Market Commentary Mid September 2020

Monthly asset allocation September 2020:

Source: Pictet Asset Management

Our business cycle scores offer some grounds for optimism – brighter prospects for the developed economies have enabled us to upgrade the outlook for the world as a whole to neutral from marginally negative. One key positive development has been Europe’s newly agreed EUR750 billion recovery fund. Encouragingly, 70 per cent of it is expected to be spent over the next two years. China remains ahead in terms of the extent of its recovery, which, along with a weaker dollar, should be supportive for emerging markets and for the materials sector. Whether the vantage point is the economy, the political landscape or Covid-19, Europe appears to be in better shape than the US. Which is why we retain an overweight position in European stocks. EU member states’ endorsement of the Franco-German led EUR750 billion recovery fund last month and the ECB’s continued monetary stimulus put the European economy on a much firmer footing; we have consequently raised our forecast for the region’s GDP growth for 2021 by 1 percentage point to 7 per cent. Crucially for investors, Europe’s stock markets do not yet discount the region’s improving economic prospects. Particularly when compared to their US counterparts.  US stocks are already very expensive in any case. For US equities to maintain their current price-earnings multiple of around 24, corporate profit margins would have to remain stable. That is a stretch, particularly when factoring in the US’s continued failure to contain Covid-19, the growing regulatory backlash against Silicon Valley and uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the November Presidential election. Mindful of these risks, we remain neutral US stocks. With an increase in consumer spending a feature of the recovery taking hold in parts of the world, we are attracted to consumer staples stocks.  To maintain a defensive tilt in our equity allocation, we have reduced our weighting in financials to underweight. Although banks’ bad debt provisions resulting from pandemic-induced lockdowns have been largely in line with expectations, they remain acutely vulnerable to any setback to the smooth reopening of economies. Moreover, dividend payments are unlikely to recover for the foreseeable future. Regulators across the world– including the ECB, the Fed and the UK’s Prudential Regulatory Authority – have moved aggressively to either cap bank dividend payments or temporarily suspend them. This greatly reduces the investment appeal of financial stocks. As always, if you would like more information please contact your adviser within the Just Service Global network. For all enquiries email info@justserviceglobal.com

Regards

The Just Service Client Service Team

All content provided is for informational purposes only. Just Service makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained or found by following any link. Just Service will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor the availability of it. Just Service will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. This policy is subject to change at any time.

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Do You Have Enough Life Insurance Cover?

Do You Ever Think About Life Insurance?

With the outbreak of the latest new virus, do you sometimes consider how well protected your family (or business partners) are in the event of something happening to you or your spouse? Life insurance is one of those things that just about everyone needs but far too few people actually have. It’s easy to put off purchasing a policy when you’re young and relatively healthy. But the longer you wait, the greater the chances of something happening before you get yourself coverage. Maybe purchasing life insurance has been on your to-do list for a while but you haven’t gotten around to it yet. Check out these 10 reasons why you can’t afford to wait any longer.

1. Replace Lost Income

Life insurance works to provide financial security to your loved ones after you pass away. You have to consider what would happen if you were to die suddenly. This is especially true if your loved ones rely solely on your income. Get yourself adequate coverage. That way, you won’t leave your loved ones helpless when the monthly bills come around.

2. Cover Final Expenses

Sadly, even a basic funeral service can run upwards of several thousand pounds. While it’s possible to pre-pay for your funeral people don’t often think that far ahead. Pre-payment can ensure everything is in place for your loved ones after you die. However, there are risks to prepayment. Life insurance can give you and your beneficiaries more of a guarantee, lifting a burden off of them as well as yourself.

3. Paying Off Debt

Just because you die doesn’t necessarily mean your debts will disappear. In the instance that you and your spouse have co-signed for a mortgage or other loans, your spouse may become entirely responsible for repayment. The other outcome could result in creditors trying to collect from your estate. While that gets rid of your debts, your heirs will receive the depleted remainder. Life insurance allows those you leave behind to take care of any lingering financial responsibilities.

4. University Planning

There are a number of ways to save money for your child’s education. You may not have thought that a life insurance policy would be a viable option. But insurance payouts can actually provide a good supplement your savings. If your child ends up borrowing money to get through school, the insurance proceeds could also help wipe out pesky student loans.

5. Build Cash Value

Term Life Insurance is a type of life insurance, stays in place for a set period of time. But another option, whole life insurance, provides permanent coverage that only ends if you cancel the policy. Whole Life Insurance allows you to build up cash value over time, an attractive prospect to any people. That cash value acts as an extra cushion that you can tap at any time. This may come in handy if you have a financial emergency down the road.

6. Diversify Investments

Some people also use life insurance as an investment tool with universal life policies. These policies are tied to a specific investment product. Then policyholders receive dividend payments based on the product’s performance. Before you dive into this type of insurance, you’ll want to read the fine print. That way you’ll know the potential risks and returns before you commit.

7. Business Planning

If you own a business, it’s vital that you have life insurance. This covers your obligations so your hard work doesn’t go to waste. Are you involved in a partnership with someone else? You should both have coverage. That way, if one of you dies, the other isn’t left holding the heavy financial bag.

8. Estate Taxes

When someone passes away, their heirs often face estate and inheritance taxes on any assets they receive. If you’re worried about your loved ones getting hit with a big tax bill, a life insurance policy can help cover these added costs.

9. Coverage is Affordable

One of the excuses people tend to make for not buying life insurance is the cost. But truthfully, coverage often ends up pretty affordable for most people. Term life tends to be less expensive than whole or universal life. Plus, the younger and healthier you are, the lower your premiums will be. Unless you smoke or have a preexisting health condition.

10. Peace of Mind

No one can truly predict the future. But having life insurance means you and your loved ones can prepare for any eventuality. Even with a small policy, you may find yourself sleeping a little easier at night knowing that your family has protection in place should something happen to you.

As always talk to your adviser within the Just Service network if you would like information or otherwise review your savings, investment or pension plans. For all enquiries email info@justserviceglobal.com

Regards

The Just Service Client Service Team

All content provided is for informational purposes only. Just Service makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information contained or found by following any link. Just Service will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor the availability of it. Just Service will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. This policy is subject to change at any time.

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