Market Update 14th March

Trapped

Another week has passed and news from Russia and Ukraine continues to ebb and flow. All solutions are broadly still on the table. That is a euphemism for saying that we don’t know what is going to happen next. Geopolitical events are challenging to forecast, those that tell you they know for certain what will unfold are likely telling porky pies. The implications for financial markets are, however, worth paying attention to. Whilst market sentiment will remain sensitive to headlines, we see a number of trends emerging.

Zooming out from the events that are unfolding in Eastern Europe, it is hard to argue against human rights being the number one issue at play. Whilst most of us sit and analyse the to-and-fro of headlines from afar, there are soldiers fighting for their lives to defend their country. This raises an interesting debate around defence and ESG. Traditionally, the defence sector has received a virtual blanket ban from sustainable funds, with negative screens viewing weapons as ‘bad’. There is an argument that this is perhaps outdated. If political stability is the end goal, does the defence sector play a positive or negative role in achieving that?

The argument can be broken down into several discussion points. The first is idealism versus reality. In an idealistic world, the need for militaries would be non-existent and everyone would get along in harmony. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is a stark contradiction of that. His egocentric political agenda demonstrates the need for an ability to defend oneself. With that in mind, ESG investors must now chew the fat on whether defence operations are a net positive to the rule of law. It is a challenging question, akin to that of whether we should burn more fossil fuels across Europe to reduce reliance on Russian oil and gas.

The answer is not black and white. It feels as if there should be some consideration of end markets. The defence industry is heavily regulated and there are strict export rules in place. The EU has had stringent rules on military transactions with Russia since 2014. The first receiver of weapons is therefore deemed ‘responsible’. However, scrutiny from governments around who makes the green list will need to remain robust. The defence sector is also wider than weapons and bombs. Where do companies that provide protective equipment fit into the equation? Let us not forget about cybersecurity in this modern world. Germany’s decision to reverse its stance and commit more than two percent of GDP to defence spend is important. Others will undoubtedly follow suit, creating a new cycle in defence spend.

Let us park the ESG debate for now and talk inflation. Shortages of key inputs from Russia are pushing energy and commodity prices higher. A simple trip to your local petrol station will show first-hand the impact of a higher oil price (and perhaps leave you a little astonished). I will refrain from attempting to answer the longevity question this presents. With no signs of a solution, or hints to what a solution may look like, inflation protection within portfolios is of upmost importance.

Central bankers have a very difficult job on their hands. The market has priced in several rate hikes and pressure is mounting to turn to a tightening cycle with inflation running out of hand. But with an ongoing war and fears of slowing down the economy, it feels as if they are trapped between a rock and a hard place. National debt is at all time highs and interest payments are affordable with rates near zero. Add on top the markets’ reliance on emergency pandemic-related support. How quickly, if at all, can central banks take away the markets’ life support and control spiralling inflation? Last week, the ECB left rates unchanged, but took a more hawkish stance on asset purchases. This week the BoE and Fed meet, both are expected to hike.

The West’s response is centred around sanctions. The implications of which are widespread. This week saw Russian oligarch, Roman Abramovich, have his UK assets frozen. Sporting fans will know the implications of that for Chelsea Football Club. The potential sale of the group has been put on pause, and the club is banned from any further transactions. Whilst this is one local example, there is a tightrope to be tread here.

Over the past few decades, we have seen a material move towards globalisation. Supply chains have become interconnected across the world. If geopolitical tensions boil over, we could see a situation where Russia decides to turn off the taps. That leaves much of the West in a predicament. It is reliant on Russian energy, but also many other commodities such as wheat. A move towards self sufficient supply chains is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Markets will continue to be volatile in the near term. Whilst there is hope around Russia and Ukraine talks, the former has continued to step up its military offense. Its efforts have crept closer to Poland, striking a military base near the border. Putin is not far from treading on the West’s toes. The response from central banks this week will be important for markets.

Ben Luck – Investment Analyst

Hawksmoor Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (www.fca.org.uk) with its registered office at 2nd Floor Stratus House, Emperor Way, Exeter Business Park, Exeter, Devon EX1 3QS. This document does not constitute an offer or invitation to any person in respect of the securities or funds described, nor should its content be interpreted as investment or tax advice for which you should consult your independent financial adviser and or accountant. The information and opinions it contains have been compiled or arrived at from sources believed to be reliable at the time and are given in good faith, but no representation is made as to their accuracy, completeness or correctness. The editorial content is the personal opinion of Jim Wood-Smith, CIO Private Clients and Head of Research. Other opinions expressed in this document, whether in general or both on the performance of individual securities and in a wider economic context, represent the views of Hawksmoor at the time of preparation and may be subject to change. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. The value of an investment and any income from it can fall as well as rise as a result of market and currency fluctuations. You may not get back the amount you originally invested. Currency exchange rates may affect the value of investments.