February 2021

Large government rescue packages are straining the capacity of bond markets to finance them. Central banks have delivered a gigantic increase in the money supply which has caused a rise in inflation expectations. Nominal interest rates on longer-term bonds have risen more than inflation expectations, leading to higher real interest rates. Given that equity and bond markets are highly valued, investors must monitor developments closely. We expect central banks will soon become even more active in combatting the rise in long-term interest rates.