Market Strategy:The Deleveraging Process and the Investor

The politicians in Washington are now facing up to years of deficits and expiring tax breaks,and there will be real consequences for investors.They need to take care of spending first,according to Stephen Wood,PhD,Chief Market Strategist at Russell Investments.Even if everything goes right,you're looking at -1% GDP.If everything goes wrong,there will be -4 GDP.
If no agreement is reached on the budget,sequestration will come into force.Sequestration means government spending being take out of the economy.This is what deleveraging looks like.How much government are we willing to pay for?That's going to be less than in previous years.
Investors are going to need to look for a globally diversified,mixed strategy.Look at commodities and emerging markets.
We need to manage expectations of investors.People are being forced up the risk spectrum.They're gonna need more risk to get the returns they're accustomed to.
We've gone from apportioning revenue to apportioning debt.The process isn't that fun to witness,but the end result will be good for our country.
Dr.Wood conducts research on the economy,capital markets,portfolio strategies and investor behaviour.He interfaces with Russell's institutional clients and retail partners to communicate the firm's perspectives on the global market,investment process and portfolio management.He is a frequent guest on business television.