Investment Institute
Weekly Market Update

Take Two: World Bank cuts China forecast; bond yields rise on interest rate concerns


What do you need to know?

The World Bank cut its forecast for China’s 2024 economic growth rate to 4.4% from an initial estimate of 4.8%. It cited high debt levels, an ageing population and a faltering post-pandemic recovery. For the East Asia and Pacific region as a whole, it lowered its 2024 outlook to 4.5% from 4.8%, due to the sluggish global economy, high interest rates, and trade protectionism. In a separate report, the World Bank cut its 2023 global trade forecast to 0.8% growth, less than half the 1.7% predicted in April. It kept its 2024 forecast nearly unchanged at 3.3% from 3.2% previously but said signs of supply chain fragmentation are starting to emerge.

Around the world

Bond yields rose on the back of investor concerns that central banks will keep interest rates high for longer than expected to fight inflation, which could weigh on global growth. US 10-year Treasury yields rose to 16-year highs mid-week while German 10-year government bond yields, a Eurozone benchmark, reached their highest level in 12 years before easing back later in the week. As yields retreated, in part after a weaker than expected private sector US jobs survey, the JP Morgan Global Government Bond Index was little changed at -0.38% in the week to Thursday’s close – bond prices move inversely to yields.1

Figure in focus: 553,052

The global industrial robotics market expanded by 5% in 2022 with 553,052 new installations, according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) annual report. Asia was the largest consumer, installing 73% of all newly deployed robots - led by China, where on average, annual robotics installations have grown 13% each year from 2017 to 2022. Europe remained the second largest market, installing 15% of all new industrial robots last year. Labour scarcity in many developed countries combined with a reconfiguration of supply chains is driving the demand for automation, the IFR said. It expects the industrial robot market to grow a further 7% in 2023.

Words of wisdom

Table Mountain: A metaphor coined by Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill for the current monetary policy cycle, this term refers to the idea that interest rates will reach a plateau and remain there for a long time - like the flat, wide peak of South Africa’s Table Mountain. Markets expect the US Federal Reserve to keep interest rates between 5.25% and 5.50% - where they have been since July – until the end of the second quarter of 2024. The alternative policy model is known as the Matterhorn, where rates would go up sharply and come down quickly, much like the steep mountain in the Alps.

What’s coming up?

The World Bank and International Monetary Fund annual meetings take place this week, starting Monday. On Tuesday, a survey of US consumer inflation expectations is published, while Wednesday will bring the minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee’s latest monetary policy meeting and Germany’s inflation rate for September. UK GDP growth data for August is expected on Thursday, as are September’s US inflation figures. On Friday, China issues its inflation and export data, while the Eurozone publishes industrial production numbers.

  • RmFjdFNldCwgZGF0YSBhcyBvZiA1IE9jdG9iZXIgMjAyMyBpbiBVUyBkb2xsYXIgdGVybXMu

Related Articles

Weekly Market Update

Take Two: OECD lifts 2024 growth forecast; China announces major economic stimulus

Weekly Market Update

Take Two: Fed cuts rates by more than expected; Eurozone inflation lowest since 2021

Weekly Market Update

Take Two: ECB cuts rates again; US inflation continues to fall

    Disclaimer

    This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment research or financial analysis relating to transactions in financial instruments as per MIF Directive (2014/65/EU), nor does it constitute on the part of AXA Investment Managers or its affiliated companies an offer to buy or sell any investments, products or services, and should not be considered as solicitation or investment, legal or tax advice, a recommendation for an investment strategy or a personalized recommendation to buy or sell securities.

    Due to its simplification, this document is partial and opinions, estimates and forecasts herein are subjective and subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee forecasts made will come to pass. Data, figures, declarations, analysis, predictions and other information in this document is provided based on our state of knowledge at the time of creation of this document. Whilst every care is taken, no representation or warranty (including liability towards third parties), express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information contained herein. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the recipient. This material does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision.

    Back to top
    Are you a Professional Investor ?

    This website is available in English only and directed at professional, institutional or qualified investors. It is not suitable for retail investors. As such, some of the funds, products and services described on this website are not available for retail investors under the MiFID II (Directive 2014/65/UE). By pressing accept you confirm that you are a professional investor and agree to AXA Investment Managers' Legal Information and Terms of Use.