Sign In
Sign In
Issue No.8
Markets Wrap
Market Highlights
A large container ship blocked the Suez Canal for days in March, impacting 12% of global trade. The incident will likely result in large losses for the commercial insurance and reinsurance market.
Investment Buzz
Volatility refers to the amount the value of a security or index goes up and down. If the price goes up and down frequently over a short amount of time it shows high volatility. Low volatility means the price remains very stable.
| Index |
YTD ∆ |
1Yr % ∆ |
| S&P 500 |
5.77% |
53.71% |
| MSCI ACWI | 4.18% | 52.21% |
| ALL T&T |
0.43% |
2.28% |
| T&T Composite |
1.54% |
2.00% |
| Index |
YTD ∆ |
1Yr % ∆ |
| GORTT 3M |
0.20% |
0.08% |
| GORTT 10Yr | 4.74% |
4.68% |
| US 3M |
0.02% |
0.08% |
| US 10Yr |
1.74% |
0.92% |
| Commodities |
Current |
YTD % ∆ |
| Oil (WTI) |
$59.16 |
21.92% |
| Nat Gas (HH) |
$2.61 |
2.72% |
| Gold |
$1,713.80 |
9.57% |
Local Equities
For the month ended March 2021, the TT Composite Index gained 0.58%, led upwards by the All T&T Index which increased by 1%. The share prices of AGL and GHL increased by 9.7% and 17.04% respectively as investors took note of relatively good YoY results, and corporate actions such as acquisitions. Other financial results released during the month were generally negative as PHL, WCO, AMBL and NGL all reported YoY declines in profits. The Cross Listed Index declined by -0.23% in February 2021 as JMMBGL and NCBFG fell -2.70% and -3.95%, respectively. Negative sentiment persisted in the market with 15 stocks declining, 8 increasing and 3 holding firm. We do not expect a significant change in company performances until a large segment of the population is vaccinated and restrictions are lifted. The IMF has projected growth of 2.1% for T&T in 2021, assuming a successful vaccine rollout and improvements in energy production and prices.
International Equities
The US economy is expected to grow by 8-10% in the second half of 2021 vs a year prior. This growth will stem from increased economic activity driven by fiscal stimulus and vaccine roll outs. Access to multiple vaccines in the US has now significantly increased the speed and the size of the rollout. At present, 33% of the US population have received at least one vaccine shot and 19% are considered fully vaccinated while the easing of restrictions and multiple stimulus packages have improved consumer confidence.
In March, the ISM Services Index rose from 55.2 to a reading of 63.7. During March the market was led upwards by the Utilities, Industrials and Consumer Staples sectors which returned 11.9%, 8.9% and 8.1% respectively, while all 10 sectors reporting positive returns. Investors are positive on the outlook for the economy given an expected surge in consumer spending and digital demand. Market volatility is still likely moving forward as several risks remain, including the emergence of new variants which may curtail business activity. Also, other countries are vaccinating at a much slower pace than the US leading to slower and more uneven global economic recovery.
Local Fixed Income
Short term TTD rates improved over the last month. The 1 year rate moved to 0.54% in March 2021, up from 0.48% in January 2021, but is still well below September’s rate of 2.08%. Limited investment options led to a high demand for government securities throughout 2020 and in early 2021. Corporate issues remain scarce and no change is expected in 2021, despite the low interest rate environment. We expect short term rates to trend higher in the short term in spite of high system liquidity, which currently stands in excess of TT$7.5BN.
International Fixed Income
US Investment grade corporate spreads, as measured by the CSI BBB Index, fell by 0.22% over the month. Rates were higher across the curve with the 10- year hitting as high of 1.74% on March 31st. Markets expect trillions in fiscal relief and accommodative monetary policy will spur inflation, which led to a sharp rise in rates YTD. Another factor which may push inflation higher is pent up savings, as consumers may spend excess savings from the last year as the economy reopens, causing prices for goods and services to move higher.
Explore Mutual Funds
USD Funds
TTD Funds
Need more information regarding our Investment Solutions?
Speak with one of our investment specialists.
Estelle Narine
777-0487
estelle.narine@scotiabank.com
Candice De Sormeaux
777-0732
candice.desormeaux@scotiabank.com
Adesha Gonzales
486-0581
adesha.gonzales@scotiabank.com
General Disclosures:
This report has been prepared by Scotia Investments Trinidad and Tobago Limited (“SITT”), a subsidiary of Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Limited. It is provided to you, our clients, for information purposes only and may not be redistributed. The information herein is believed to be reliable and includes information from public sources also believed to be reliable. While the objective is to provide information in a fair, clear and non-misleading manner, SITT does not represent or warrant that any information in the report is free from errors or omissions. Opinions and projections in this report are the views of the author(s) as at the date of this report.
The views expressed are subject to change and SITT has no obligation to update, modify or amend this report or to otherwise notify a recipient thereof in the event that any opinion forecast or estimate herein changes or subsequently becomes inaccurate. Nothing contained in this report is or should be relied upon as a promise or representation as to the future. Neither SITT nor any of its officers, directors, partners, or employees accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct or consequential loss arising from the use of this report or any of its contents. The securities discussed in this publication may not be suitable for all investors.
This report is provided to you for informational purposes only. It is not an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities or to participate in any trading strategy. This report is not intended to provide personal investment advice and it does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any specific person. Investors should seek advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in securities and implementing investment strategies discussed or recommended in this report and should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. Nothing contained in this report is or should be relied upon as a promise or representation as to the future. The information in this publication is not intended to predict actual results, which may differ substantially from those mentioned in this report. Scotia Investments Trinidad and Tobago Limited, its directors, or other officers may have a position in, or engage in transactions in any of the securities mentioned herein.