Investment Outlook

After three tumultuous quarters, equity markets recovered slightly in the fourth quarter. The MSCI world stock index closed 2022 with a drop of 13% in euro. High inflation in the US and EU persisted at 7% and 10% respectively. Subsequently, the US Fed raised their policy rate from 0.25% at the end of 2021 to 4.5% at the end of 2022. The interest rate rise caused a correction in the stock markets and brought volatility back to the dormant bond market with a sharp plunge.

After the attack on Europe’s energy infrastructure, Russian mobilization, sharp rises in consumer price indices and unprecedented interest rate hikes by the US and European central banks, the financial markets are in limbo.