Even experienced investors are likely to find the current investment environment a challenge, particularly when one considers the array of uncertainties in the post-COVID economy which are so fundamentally different to those faced during the last two years. Opportunities, however, are still available to investors who can steer a safe course through choppy waters.
Uncertainty abounds
One look at the latest economic forecasts released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) gives a strong hint of the challenges that lie ahead. The international soothsayer described the current outlook as ‘gloomy and more uncertain’ as it reduced its global growth forecast to 3.2% this year and 2.9% in 2023, downgrades of 0.4 and 0.7 percentage points from April’s predictions.
Risks skewed downwards
The IMF noted several shocks that have hit a world economy already weakened by the pandemic. These include higher than expected inflation worldwide which is triggering tighter financial conditions; a worse-than-anticipated slowdown in China, and further fallout from the war in Ukraine. It also stressed that risks are ‘overwhelmingly tilted to the downside.’
But opportunities remain
This economic sea-change clearly presents a serious challenge to investors. However, while managing portfolios in a high-inflation environment may require some change in course, there are still opportunities out there.
Help at hand
And of course, we’re always here to help. So, if you want to take stock of your investments, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help steer you through any troubled waters.
