Market Review: 7 - 11 December 2020| HLAL | MMID | RHB IBF | GOLD |
| -0.70% | -5.00% | -0.90% | -0.80% |
Table 1: Week-on-week returns (7 - 11 Dec 2020)
Funds used by Wahed Invest declined last week. The US market closed lower as talks between Republicans and Democrats over another round of fiscal stimulus dragged on. A postponed stimulus package poses a risk for stocks, as further economic restrictions from rising COVID-19 cases constrict growth.
Meanwhile, the KLCI closed at 1685, highest since July 2019. The rally was led by bank stocks due to expectations on a recovering economy and the anticipation that the overnight policy rate (OPR) could remain unchanged next year which will help improve banks’ net interest margin.
Market Outlook: 14 - 18 December 2020Recent COVID-19 trends continue to worsen in the US and restrictions in activity are reimposed. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 has hit 30 new all-time highs in 2020. Investor sentiment continues to swing from fear of losses to fear of missing out, but the long term prospect strengthens due to (1) the expected rollout of vaccines, (2) higher corporate profits projected in 2021 (source: FactSet), (3) the Federal Reserve remaining accommodative, and (4) the extension of the fiscal aid by the government.
Locally, the KLCI could test 1700 level after a strong inflow in recent sessions. The strengthening of MYR could lure foreign investors to increase their exposure in Malaysia stocks too. The continued window dressing activities should support the market until the year-end.
Pressing Points: Growth And Stimulus To Sustain Bull MarketYear-to-date, all funds are still up in terms of total return, with HLAL +19.9%, MMID +26.5%, RHB IBF +3.7% and GOLD +17.0%.
| HLAL | MMID | RHB IBF | GOLD |
| 19.90% | 26.50% | 3.70% | 17.00% |
Table 2: Year-to-date returns (1 Jan 2020 - 11 Dec 2020)
Next year will bring a new backdrop against which markets will progress. The economy should grow gradually amid transition from reopening to a new normal. Policy stimulus remains a tailwind as fiscal aid adds another bullet to support a sustained economic recovery. In addition, interest rates will stay low for longer allowing equity markets to gain further as investors seek returns from riskier securities.
Even as the outlook for the economy is positive over the next year, the road may be bumpy because the investment landscape is never clear of risks. Long-term investors are able to navigate potential near-term swings by following a disciplined investment process and maintain appropriate portfolio allocation and diversification across asset classes and geographies.