Authored by: Wade O'Brien

2023 Outlook: Real Assets

We expect energy equities will be resilient due to underinvestment in recent years. So, we don’t think investors should underweight this economic sector in the near term despite some long-term headwinds from decarbonization efforts. In real estate, we think offices may finally offer some attractive opportunities for the discerning investor.

Small-Cap Stocks Present Large Opportunity

US small-cap stocks have underperformed large-cap peers in recent years, opening a significant valuation discount that seems hard to justify based on relative earnings strength or balance sheet health. The sector exposure of small-cap stocks may make them better positioned for the current environment of rising interest rates and high commodity prices. While small caps should always be a part of investors’ tool kits, now is an especially opportune time to add exposure, given historically low valuations.

Credit Investors Should Proceed Cautiously

Credit assets have sold off in recent weeks in unison with other risk assets, as market concern has shifted from one extreme of growth and inflation running too hot to another of stagflation, or even outright recession. Despite the improvement in credit pricing, we believe investors should be patient when adding to high-beta credit portfolios.

Higher Rates Are a Headwind, but US Housing Rests on Solid Foundations

The US housing market has been on a tear in recent years, supported by low interest rates, favorable supply/demand dynamics, and a recent boost from the pandemic-related demand for more space. This publication provides an update on some of the macro forces supporting housing and describes different asset classes that offer exposure to US housing.