Capital Alliance shares key insights on global markets

26 May 2015 02:47 am - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Capital Alliance, Sri Lanka’s leading full service investment bank has received significant recognition as a leader in Sri Lanka’s finance and investment arena.

Providing investors with an in-depth overview, Purasisi Jinadasa, Chief Strategy Officer, shares his insights on CAL’s outlook on global markets.
Purasisi advises that in order to understand the drivers of the global market, investors need to understand global politics as well as the health of major economies in order to gain an insight.
United States – The US has shown promising macro numbers reflected in its inflation and non-farm payroll. Job gains over the past three months have averaged 190k/month, while wages have risen 2 percent YoY (as of April 2015).
The US$ has also gained against major currencies over the past 12 months; 21 percent vs. EUR, 18 percent vs. Yen and 8 percent vs. INR.
As US incomes strengthen (contributing to growth) and instability continues in most of the rest of the world, US$ investment demand will rise and Americans will be likely to consume more. This is generally good news for countries exporting to the US, however bad news for countries seeking USD inflows for investment purposes.
China – Placing aside the macro numbers coming out of China, one point we can be sure of is China’s appetite for investments. China has a significant amount of money looking for places it can generate interest. This becomes very attractive for countries seeking FDI, as China’s investment policies are generally very long-term and countries may be able to negotiate favourable terms.
Europe – Is awaiting the inevitable. Greek demands are becoming an increasing burden on stronger European countries and a Greek fallout with the EU will have implications for all the ‘PIIGS’ nations. The extremely worrying challenge is the deepening tangle fiscally prudent EU-members are falling into by extending the Greek debacle.
The ongoing back-pedalling is detrimental to Europe’s future and is leading to an unstoppable collision, which will divide the EU along cultural lines. Germany’s per capita burden attributable to Greek debt stands at US$ 800, while France’s stands at US$ 725.
Commodities – Purasisi also advises that low commodity prices are expected through 2015. As the US economy strengthens, we expect gold prices to fall slightly as investors seek higher yields in the US. However, CAL expects Brent prices to remain between US$ 65-70 as Saudi Arabia continues to supply the market at current levels to maintain its leadership.
The delayed rise in inflation/interest rates in the US is mostly attributable to the breathing room provided by a fall in oil prices.
Key points for consideration: Highlighting the key areas to consider, Purasisi outlined the strengthening of the US economy, China’s search for long-term strategic economic markets and the potential for commodities.
The implication for investors in Sri Lanka should be to shift to investing in short to medium-term debt/deposits and focus on fundamentally sound long-term consumption-linked stocks.
Consumption-linked stocks: In 4Q2014, CAL anticipated a Rs. 6-7k/month indirect rise in income due to energy tariff reductions. The additional subsidies and government sector wage hikes are likely to drive consumption growth over the next 9-12 months. Therefore, we remain confident that the next five years will lead to strong disposable income growth (12 percent YoY) and GDP reaching US$ 5000 by 2018E.
However, its important investors understand that there will also be medium-term challenges as a direct result of Sri Lanka’s current expansionary fiscal policy.
As the Central Bank cannot sustainably regulate both the exchange rate and the interest rate (while the Treasury absorbs money from the local economy), there are two possible scenarios in the medium-term which may limit the potential impact of consumption-led GDP growth for a couple of years: Firstly the LKR/US$ could depreciate and secondly, interest rates may start increasing.
Commenting on CAL’s outlook further, Purasisi said, “We expect a combination of the above-mentioned factors to fall into play due to several competing priorities within current policy outlook. Nevertheless, the team at CAL is optimistic that Sri Lanka is resilient and likely to average 6-7 percent GDP growth over the next 5 years. Therefore, investors should diligently invest in a few selected consumer-driven stocks. CAL also recommends that investors place aside a monthly Rs. value dedicated to building up an equity investment portfolio. Keeping track of exchange rates and interest rates is also important and CAL’s global markets and research team can provide investors with all the insights they need to make sound investment decisions.”
Prior to joining CAL in 2011, Purasisi spent two years as the global lead in the healthcare, biotechnology and medical devices sectors for Sustainalytics, a socially-responsible investment research house with offices in Toronto and Amsterdam. He was also responsible for providing consulting services for companies interested in strategies to improve responsible business and investment practices.
Purasisi Jinadasa earned an MBA in 2009 from York University (Schulich School of Business, Toronto). While completing his MBA, Purasisi co-founded a custom menswear company, which has since grown to four stores in and around the GTA. From 2004-2006, Purasisi worked as an equities investment analyst at capital markets specialist outsourcer Amba Research in Colombo. As part of his role at CAL, he also heads the company’s independent research unit.
Capital Alliance (CAL) is continuously striving to become the preferred partner in financial markets. Having commenced operations in October 2000, CAL has established itself as a leading player in the financial markets of Sri Lanka.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Capital Alliance shares key insights on global markets

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

New Visa procedure implemented

MIRROR CRICKET

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

Mendis, Mathews move up in ICC Test Rankings

TODAY'S HEADLINES

United States and SL Navy collaborate in CARAT 2024 exercise in Trincomalee

Upcountry estate workers stage a token strike

People have already selected Ranil for Presidency: Prasanna

Construction work for India-funded 10,000 housing units commenced

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident

Indian cricket manager indicted for Legend Cricket League match-fixing allegations