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The Q3 2022 Global X International Report can be viewed here. The report summarizes market and macroeconomic developments across our International Access suite of ETFs. For a closer look at China Sectors, please see the latest China Sector Outlook: Q4 2022.
Q3 Summary
Markets around the world continued to be disappointing in Q3, with “risk-off” sentiment dampening desire to invest in global equities. In America, the Federal Reserve ((Fed)) struggled with inflation advancing at a faster pace than anticipated, prompting even faster rate hikes. Geopolitical risks remained at top of mind as Ukraine launched a successful counteroffensive against Russia and US Speaker of House Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan soured US-China relations. In Europe, the ongoing energy crisis was compounded by decreased gas flows from the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, however there are reasons to believe the worst of the European energy crisis may be behind us.
| Returns for periods greater than one year are annualized. For performance current to the most recent month- and quarter-end, please click the fund name below. Performance for NORW prior to 11/1/21 reflects the historical performance of the predecessor fund. |
Over the course of Q3, MSCI ACWI returned -6.82% against -11.57% for the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, meaning that emerging markets performed worse than the world as a whole. In comparison, the US-based S&P 500 returned -4.89%, implying stronger performance for the US than international equities. Among Global X’s single-country and regional ETFs, 3 outperformed the ACWI while 8 underperformed it.
The challenging global environment leaves investors looking for the light at the end of the tunnel.
Notable Performers
Argentina broke away from the rest of the pack with the Global X MSCI Argentina ETF (ARGT) delivering strongly positive returns of 17.06%, though this was in part a recovery from weak performance in Q2 2022. Volatility in Q2 arose from deteriorating confidence in Argentina’s ability to get a handle on its economic crisis. Q3 began with uncertainty, as the resignation of Economy Minister Martin Guzman in July was followed only three weeks later by the resignation of his successor, Silvina Batakis. This changed to some extent in August when the current Minister of Economy Sergio Massa took office with the blessing of Vice President Kirchner and won early victories in the form of a $700mn loan from the Inter-American Development Bank and $2bn debt deal with the Paris Club. This short-term stability allowed Argentine equities to breathe a sigh of relief in Q3, even as inflation is expected to approach 100% by the end of the year despite abnormally high interest rates.
Meanwhile, the Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF (ASEA) managed to eke out positive returns despite a very adverse global environment, returning 0.73% over the period. Like other markets, ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations) is coping with the impacts of inflation and reverberations from Russia’s war in Ukraine. However, some markets in ASEAN stood out for stability amidst the troubles of Q3. Furthermore, ASEA has heavy exposure to major Southeast Asian banks, with a 57% allocation to Financials. As central banks around the world tighten interest rates, Financials possibly stand to benefit. In Q3, the Financials holdings in ASEA returned 4.61%.1
Laggards
The Global X MSCI Colombia ETF (GXG) continued its downward trend after June’s contentious Presidential election, posting losses of -20.28% in Q3. Since the election in June, investors are still trying to assess the implications of Gustavo Petro’s historic presidency. As political uncertainty continued to have an adverse impact on investor appetite towards Colombian equities, a slump in commodity prices acted as a headwind to Colombia’s economy. On the bright side, Ecopetrol (EC) saw its net profit double Year-over-Year from 990.7mn USD in Q3 2021 to 2.18bn USD in Q3 2022 on the back of rising oil prices and production.2 However, shares of Ecopetrol remain historically low as investors seem to wait for signals from Gustavo Petro on how far he will reform the country’s dependence on oil revenues.
Over in Europe, the energy crisis and a slowdown in economic growth contributed to negative returns of -15.44% for the Global X MSCI Portugal ETF (PGAL). Portugal dodged a recession in Q3 with 0.4% GDP growth, which was higher than expectations, but markets are preparing for a likely contraction in Q4.3 PGAL’s high allocation to Utilities (53.22% average weight in Q3) means the fund had a defensive tilt.4 Both of the two largest holdings, Energias De Portugal (OTCPK:EDPFY) and EDP Renovaveis (OTCPK:EDRVF), beat expectations with their Q3 earnings. However, a strong dollar and weak Euro worked against PGAL, contributing -6% to total returns for the fund in Q3.5
Outlook for Q4 and Beyond
October’s reading for inflation in the US came in cooler than expected at 7.7% and sparked a rush of optimism. This was the case for US equities with the NASDAQ Composite up 6.02% and the S&P 500 up 4.80%, and international equities as well with the MSCI ACWI up 5.61% in the two-week period between Nov 4 and Nov 18. October’s inflation data was released on Nov 10. Some currencies that weakened because of hawkish Fed policy gained ground against the dollar. The Japanese Yen (JPY) notably climbed up to 138 JPY after previously breaking 150 JPY.
Despite the positive market reaction, we expect a gradual recession in the US and Europe in the first half of 2023. Asian markets will likely generally see growth in 2023, but in our view some markets are better positioned than others. Among the Asian markets, India and Southeast Asia will likely help drive global growth in 2023. Bloomberg economics expects India’s GDP to grow 4.0% in Q1 2023 and 4.3% in Q2 2023.6 Meanwhile, the Nikkei Consensus Survey anticipates 4.9% growth for Indonesia, 4.0% growth for Malaysia, 5.4% growth for the Philippines, 3.7% growth for Thailand and 2.2% growth for Singapore in 2023.7
Going into Q4 and 2023, we are optimistic about Southeast Asia. In addition to a strong macro picture, the rising rate environment will likely continue to be a tailwind for the Financials sector as it was in Q3. If it turns out to be a strong period for Southeast Asian Financials, we believe the Global X FTSE Southeast Asia ETF (ASEA) is well-positioned to capture those gains with its high allocation to Financials.
However, there is an important caveat to be made about Vietnam’s equity market, which may struggle compared to its Southeast Asian peers, for reasons that we explain below. Conveniently, ASEA does not have direct exposure to Vietnamese equities. We therefore do not expect headwinds for Vietnam to dampen our outlook for ASEA.
Vietnamese equities performed fantastically in 2021 with the Vietnam Ho Chi Minh Stock Index (VN-Index) returning 37.36%. This has not been the case in 2022, with the VNndex down -34.50% YTD, as of Nov 17, 2022. Arguably the largest source of downward pressure on Vietnamese equities right now is the country’s property sector woes, as developers grapple with liquidity issues, a cash crunch, and government scrutiny into their bond issuances. VNAM has a particularly high allocation to Real Estate of 30.22%, as of Nov 31, 2022, which likely had an adverse effect on the fund’s performance this year.
Fortunately, we believe the macro picture remains solid for Vietnam, and we are still optimistic about its long-term trajectory. 2022’s tumble may turn into an opportunity for long-term investors. However, we believe it may take until at least first half of 2023 for Vietnam to stabilize its property sector issues. Until then, we believe investors should be ready for more downside risk before a potential rebound.
In Latin America, we continue to see potential in Colombian equities making an eventual recovery after the post-election rout. That recovery did not materialize in Q3 and it likely will not occur in Q4 either as “risk-off” sentiment remains elevated. Whether Colombian equities can stage a recovery to some extent depends on when there is less uncertainty on the Petro administration’s plans. An interesting development is the Petro administration’s review of its decision to block new oil and gas exploration. As of Dec 6, 2022, the review’s outcome remains uncertain.8 If the block is lifted, it could be a signal to anxious investors that the Petro administration is moderating its position as the realistic constraints of governance set in.
Despite stronger earnings over the past year, valuations for the MSCI Colombia Index have gone down. Part of the reason for the divergence could be negative investor sentiment from political uncertainty.
FOOTNOTES1. Bloomberg, L.P. (n.d.). [PORT function] [Data set]. Data retrieved on November 18, 2022 from Global X Bloomberg terminal. 2. Hilaire, V., & Griffin, O. (2022, November 8). Colombia’s Ecopetrol Q3 net profit doubles as oil demand, prices rise. Yahoo! Finance. Colombia’s Ecopetrol Q3 net profit doubles as oil demand, prices rise 3. Agence France Presse. (2022, October 31). Portugal’s GDP rises 0.4% in third quarter. Barron’s. Portugal’s GDP Rises 0.4% In Third Quarter 4. Bloomberg, L.P. (n.d.). [PORT function] [Data set]. Data retrieved on November 14, 2022 from Global X Bloomberg terminal. 5. Bloomberg, L.P. (n.d.). [COMP function] [Data set]. Data retrieved on November 14, 2022 from Global X Bloomberg terminal. 6. Bloomberg, L.P. (n.d.). [BECO function] [Data set]. Data retrieved on November 18, 2022 from Global X Bloomberg terminal. 7. Imahashi, R. (2022, October 3). ASEAN economies seen hit by U.S. rate hikes in 2023: JCER/Nikkei. Nikkei Asia. ASEAN economies seen hit by U.S. rate hikes in 2023: JCER/Nikkei 8. Griffin, O. (2022, November 17). Colombia decision on new oil and gas exploration not yet taken – government. Reuters. Colombia decision on new oil and gas exploration not yet taken -government GLOSSARYNASDAQ Composite: The NASDAQ Composite is a market-cap weighted index that measures all domestic and international based common type stocks listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market. S&P 500: The S&P 500 is a market-cap weighted stock index that includes 500 leading US equities. |
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This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding the funds or any stock in particular. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. International investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles, or from economic or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume. Securities focusing on a single country and narrowly focused investments may be subject to higher volatility. The Global X International Access Suite Funds are non-diversified. Shares of ETFs are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Beginning October 15, 2020, market price returns are based on the official closing price of an ETF share or, if the official closing price isn’t available, the midpoint between the national best bid and national best offer (“NBBO”) as of the time the ETF calculates current NAV per share. Prior to October 15, 2020, market price returns were based on the midpoint between the Bid and Ask price. NAVs are calculated using prices as of 4:00 PM Eastern Time. The returns shown do not represent the returns you would receive if you traded shares at other times. Indices are unmanaged and do not include the effect of fees, expenses or sales charges. One cannot invest directly in an index. Carefully consider the funds’ investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the funds’ full or summary prospectuses, which may be obtained at globalxetfs.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Global X Management Company LLC serves as an advisor to Global X Funds. The Funds are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SIDCO), which is not affiliated with Global X Management Company LLC. Global X Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by MSCI nor does MSCI make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in the Global X Funds. Neither SIDCO nor Global X is affiliated with MSCI. M1NO5IM consists of the FTSE Norway 30 Index from the inception of the Fund through 7/14/14, and the MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index going forward. M1CXGXB reflects performance of the FTSE Colombia 20 Index through 7/14/14, the MSCI All Colombia Capped Index through 8/30/16 and the MSCI All Colombia Select 25/50 Index thereafter. M1CXGXER consists of the FTSE Portugal 20 Index from the inception of the Fund through 12/5/16, and the MSCI All Portugal Plus 25/50 Index going forward. M1CXGXA consists of the FTSE/ATHEX Custom Capped Index from inception through 2/29/16 and the MSCI All Greece Select 25/50 Index thereafter. NU722163 reflects the performance of the Solactive Next Emerging & Frontier Index through 1/15/19, and the MSCI Select Emerging and Frontier Markets Access Index thereafter. M1ANI5R consists of the Solactive Nigeria Index from the inception of the Fund through 8/14/14, and the MSCI All Nigeria Select 25/50 Index going forward. |
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