Damien Hennessy, the Head of Asset Allocation at Zenith Investment Partners, highlights this change in sentiment as investors foresee potential inflation due to Trump's economic agenda coupled with record-high U.S. debt levels. Such dynamics could further intensify market volatility.
"Bond yields are climbing because the underlying U.S. economy has surpassed expectations, running into disinflationary headwinds seen in the last 12 to 18 months," Hennessy remarked. "This situation is now pressuring U.S. equity market valuations."
Reflecting on recent trends, back in September, low bond yields had investors bracing for a recession, with predictions for interest rates dropping to 2.8% by early 2026. Current expectations, however, have shifted towards a rate increase nearing 4%. The market has transitioned from forecasting up to nine cuts to possibly just one or two, signifying a significant turnaround.
Hennessy noted a rise in U.S. 10-year Treasury yields to 4.8%, impacting both the stock and bond markets. Concurrently, the U.S. dollar's rise has led to a depreciation of the Australian dollar to US62 cents.
"Market dynamics, driven by the anticipated rapid enactment of many of Trump's policies in 2025, hinge on sustained economic growth around 2.8%," explained Hennessy. "Yet, this optimism may face challenges as not all policies may be quickly executed as some expect."
With bond yields nearing 5%, Hennessy posits that bonds could offer substantial value for long-term investors, prompting a reconsideration of portfolio compositions to include bonds and duration. He added, "Until now, rising bond yields have been largely ignored by equity markets, but there comes a threshold where they begin to challenge equity valuations significantly."
The correlation between high bond yields and reduced risk premiums in equities necessitates confidence in continued earnings growth. Hennessy anticipates that the tension between bond yields and equity valuations will dominate market discussions throughout 2025.
Addressing the Australian market, Hennessy observed that local conditions remain challenging. "Valuations domestically are stretched, confronting Australian equities with a difficult environment. The sentiment may benefit slightly from a rate cut, but overall, the Australian share market faces considerable challenges."
The insights provided in this article are based on an analysis originally reported by Yasmine Raso on January 22, 2025.
Published:Wednesday, 22nd Jan 2025
Source: Paige Estritori
Market Tremors as Trade Tensions Escalate 03 Feb 2025: Paige Estritori The Australian stock market and currency faced significant setbacks as US trade policies unfolded, signaling a turbulent economic outlook. The recent imposition of tariffs by the Trump administration has sparked concerns of a looming global trade war, with China, Australia's principal trading partner, at the center of the conflict. - read more |
House Ownership in Melbourne: A Growing Challenge 30 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori In Melbourne, the dream of owning a standalone house is slipping away for many potential buyers. The disparity between house and unit values has become increasingly pronounced, making detached homes a distant goal for many. According to data from CoreLogic, as of December 2024, typical Melbourne houses cost buyers 51.1%—or $310,202—more than units. - read more |
China's AI Surprise Sends Shockwaves Through Global Markets 28 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori As China continues to sharpen its technological edge, a new development has sent ripples across global financial markets. Investors worldwide are re-evaluating their positions following the debut of DeepSeek, a Chinese tech startup, which has introduced a free, open-source artificial intelligence model that directly challenges OpenAI's ChatGPT. - read more |
Capital Cities Face a Shifting Housing Landscape 28 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori The property market across Australia’s capital cities is showing signs of significant change as new data from CoreLogic reveals diverse trends in housing values. Sydney and Melbourne have seen their daily dwelling values index slip by 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively, in the past month. - read more |
Turbulent Times Ahead for Australian Consumers 23 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori Australian households are bracing for a challenging economic phase as a series of factors converge to influence consumer spending habits. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia's recent insights reveal that household expenditure, which had shown signs of normalizing, might face substantial headwinds in the foreseeable future. - read more |
Markets Brace for Trumpflation as Rate Cut Mirage Fades 22 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori As Donald Trump embarks on his second presidential term, investors are shifting focus from a prolonged rate reduction period to what is being called 'Trumpflation'. This marks a notable shift towards anticipating inflationary pressures under Trump's pro-growth policies. - read more |
RBA's Tug of War with Australia's Market Growth 21 Jan 2025: Paige Estritori As Australia's Reserve Bank grapples with economic challenges, its decisive interest rate hikes have led to a contraction in demand, achieving their intended result but with considerable impact on the private sector. - read more |
Alternative Funding Options for Your Australian Business When it comes to starting or expanding a business in Australia, securing funding is often a top priority. However, traditional funding options, such as bank loans or government grants, can be difficult to obtain for small businesses. - read more
|
Breaking Down Barriers: How to Overcome Delays in Business Loan Approvals Embarking on a business endeavor often requires substantial financial support, and securing a business loan can be a crucial step towards progress and expansion. A well-prepared loan application not only showcases your business in its best light but also significantly enhances the prospects of obtaining the needed funds. Attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the lending process can streamline your journey to approval. - read more
|
Unlocking Cash Flow: How Equipment Leasing Can Benefit Your Australian Business In the ever-evolving landscape of Australian business, equipment leasing has emerged as a pivotal financial tool for companies across the spectrum. Whether you're a small start-up or a well-established corporation, the agility to pivot and adapt to market changes is critical. This introduction seeks to shed light on the concept of equipment leasing and its significance in bolstering the operational efficiency of Australian businesses. - read more
|
Commercial Property Financing: Top Strategies for Aussie Entrepreneurs In the entrepreneurial world, securing the right type of financing can be the catalyst for substantial business growth and success. Commercial property financing in Australia encompasses a range of options tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses, each with its own set of advantages and intricacies. This article delves into the heart of strategic financing, providing Aussie entrepreneurs with guidance on navigating this vital aspect of their business ventures. - read more
|
Startup Loans vs. Business Lines of Credit: Which is Better for Your Company? Starting a new business is an exciting journey, but it often requires a significant amount of funding to get off the ground. Whether it's for purchasing equipment, hiring staff, or marketing your new venture, securing the right type of financing is crucial for success. - read more
|
Bridging the Gap: Accessing Capital Through Start-Up Loans in Australia Embarking on a startup journey in Australia is both thrilling and challenging. You have a groundbreaking idea, but starting a business involves numerous hurdles—capital being a primary one. This is where business loans come into play. They are crucial lifelines that help convert entrepreneurial dreams into reality. - read more
|
The Ultimate Checklist for Applying for a Business Loan in Australia Welcome to the world of boating! Whether you've just bought your first boat or are considering making a purchase, it's essential to understand the importance of regular maintenance. Proper upkeep not only extends the life of your boat but also ensures safety while out on the water. - read more
|
Breaking Down Barriers: How to Overcome Delays in Business Loan Approvals Embarking on a business endeavor often requires substantial financial support, and securing a business loan can be a crucial step towards progress and expansion. A well-prepared loan application not only showcases your business in its best light but also significantly enhances the prospects of obtaining the needed funds. Attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the lending process can streamline your journey to approval. - read more
|
Alternative Funding Options for Your Australian Business When it comes to starting or expanding a business in Australia, securing funding is often a top priority. However, traditional funding options, such as bank loans or government grants, can be difficult to obtain for small businesses. - read more
|
Commercial Property Financing: Top Strategies for Aussie Entrepreneurs In the entrepreneurial world, securing the right type of financing can be the catalyst for substantial business growth and success. Commercial property financing in Australia encompasses a range of options tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses, each with its own set of advantages and intricacies. This article delves into the heart of strategic financing, providing Aussie entrepreneurs with guidance on navigating this vital aspect of their business ventures. - read more
|
Unlocking the Secrets to Flexible Business Financing in Australia For emerging businesses seeking to navigate the vibrant economic currents of Australia, grasping the startup lending landscape is essential. A myriad of financing options, each with its distinct advantages and caveats, awaits the ambitious entrepreneur. In this sea of possibilities, securing the right funding becomes more than a mere necessity—it represents a decisive factor in charting the course toward business success. - read more
|
Drawing a Roadmap: Effective Planning for Business Loan Utilization in Australia Effective planning is the backbone of any thriving business, and when it comes to leveraging financial products like business loans, this foresight becomes even more crucial. In the dynamic economic landscape of Australia, businesses are continually walking a tightrope, balancing investment, growth, and financial stability. The importance of prudent and strategic planning for business loan utilization cannot be overstated; it can mean the difference between a flourishing enterprise and one that struggles to keep its head above water. - read more
|
Secured vs Unsecured Business Loans: Which is Right for You? In Australia, business loans are a crucial tool for companies looking to grow, expand, or manage cash flow. From small enterprises to large corporations, securing funding can mean the difference between success and failure. The financial landscape is diverse, offering various loan options tailored to different needs and business models. - read more
|
Bridging the Gap: Accessing Capital Through Start-Up Loans in Australia Embarking on a startup journey in Australia is both thrilling and challenging. You have a groundbreaking idea, but starting a business involves numerous hurdles—capital being a primary one. This is where business loans come into play. They are crucial lifelines that help convert entrepreneurial dreams into reality. - read more
|