Founder and Strategist, Entext Economics & Strategy

Sean Maher

Founder and Strategist

Entext Economics & Strategy

Entext provides institutional investors with distinctive, actionable asset allocation and thematic research, which typically challenges the market consensus. Our clients range from credit, equity and multi-asset hedge and pension funds to family offices and sovereign funds. 
 
We focus on identifying key inflection points in macro data and relative asset performance amid the 'groupthink'  and confirmation bias that characterizes most investment bank analysis.

Macro Driven Investment Insight

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">I’ve been highlighting since mid-year a likely normalization of bond yields (and equity proxy multiples) from extreme valuation levels which were discounting recession/deflation fears</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;"><span lang="EN-US">The data suggests the opposite risk - the global composite PMI is now at its highest level of the year, with broad based improvement in October.</span></div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-US">The earnings yield outlook for equities is rapidly improving – the MSCI AC net earnings revisions ratio looks set to turn positive, having been at a post 2008 low of</span>…</div></li>
</ul>


I’ve been highlighting since mid-year a likely normalization of bond yields (and equity proxy multiples) from extreme valuation levels which were discounting recession/deflation fears
The data suggests the opposite risk - the global composite PMI is now at its highest level of the year, with broad based improvement in October.

The earnings yield outlook for equities is rapidly improving – the MSCI AC net earnings revisions ratio looks set to turn positive, having been at a post 2008 low of…


Global Equity Earnings Revisions Rebound, Can Macau Casino Revenues?

Founder and CEO, Europacifica Consulting

Naomi Fink

Founder and CEO

Europacifica Consulting

<figure class="editor-figure mceNonEditable"><img src="https://static-prod.smartkarma.com/images/media/000/015/810/original/ChartForeignInvestor.png?1478147665" class="editor-image img-responsive" data-smartkarma-image-id="15810"></figure><div class="content-caption">Foreign Investors are Top Shareholders (Source: JPX)</div><h2>Summary</h2><p>Foreign investors now form the largest cohort of investors in Japanese stocks, according to Tokyo Stock Exchange data.  Yet given Japan's deflationary dynamic, Japanese equities have demonstrated a tendency to disappoint investors in terms of Return on Equity.  "Why Hold Japan?" is a question that recurs among investors - in particular during cyclical downturns. Although there remains a degree of confidence in "Abenomics", uncertainty in…</p>

Foreign Investors are Top Shareholders (Source: JPX)SummaryForeign investors now form the largest cohort of investors in Japanese stocks, according to Tokyo Stock Exchange data.  Yet given Japan's deflationary dynamic, Japanese equities have demonstrated a tendency to disappoint investors in terms of Return on Equity.  "Why Hold Japan?" is a question that recurs among investors - in particular during cyclical downturns. Although there remains a degree of confidence in "Abenomics", uncertainty in…

Why Hold Japan, Part I: Relative Tax Regimes

EM PM, Ecstrat

Emad Mostaque

EM PM

Ecstrat

Ecstrat is a consultancy advising on asset allocation between global equity markets, with a focus on the intersection of governments, geopolitics, governance and markets.
 
Over the past few years and more especially since the Great Financial Crisis (GFC), investors have become more focused on short-term market movements and real-time returns and have consequently neglected the analysis of the underlying structural themes that underpin longer term performance.
​
More specifically we believe that the evolution of governance-based relationships between investors, controlling shareholders, labour and the state is one of the primary determinants of both relative and absolute performance between individual equity markets.
 
We will endeavour to provide investors with some of the context surrounding governance-related issues which encompass many different disciplines including history, economics and political science, as well as the financial metrics which are the most obvious manifestation of the structural characteristics of each market.
 
We will pay particular attention to the shifts and potential inflection points for governance in individual markets as these are often the best lead indicators for both economic and market performance.

<p>Yesterday's high court ruling stating that parliament must have a say before any triggering of Article 50 to start the process for Britain to leave the EU puts us at point 7 in my <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/the-path-to-no-brexit" target="_blank">path to no Brexit</a>.</p><p>The reaction from the pro-Brexit press and prominent individuals has been sharp, from declaring the judges in question as enemies of the nation (The Daily Mail) to saying this is the darkest day for the UK since World War II and for readers to fight, fight, fight (The Daily Express).</p><p>Coming five months…</p>

Yesterday's high court ruling stating that parliament must have a say before any triggering of Article 50 to start the process for Britain to leave the EU puts us at point 7 in my path to no Brexit.The reaction from the pro-Brexit press and prominent individuals has been sharp, from declaring the judges in question as enemies of the nation (The Daily Mail) to saying this is the darkest day for the UK since World War II and for readers to fight, fight, fight (The Daily Express).Coming five months…

Independent, global risk consultancy, Control Risks

Aparajita Verma

Independent, global risk consultancy

Control Risks

Control Risks is an independent, global risk consultancy specialising in helping organisations manage political, integrity and security risks in complex and hostile environments. We support clients by providing strategic consultancy, expert analysis and in-depth investigations, handling sensitive political issues and providing practical on-the-ground protection and support.

Our unique combination of services, geographical reach and the trust our clients place in us ensure we can help them to effectively solve their problems and realise new opportunities across the world.

<p>The bitter divisiveness of the campaign, between Democrat Hillary Clinton and her Republican rival Donald Trump, reflects the deep disaffection of substantial parts of the electorate despite a return to modest economic growth.</p>

The bitter divisiveness of the campaign, between Democrat Hillary Clinton and her Republican rival Donald Trump, reflects the deep disaffection of substantial parts of the electorate despite a return to modest economic growth.

Winds Across the Pacific: What the US Election Will Bring to Asia

Leading Independent Investment Research, Morningstar, Inc.

Morningstar

Leading Independent Investment Research

Morningstar, Inc.

Morningstar, Inc. is a leading provider of independent investment research in North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. We offer an extensive line of products and services for individual investors, financial advisors, asset managers, and retirement plan providers and sponsors. 

Morningstar provides data on more than 500,000 investment offerings, including stocks, mutual funds, and similar vehicles, along with real-time global market data on more than 16 million equities, indexes, futures, options, commodities, and precious metals, in addition to foreign exchange and Treasury markets. Morningstar also offers investment management services through its investment advisory subsidiaries, with more than $180 billion in assets under advisement or management as of June 30, 2015. We have operations in 27 countries.

Download the Morningstar Fact Sheet : http://corporate.morningstar.com/US/documents/MarketingFactSheets/AboutMorningstarFactsheet.pdf

<p>The Bank of Japan has just released its semiannual assessment on the financial system with an explicit focus on the negative interest rate environment. We view positively that the bank has acknowledged increasing side effects even after the bank has recalibrated its policy with a new focus on yield curve control.</p><p>The hurdle of implementing the NIRP has been high for Japanese banks due to a higher proportion of funding is  derived from deposits at 72% against 43% for eurozone banks and 31% for Swedish banks. An inability to reprice  its deposit below zero negatively impacts bank earnings, encumbered with low pricing power due to low market concentration. An aging demographic is also adding pressure to regional banks. Half of regional banks fail to earn operating profits from lending, even assuming minimal credit charges, as they remain unable to cope with greater structural challenges. Per the central bank estimate on NIM compression, about 50% is attributed to lower market rates, about 30% to unfavorable demographics and about 20% to weak loan demand at regional banks.</p><p><em>Analyst: Mari Kumagai</em></p>

The Bank of Japan has just released its semiannual assessment on the financial system with an explicit focus on the negative interest rate environment. We view positively that the bank has acknowledged increasing side effects even after the bank has recalibrated its policy with a new focus on yield curve control.The hurdle of implementing the NIRP has been high for Japanese banks due to a higher proportion of funding is  derived from deposits at 72% against 43% for eurozone banks and 31% for Swedish banks. An inability to reprice  its deposit below zero negatively impacts bank earnings, encumbered with low pricing power due to low market concentration. An aging demographic is also adding pressure to regional banks. Half of regional banks fail to earn operating profits from lending, even assuming minimal credit charges, as they remain unable to cope with greater structural challenges. Per the central bank estimate on NIM compression, about 50% is attributed to lower market rates, about 30% to unfavorable demographics and about 20% to weak loan demand at regional banks.Analyst: Mari Kumagai

Lack of Term Premium Continues to Cost Japanese Banks with Limited Financial Flexibility

Japan

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc. manages financial operations for its subsidiaries. The Company provides commercial banking and a variety of financial services.

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (8316 JP)

Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. provides comprehensive financial services through its subsidiaries. The Group provides variety of financial services such as general banking, securities brokerage, trust banking, and assets management.

Japan Post Bank Co. Ltd. provides general banking services. The Company offers deposits, savings, loans, currency exchange transactions, investment trusts, national bonds, and other related banking services to individuals and businesses. Japan Post Bank also provides other financial services such as insurance agency and financing service.

Shinkin Central Bank is a central bank for shinkin banks nationwide, operating as a cooperative financial institution.  The Bank has developed businesses in a variety of fields that contribute the shinkin banking industry.  The Bank's services include enhancement of the credit standing, efficient use of shikin bank's surplus funds, and settlement of domestic exchange transaction.

Resona Holdings, Inc. operates as a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides financial services, including banking, trust operations, and credit card services. Resona Holdings also offers consulting services related to personal loans, asset management, and asset succession.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings, Inc. is a holding company established jointly by Chuo Mitsui Trust Holdings and Sumitomo Trust and Banking. As a financial group, the Bank provides trust banking business, as well as securities brokerage, assets management, and related financial services.

The Chiba Bank, Ltd. is a regional bank based in Chiba Prefecture. The Bank offers general banking services including deposits, loans, and foreign exchange transactions. The Chiba Bank also develops software and provides financial services such as leasing, securities brokerage, letter of credit, and credit cards.

Concordia Financial Group, Ltd. is a holding company established through the merger of Bank of Yokohama and Higashi-Nippon Bank. The Company provides banking services and other financial services.

Fukuoka Financial Group, Inc. is a holding company established through the merger of the Bank of Fukuoka and Kumamoto Family Bank. As a financial group, the Company provides banking services including deposits, loans, foreign currency transactions. The Company also provides other financial services such as credit card, letter of credit, and leasing services.

The Bank of Kyoto, Ltd. is a regional bank in Kyoto.  The Bank provides banking services including deposits, savings, loans, foreign exchange transactions, and securities investments.  The Bank of Kyoto also provides financial services such as letter of credit, leasing, loans, and credit cards.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia provides banking, life insurance, and related services for individuals, small businesses and medium sized commercial enterprises. The Bank provides corporate and general banking, international financing, institutional banking and stock broking and funds management such as superannuation product.

National Australia Bank Limited is an international banking group which operates in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and the United States.  The Group offers banking services, credit and access card facilities, leasing, housing and general finance, international and investment banking, wealth and funds management, life insurance and custodian, trustee and nominee services.

DBS Group Holdings Limited and its subsidiaries provide a variety of financial services.  The Company offers services including mortgage financing, lease and hire purchase financing, nominee and trustee, funds management, corporate advisory and brokerage .  DBS Group also acts as the primary dealer in Singapore government securities.

China Construction Bank Corporation provides a comprehensive range of commercial banking products and services to individuals and corporate customers. The Bank's business consists of three principal business segments: corporate banking, personal banking, and treasury operations. China Construction Bank also services infrastructure loans, residential mortgage, and bank cards.

Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited offers a comprehensive range of financial services.  The Company's services include deposit-taking, corporate, enterprise and personal lending, international trade financing, investment banking, private banking, treasury, stockbroking, insurance, credit cards, cash management, asset management and other financial and related services.

State Bank of India provides a wide range of banking and financial services to corporate, institutional, commercial, agricultural, industrial and individual customers throughout India.  The Bank also provides international banking to its Indian customers and has operations in other countries.

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services company providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, leasing, credit cards, and consumer finance.  The Company operates through physical stores, the Internet and other distribution channels across North America and elsewhere internationally.

PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is a diversified financial services organization.  The Company provides regional banking, wholesale banking, and asset management services nationally and in the Company's primary regional markets.

Citigroup Inc. is a diversified financial services holding company that provides a broad range of financial services to consumer and corporate customers. The Company services include investment banking, retail brokerage, corporate banking, and cash management products and services. Citigroup serves customers globally.

PT Bank Central Asia Tbk provides banking and related services.  The Bank also provides custodianship, trusteeship, and management of pension funds of financial institutions.  Through its subsidiaries, the Bank also provides leasing and consumer financing services.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is a holding company established through the merger of Mitsubishi Tokyo Financial Group and UFJ Holdings. As a financial group, the Company provides a variety of financial and investment services including commercial banking, trust banking, international finance, and assets management services.

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial (MUFG) (8306 JP)

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Mitsubishi UFJ Financial (MUFG) (8306 JP)

Global Equity Earnings Revisions Rebound, Can Macau Casino Revenues?

I’ve been highlighting since mid-year a likely normalization of bond yields (and equity proxy multiples) from extreme valuation levels which were...

Sean Maher

Why Hold Japan, Part I: Relative Tax Regimes

SummaryForeign investors now form the largest cohort of investors in Japanese stocks, according to Tokyo Stock Exchange data. Yet given Japan's...

Naomi Fink

Brexit: Judgement Versus Obedience

Yesterday's high court ruling stating that parliament must have a say before any triggering of Article 50 to start the process for Britain to leave...

Emad Mostaque

Winds Across the Pacific: What the US Election Will Bring to Asia

The bitter divisiveness of the campaign, between Democrat Hillary Clinton and her Republican rival Donald Trump, reflects the deep disaffection of...

Control Risks

Lack of Term Premium Continues to Cost Japanese Banks with Limited Financial Flexibility

The Bank of Japan has just released its semiannual assessment on the financial system with an explicit focus on the negative interest rate...

Morningstar, Inc.

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