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Investment opportunities

December 2024

Opportunities can be found in 2025 despite greater volatility

2025 will be a year of profound changes for the global investment and geopolitical landscape, which portend heightened volatility as well as significant opportunities for investors adopting a nimble and risk-conscious approach to markets.

Structured Investments

Theme: Trump’s presidency should benefit some US banks

Trump’s second Presidency is expected to be broadly supportive of the US economy and corporate earnings, although inflation risks could cause the Fed to pause or even stop rate cuts after March 2025. The potential extension of Trump’s tax cuts enacted in 2017 and expiring end-2025, could lead to higher CAPEX and capital market activities by corporates, which will fuel demand for loans and fee income for banks. This in turn would boost the profitability of banks and support their share buybacks and dividends which benefits shareholders. The upward trajectory might continue given an uplift in sentiment and momentum. Some of the positives are likely priced in already, but still, some stocks like Citigroup and US Bancorp may still have positive upside potential.

  • Citigroup Inc has an international commercial banking franchise and a domestically focused retail banking unit. The commercial banking operation is Citi’s most unique business, as its global footprint is hard to replicate. This international presence will help Citigroup remain a bank of choice for cross-border companies. Citigroup would be a clear beneficiary from higher excess capital levels as this will bolster its ability for share buybacks below its tangible book value per share.
  • US Bancorp is the largest non-GSIB (global systemically important bank) in the US and has been one of the most profitable regional banks. The bank has national scale and a unique mix of fee-generating businesses, including payments, corporate trust, wealth management, and mortgage banking, all while avoiding investment banking. US Bancorp reported solid third-quarter results, with net interest income growth and net interest margin expansion from a quarter ago. Its latest strategy has been to focus on its payments ecosystem, expand its branch footprint, and pursue new acquisitions and partnerships.

Bonds

This bond is suitable for those looking for a bond issued by an international food service company.

Jollibee Worldwide Pte Ltd (USD)

This bond pays a coupon of 4.75% p.a. with a maturity date on 24 June 2030. There is a make-whole call at 50 basis points until 24 March 2030.

Jollibee Foods Corp is the largest food service and restaurant company in the Philippines, with over 6,400 owned and franchised stores globally. The group’s principal business comprises of the development, operation, and franchising of stores under the Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Mang Inasal, Burger King, Highlands Coffee, PHO24, Hard Rock Cafe, Dunkin’ Donuts, Smashburger (SB), Panda Express and CBTL (Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf) brands.

The Group is also engaged in the manufacturing of food products, logistics services and property leasing to support of its operations. The Group has a presence outside the Philippines in 35 countries and territories.

The Group has experienced healthy sales and revenue growth with higher EBITDA margin. The margins are positively affected by operational leverage and the increasing sales volume that have been able to offset inflationary pressure and the rising cost from opening new stores.

Funds

Multi-asset Funds

PIMCO Balanced Income & Growth Fund

The PIMCO Balanced Income & Growth Fund is a global multi-sector strategy that seeks to combine PIMCO’s total return investment process and philosophy with income maximization. The Portfolio construction is founded on the principle of diversification across a broad range of equity and global fixed income securities. The fund has a historical annualised dividend yield of 6.89% p.a. (extracted from Bloomberg as of 31 October 2024).

Note: Past performance figures do not reflect future performance. Dividend figures are from Bloomberg, as of 31 October 2024.

Bond Funds

PIMCO GIS Income Fund

The PIMCO GIS Income Fund is designed for investors who seek steady income with a secondary goal of capital appreciation. It takes a broad-based approach to investing in income-generating bonds. The fund aims to achieve this by employing PIMCO’s best income-generating ideas across global fixed income sectors. The fund has a historical annualised dividend yield of 6.51% p.a. (extracted from Bloomberg as of 31 October 2024).

Note: Past performance figures do not reflect future performance. Dividend figures are from Bloomberg, as of 31 October 2024.

Equity Funds

AB Low Volatility Equity Portfolio Fund

The AB Low Volatility Equity Portfolio fund is a global equity fund seeking capital growth through securities of companies that the fund manager believes have lower volatility. Its investment approach focuses on quality, stability and price, where the fund seeks high quality stocks of companies with stable performance and predictable earnings, trading at attractive prices. The fund also has distribution share classes for investors looking for dividend income.

Currencies

The US Dollar (USD) index reached fresh highs in 2024 as markets continued to price in a less dovish US Federal Reserve (Fed), a possible return to US exceptionalism and policy uncertainty associated with Trump’s presidency. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell has said that the US central bank does not need to be “in a hurry to lower rates” and that the current strength of the US economy allows it to approach decisions carefully. Markets have also cut back on expectations of the Fed’s rate-cut trajectory for 2025. Trump’s presidency will have implications on currency markets as shifts in fiscal, foreign and trade policies look set to take place under Trump’s presidency. Markets are also warming to the idea that Trump may hit the ground running in January 2025, unlike in 2016 when he was less prepared. Trump’s threat of tariffs is clearly one of the major worries, as it can undermine global trade, world economic growth, investment sentiment and it may even pose inflation risks. We are of the view that there may be a USD pullback in 1Q2025 even as the Fed rate cut cycle continues, but USD risks and trajectory are skewed to the upside over 2Q-4Q2025, as we take into consideration the potential risk of tariff implementation and the slower pace of Fed rate cuts. Our medium-term view is still for the USD to trend lower. The USD’s overvaluation, alongside rising debt and the twin budget and current account deficits, are some drivers that should eventually weigh on the USD.

Important Information

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

This document may be translated into the Chinese language. If there is any difference between the English and Chinese versions, the English version will apply.

  1. Any opinions or views of third parties expressed in this document are those of the third parties identified, and do not represent views of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (“OCBC Bank”, “us”, “we” or “our”).
  2. This information is intended for general circulation and / or discussion purposes only. It does not consider the specific investment objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person.
  3. Before you make an investment, please seek advice from your Relationship Manager regarding the suitability of any investment product taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs.
  4. If you choose not to do so, you should consider if the investment product is suitable for you, and conduct your own assessments and due diligence on the investment product.
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Global Equities Disclaimer

  1. Dividend growth is not guaranteed, nor are companies in which you invest obliged to pay dividends;
  2. Companies may go bankrupt rendering the original investment valueless;
  3. Equity markets may decline in value;
  4. Corporate earnings and financial markets may be volatile;
  5. If there is no recognised market for equities, then these may be difficult to sell and accurate information about their value may be hard to obtain;
  6. Smaller company investments may be difficult to sell if there is little liquidity in the market for such equities and there may be substantial differences between the buying price and the selling price;
  7. Equities on overseas markets may involve different risks to equities issued in Singapore;
  8. With regards to investments in overseas companies, foreign exchange rates may move in an unfavourable direction affecting adversely the valuation of investments in base currency terms.

Foreign Currency

  1. Foreign currency investments or deposits are subject to inherent exchange rate fluctuation that may provide opportunities and risks. Consequently, exchange rate fluctuations may affect the value of your foreign currency investments or deposits.
  2. Earning on foreign currency investments or deposits may change depending on the exchange rates prevalent at the time of their maturity if you choose to convert.
  3. Exchange controls may apply to certain foreign currencies from time to time.
  4. Any pre-termination costs will be taken and deducted from your deposit directly and without notice.

Dual Currency Returns

  1. By buying Dual Currency Returns, you are giving us the right to repay you at a future date in a different currency from the currency in which you made your original investment, even if you would prefer not to be paid in this currency at that time. Dual Currency Returns are affected by foreign exchange rates, which may affect how much you get back from your investment. You may receive less than you originally invested.
  2. Foreign exchange control restrictions may apply to the foreign currencies linked to your Dual Currency Returns. As a result, we may repay your investment and interest in a different currency. You may receive less than you originally invested when the amount of this different currency is converted back to the base currency (the currency you originally invested). You may be able to get information on foreign exchange control restrictions, if any, for each foreign currency offered in relation to Dual Currency Returns, from the relevant monetary, regulatory or other governmental authorities for that currency.
  3. We will not end Dual Currency Returns before the maturity date (the date they are due to end). You may, however, withdraw the amount you originally invested before the maturity date. If you do this, please remember that you will have to pay any charges that apply which are calculated based on the amount of the time remaining before maturity date, as well as current market conditions relating to strike prices, foreign exchange rates and changes in the underlying foreign exchange pair. These charges may mean that you get back much less than you originally invested. Please feel free to approach your relationship manager for details of the procedures and charges that apply if you withdraw your Dual Currency Returns investment before the maturity date.
  4. Dual Currency Returns are not insured deposits for the purposes of the Deposit Insurance and Policy Owners’ Protection Schemes Act 2011.

Collective Investment Schemes

  1. A copy of the prospectus of each fund is available and may be obtained from the fund manager or any of its approved distributors. Potential investors should read the prospectus for details on the relevant fund before deciding whether to subscribe for, or purchase units in the fund.
  2. The value of the units in the funds and the income accruing to the units, if any, may fall or rise. Please refer to the prospectus of the relevant fund for the name of the fund manager and the investment objectives of the fund.
  3. Investment involves risks. Past performance figures do not reflect future performance.
  4. Any reference to a company, financial product or asset class is used for illustrative purposes and does not represent our recommendation in any way.
  5. For funds that are listed on an approved exchange, investors cannot redeem their units of those funds with the manager, or may only redeem units with the manager under certain specified conditions. The listing of the units of those funds on any approved exchange does not guarantee a liquid market for the units.
  6. Any indicative distribution rate may not be achieved and is not an indication, forecast, or projection of the future performance of the Fund.

Cross-Border Marketing Disclaimers

OCBC Bank's cross border marketing disclaimers relevant for your country of residence.

Any opinions or views of third parties expressed in this document are those of the third parties identified, and do not represent views of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited (“OCBC Bank”, “us”, “we” or “our”).