Weekly Market Recap
Asia Pacific
29/07/2019
Week in review

Week ahead
- 30/07 – JP – BOJ policy meeting
- 01/08 – Global – Manufacturing PMI
- 01/08 – U.S. – FOMC meeting
- 02/08 – U.S. – Light Vehicle sales, Nonfarm Payrolls
Thought of the week
The S&P500 and Nasdaq broke record highs again last Wednesday. Earnings season has been mixed, but perceived progress on trade talks, relatively positive economic data and expectation of a July cut to the U.S. federal fund rate are buoying the U.S. equity market. So far, the latest round of earnings has shown slowing revenue growth and margin contraction, but a strong trend of share buybacks has been supportive for EPS growth. Looking forward to 2020, current consensus earnings growth estimates of 11% looks to be increasingly challenging with softening growth and higher cost pressures stemming from a still tight labor market. As such, downward revisions might be on the horizon. Amid a low but positive earnings growth environment, structural opportunities still remain in cyclical sectors, though high valuations should be taken into consideration. Income will continue to play a critical role in buffering against volatility and as slower earnings growth limits upside.
Chart of the week
S&P 500 2Q EPS consensus estimates
Index, Mar. 2019 = 100
Source: FactSet, Standard & Poor’s, J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
Data most recently available as of 26/07/2019.
All returns in local currency unless stated otherwise.
Currencies’ return are based on foreign currencies per U.S. dollar. An appreciation of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar would be positive and a depreciation of the foreign currency against the U.S. dollar would be negative.