M: US has lagged for once

MSCI US, Japan, Europe and EM (rebased at 100, 15y ago)

As a result, a natural, obvious and wise recommendation for investors would be to diversify outside the “growthier” US equity markets/US mega tech cap. It’s now a way to diversify the risks without sacrificing the returns.

Economic calendar
Following last week Fed & ECB “non-event” central’s banks meetings and then the much better than expected (or should I say “hotter”?) US job report, investors’ attention will now turn to the US CPI print for April on Wednesday. It will be thus the key (planned) event of the week: consensus expects headline and core inflation to increase respectively +0.4% and +0.3% MoM in April, which would translate into steady YoY change compared to previous month of 5% for headline and 5.5% for core inflation… if consensus proves right. Upside risks can’t be ruled out, which may instill doubts on investors and central bankers mind about the gradual disinflation trend experienced over the last few months. Anyway, current figures still remain uncomfortably high for the Fed. Investors will thus also scrutinize inflation in services (excluding shelter), closely tied to wages growth and overall labor market tightness, as well as any signs of shelter starting to roll over more significantly. Note that we will also get the US PPI on Thursday and export and import prices on Friday, on top of other April CPI prints for a few major EM economies such as Mexico (tomorrow), China (Thursday) and Brazil (Friday). It’s worth keeping in mind that inflation isn’t really an issue for them in this cycle, i.e. not higher or less under control than usual, actually quite the opposite…).
Staying in the US, other notable economic reports include the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey on Friday, which is expected to remain basically unchanged (specific questions related to inflation expectations, feeling about the labor market or willingness to spend may be worth a look), the NFIB Small Business optimism index tomorrow (here too, details and components may be more insightful than the headline reading) and the Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey (tonight). It will be key to assessing how credit conditions have evolved amid the recent turmoil in the banking sector and what the potential implications for the economic outlook are. Finally, there will certainly be new twists and turns in US debt-ceiling saga over the next few days, while the likely “happy-end” seems still far away and uncertain.
Turning to Europe, the main event will be the BoE monetary policy meeting on Thursday (+25bps to 4.5% expected with still a non-unanimous vote as they are a few more hawkish and dovish dissidents), followed by UK GDP preliminary figures on Friday. As far as the Euro Area is concerned, it will be a quiet week with German industrial production today, the final April CPI figures and “nobody-cares” trade balances data.
As usual, let’s conclude with the earnings season. EU and Asia corporate releases are now somewhat moving in the forefront as more than 80% of the S&P500 companies have already reported. Among the key highlights of this week, here is my selection: Berkshire, Disney, Toyota, Aramco, Paypal, Nintendo, Electronic Arts, Deutsche Telekom, NTT or Credit Agricole.


This marketing document is issued by DECALIA SA. It is neither directed to, nor intended for distribution or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation. Only the latest version of the fund’s prospectus, regulations, key Investor Information Document annual and semi-annual reports may be relied upon as fund the basis for investment decisions. You should read the Prospectus and the Key Investor Information Document (KIID) for each fund in which you want to invest. These documents are available on www.decalia.com or at FundPartner Solutions (Europe) S.A.,15 Avenue J.F. Kennedy, L-1855 Luxembourg.
The information and data presented in this document are not to be considered as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or subscribe to any securities or financial instruments. Information, opinions and estimates contained in this document reflect a judgment at the original date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Before making any investment decision, investors are recommended to ascertain if this investment is suitable for them in light of their financial knowledge and experience, investment goals and financial situation, or to obtain specific advice from an industry professional. Past performance is neither guarantee nor a reliable indicator of future results. This marketing material is not intended to be a substitute for the fund’s full documentation or for any information which investors should obtain from their financial intermediaries acting in relation to their investment in the fund or funds mentioned in this document.
Unless specifically mentioned, charts are created by DECALIA SA based on FactSet, Bloomberg or Refinitiv data.