Yesterday morning T. Rowe Price PMs shared their global market outlook for 2018 at 237 Park Avenue Atrium in New York City. There were approximately 75 reporters in attendance.

Edward Giltenan, head of global public relations, shared welcoming remarks followed by five panelists. All speakers are based out of Baltimore except for the London-based CIO, who is also the head of small-cap equity.

Alan Levenson, chief U.S. economist, assessed the global economy; Ann Holcomb, portfolio manager, assessed U.S. equities; Justin Thomson, CIO and the head of small-cap equity, assessed international equities; Mark Vaselkiv, CIO and the head of fixed income, assessed global fixed income; and Ken Allen, portfolio manager, assessed technology innovation and disruption.

Three topics discussed during the Q&A session were: blockchain, NAFTA negotiations, and Latin America, specifically Venezuela.

When asked about blockchain, Allen responded that blockchain is "more like an emerging trend for 2020 plus and a relatively niche market." Allen does anticipate blockchain to be disruptive within the next decade or so.

When asked about if T. Rowe Price expects a breakthrough with current NAFTA conversations, Thomson warns, "anything that restricts or prevents trade is harmful." Thomson confirmed that T. Rowe Price remains underweight Mexico due to cheap currency and upcoming Mexican general elections in July 2018. Levenson adds to "expect disruption in the auto manufacturing supply chain when there is pull back in Mexico."

When asked about Venezuela, Vaselkiv responded "I think Venezuela is a unique case. Do not use Venezuela to discount a favorable macroeconomic event in Latin America." Then he drew comparisons between Venezuela and Argentina.

Overall, investment professionals at T. Rowe Price are optimistic about the ongoing bull market. 

Stay ahead of the news ... Sign up for our email alerts now
CLICK HERE