Powered by MOMENTUM MEDIA
SMSF adviser logo
subscribe to our newsletter

SMSFs warned on 'lacklustre growth' in 2016

By Miranda Brownlee
04 February 2016 — 1 minute read

SMSF investors should brace themselves for continued volatility and modest returns this year, as the performance of the major economies is unlikely to improve, according to an international fund manager.

Speaking at an event in Sydney, State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) chief economist Chris Probyn said conditions are unlikely to see much improvement over this year, with the major advanced economies suffering from a loss of momentum.

“My theme for 2016 is more of the same; lacklustre growth, low inflation and very limited policy tightening,” he said.

Mr Probyn said that while the domestically focused sectors are limiting any downside, the weakness of manufacturing in the major economies seems to be limiting any upside in returns.

“Moreover, we continue to see the risks skewed to the downside, likely fuelling bouts of investor uncertainty and market volatility,” he said.

However, in its 2016 Global Market Outlook report, SSGA said it believed European and Japanese equities were showing some life.

“Pan-European trade is picking up, and German business sentiment surveys point to solid cyclical growth,” said the report.

“Europe is a large net importer of commodities, and therefore lower input costs will improve European corporate profits.”

However, it still has a lower forecast for returns, due to the previous relative outperformance of Europe compared with its peers, and the fact the UK has a higher exposure to energy stock.

“In Japan, the Abenomics fiscal and reform program appear to finally be generating a pickup in growth and inflation,” SSGA said.

Read more:

Class collaborates with depreciation service provider

SuperConcepts upgrades superMate platform

SUBSCRIBE TO THE
SMSF ADVISER BULLETIN

Get the latest news and opinions delivered to your inbox each morning