Friday 24 December 2021
Research / Market
The resurgence of the virus cycle, central banks’ reactions to high inflation figures, and Evergrande’s unavoidable default have led to some volatility in the market, but these issues have not caused any major disruption. In the battle between growth and inflation narratives, the mantra that bad news is good news for markets continues to prevail. At this point, it is definitely too early to make a judgement on the Omicron variant and its impacts. Investors should be aware that the virus cycle will be in focus once again.
Markets have seen some relief in a year that overall is likely to be remembered as among the most challenging for investors.
Biodiversity, or the term used to describe all living organisms and ecosystems of which they are part, is declining at an alarming rate with now 1 million (out of an estimated 8 million) plant and animal species being threatened with extinction.
At its December meeting, the ECB hiked rates by 50bp, to 2.0% (deposit rate). The Bank delivered a very hawkish statement.
