Investment Outlook: Soft landing will support s...

Press release Stockholm, November 26, 2019

Investment Outlook: Soft landing will support share prices

Growth is decelerating and corporate earnings forecasts are being lowered, but stock markets are climbing to new record highs. This combination is not entirely easy to understand, and it suggests that caution is advisable. Yet this autumn’s share price gains are supported by a number of positive forces. The international situation is stabilising, with progress in US-Chinese trade talks, bright spots in the Brexit gloom and – especially – central banks that are rushing to rescue economic growth by means of key interest rate cuts and bond purchases.

“Share prices may very well keep rising, but the risk picture should make prudent investors cautious. At present, we are operating on the basis of this principle, with equities making up a proportion of our portfolios that is somewhat below neutral,” says Johan Hagbarth, Investment Strategist, Private Banking.

This December issue of Investment Outlook also includes two theme articles that reflect a changing world. We examine artificial intelligence (AI) – part of today’s rapid digitisation trend – and take a close look at the forest product industry, focusing on its sustainable qualities.

Investment Outlook can be read in its entirety or as a 2-page summary at seb.se/investmentoutlook

For further information, please contact Johan Hagbarth, Investment Strategist [phone] [e-mail]	Press contact Laurence Westerlund, Press Officer [phone] [e-mail]
SEB is a leading Nordic financial services group with a strong belief that entrepreneurial minds and innovative companies are key in creating a better world. SEB takes a long term perspective and supports its customers in good times and bad. In Sweden and the Baltic countries, SEB offers financial advice and a wide range of financial services. In Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany and the United Kingdom, the bank's operations have a strong focus on corporate and investment banking based on a full-service offering to corporate and institutional clients. The international nature of SEB's business is reflected in its presence in some 20 countries worldwide. On September 30, 2019, the Group's total assets amounted to SEK 3,046 billion while its assets under management totalled SEK 1,943 billion. The Group has around 15,000 employees. Read more about SEB at https://www.sebgroup.com

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• Eng Investment Outlook 26 Nov 2019