KEY RISKS FACING ASIAN MARKETS
▶ From the Fed to Kim Jong-un – these are the elements that could rock the second half of the year
The smooth sailing for Asian emerging markets this year has Citigroup analysts getting antsy. They’ve identified four major risks that could lead to a more turbulent second half.
While resilient growth, benign inflation, a carry-friendly environment, Chinese reforms and market-friendly political transitions could still be the dominant themes for the region over the rest the year, the outlook is “uncomfortably sanguine”, analysts led by Asia-Pacific chief economist Johanna Chua wrote in a report released at the end of last week. Here’s a look at four key risks facing Asian markets:
Hawkish Fed
How far will major central banks, including the United States Federal Reserve and ECB, go to tighten policies while structural drags on inflation and growth exist? The Fed’s move will have greater impact on Asia as the dollar is the more important currency. “A sudden shift in expectations can be a source of market volatility without accompanying positive spillovers to fundamentals in the region,” the report said.
Kim Jong-un
The wildest card in the bunch is the “unbridled bravado” of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. With diplomatic solutions appearing distant, “scenarios that could be contemplated” include the US pursuing tougher sanctions, pressuring China to embargo oil exports to the North, and even military options. The market impact of any hint of military escalation would be widespread risk aversion and dollar buying, leading to initial yen strength that would then reverse as conflict spreads, the report said.
Seeping populism
Emerging Asian economies have benefited from prudent policies leading to stronger balance sheets in the past few years, however economic gains haven’t been redistributed equally.
That leaves many countries vulnerable to more populist policies. This may be especially true in China and Malaysia, where both countries are “visibly more accommodative than the norm” as they go through political transitions while defending the dominant regime.
China’s regulations
Market observers have expected China’s regulators to err on the side of caution in the runup to the 19th Party Congress later this year, leading to some complacency among investors as stocks rallied. “There is risk that policy priorities will shift toward more financial regulatory tightening versus growth stability, which could take markets by surprise,” the report said. It is widely expected that China’s top leader Xi Jinping will start his second five-year term at the congress.
The Fed’s move will have greater impact on Asia as the dollar is the more important currency