RAM experts: “Investors’ optimism surged to new highs in February”

Rietumu Group specialists have prepared a review of the profitability of investment funds of Rietumu Asset Management in February. The review includes an analysis of key economic indicators, the monetary policy. It provides comprehensive information on the situation on stock markets, bond, currency and commodity markets. The review is accompanied with extensive comments from the experts.

In February market conditions were completely opposite to the same month last year. Investors seriously reconsidered probabilities of FOMC rates move in March – the probability of hike jumped from 30 per cent to more than 80 per cent in just a week. “In case U.S. labour market would not negatively surprise, investors can expect the first rate hike under the president Trump already in March”, note Rietumu Group specialists.

RAM experts draw attention to the fact that Europe’s economy was doing better than expected. Europe enjoyed growing economic activity, high business confidence and high consumers’ optimism.

In February oil prices entrenched in tight range and gold prices were relatively stable. “We pay attention to the announced plans of Chinese government to drastically decrease air pollution, which potentially could be favourable for some metals in the second half of the year”, say the RAM experts.

Majority of the S&P 500 companies reported quarterly financial results by February. According to the results, earnings grew second quarter in a row. Interestingly that the stock index grew faster than was revenue and earnings growth pace.

“Overall, investors’ optimism surged to new highs in February. Nevertheless, market’s moves are often exaggerated, and there are numerous examples of that”, finalized the experts.

The overview of RAM and relevant commentaries of experts can be found here.

Rietumu Asset Management (RAM) is part of Rietumu Bank, the leading private bank in Latvia. The company provides professional asset management services. RAM’s products and services are intended for a wide range of investors and are designed to meet the specific demands and needs of each customer. In the current market conditions, RAM’s specialists offer their customers the ability to reach an effective yield to risk ratio.

DISCLAIMER: This overview (including any attachment (-s)) does not constitute a request, offer, recommendation or invitation of any kind to buy, sell or redeem any financial instruments or to conclude and/or to perform other transactions of any kind. The authors of the information presented in this overview, as well as JSC “Rietumu Asset Management" IMF, registered in the Commercial Register of Republic of Latvia on January 29, 2014, registration number 40103753360, legal address: 7 Vesetas Street, Riga, LV-1013, Latvia, hereinafter referred to as “RAM” , both together and individually, are not liable for possible use of the information presented in this overview, including any direct or indirect damages (including lost profits), as well as any penalties. Evaluations, opinions and forecasts presented in this overview are based solely on the RAM’s specialists' conclusions regarding financial instruments and issuers considered in this overview. While the information contained in this overview is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, the RAM does not guarantee its accuracy and completeness. Any of your investment decision should be fully based on your assessment of your personal financial circumstances and investment objectives. The RAM draws your attention to the fact that transactions in the securities and financial instruments market involve risk and require appropriate knowledge and experience.

Eleonora Gailisha
Mass Media and Public Relations
Phone: +371-67020506
Fax: +371-67020563
E-mail: egailisha@rietumu.lv