Investor sentiment

2022 Fund Selector Outlook

February 07, 2022 - 16 min read

Executive Director, Natixis Center for Investor Insight – Natixis Investment Managers – US Distribution

Rapid spread of the Omicron variant and subsequent frontline labor shortages, system-wide flight cancellations, and other delays demonstrate that as the pandemic enters a third year, Covid-19 still poses a significant threat to the global economy, but with inflation at a 40-year high and interest rates ready to rise, investors have more to worry about in the year ahead.

Results from a recent survey of 436 fund selectors at leading wealth management, private bank, and insurance platforms around the world rank supply chain disruptions (51%) and less supportive central bank policy (45%) well ahead of Covid variants (40%) as top economic threats in 2022.

To go along with the economic threats, selectors see interest rates (70%), inflation (68%), and valuations (48%) as top portfolio risks. And after 18 months of relative calm, many see potential corrections for cryptocurrencies (62%), bonds (49%), stocks (46%), and tech (43%).

But these professionals, whose firms manage more than $12 trillion in client assets, are split on the best investment strategy for approaching this changing landscape: Half say aggressive portfolios will outperform, half say defensive portfolios.

One of their biggest challenges may be managing client return expectations. After seeing the S&P deliver 26.89% last year,¹ fund selectors have increased their return assumptions from 7.1% to 7.8% in 2022. That may not be enough for investors, who in a separate survey set expectations at 14.5% above inflation,² leaving an 86% expectations gap.

This is one key reason why selectors see their firms expanding model portfolio offerings, as 82% believe models allow them to provide clients with a more consistent investment experience. They’ll also address perpetually low yields with broader access to private assets. And with ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) regulation coming into focus, many will expand their sustainable investment offerings with single strategies and model portfolios.

When it comes down to it, how they respond to three key themes will determine their success in 2022:

Interest rate hikes, supply chain disruptions, and variants add up to uncertain macro landscape and selectors say the global economy is not likely to fully recover from Covid in 2022.
Inflation, valuations, and volatility add to a growing list of portfolio risks facing selectors as they look to manage investments and client emotions.
Model portfolios, private assets, and ESG strategies present key points of differentiation in efforts to manage client assets and bring new clients into the fold.

2022 Fund Selector Outlook Executive Overview

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1 2022 economic outlook

Supply chain disruptions, central bank policy and Covid variants pose threats to growth

Despite global growth of 5.9% in 2021 and IMF projections of 4.9% for 2022,³ the pandemic continues to cast a long shadow as fund selectors see mounting risks in the macro headlines.

Supply chain disruptions (51%) pose the top threat as shortages in everything from shipping containers to microprocessors to pet food linger. Few see quick solutions and two-thirds believe disruptions will continue into 2023.

A successful recovery on its own may also pose a challenge as growth triggers central plans to curtail asset purchase programs. Globally, 45% of selectors rank less supportive central bank policy among their top economic concerns.

While these are repercussions of the pandemic, four in ten say variants like Omicron also pose a threat. Overall, six in ten (59%) believe the global economy cannot escape the consequences of Covid in 2022 and 44% worry that variants will impede economic recovery in their country.

Top 5 economic threats for 2022

Fund selectors are betting on the reopening trade

Despite the concerns, fund selectors do not see the lockdown economy winning out. Instead, 71% believe the reopening trade will outperform as consumers return to in-person experiences like movies, restaurants, and travel. Similarly, many predict that revenge spending will factor into growth as individuals treat themselves with long-delayed purchases of cars and other big-ticket items.

Energy tops sector calls

Commitment to the reopening trade comes across loud and clear in sector calls for 2022. Energy (54%) tops the list of potential outperformers. Prices have certainly climbed along with inflation, but a long-term view suggests energy will benefit as the economy picks up and demand increases.

Interest rate hikes may factor into thinking on financials with 51% projecting outperformance. A call that suggests they see a sector poised to capitalize on the spread between the rates they pay for cash and those charged borrowers.

Almost half (47%) project outperformance in healthcare as well. Current sentiment likely considers long-term profits presented by rapid development of the Covid pill, the success of mRNA vaccines, and the opportunity to pursue pre-pandemic business objectives.

The outlook on tech is also positive and 43% anticipate outperformance. As policy looks to the sector’s dominance, one-third (35%) may project breakup for big tech but most (65%) think growth for the sector will be unabated in 2022.

Sector calls reflect reopening trend

Some data does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Markets are due for a correction

Even with a decidedly positive outlook, fund selectors see the potential for a correction in store. The key question: Which correction is most likely?

They look at the potential for rising rates and half (49%) project a correction in bonds.
They see annualized returns of 29.57% for the S&P since March of 2020⁴ and 46% sense a potential correction for stocks.
After seeing tech near the top of the market for the better part of a decade, 43% worry the trend has run its course and the sector will experience a correction.

Which markets may be ripe for a correction?

Spotlight: Crypto most ripe for correction

The clearest correction concern among selectors is not within traditional asset classes as six in ten (62%) predict a correction for high-flying cryptocurrencies. Even with risks, clients may be paying more attention to return potential and 36% say clients are demanding a crypto offering.

Three in ten selectors think investors should have some crypto exposure in their portfolios but a number of hurdles will need to be cleared in order to fulfill demand. Eight in ten (82%) say crypto will need to be more transparent before their firm can offer investments. The same number think crypto will need better regulation. 65% think firms will need more education before they can start to invest in crypto.

2 Portfolio strategy for 2022

Rates, inflation, and valuations top risk concerns

Despite changes in economic factors that shape market assumptions, fund selectors anticipate no dramatic shifts in allocation strategy. Instead, they will rely on tactical calls within individual asset classes to balance the risk/return potential of portfolios.

Portfolio allocations show few shifts for 2022

Given that many anticipate interest rate hikes in 2022, it’s no surprise that interest rates (70%) would top their list of portfolio risks. Not only will rate increases present challenges for bond investors, but low rates have been a key driver of record equity market growth over the past decade. As a result, rate risk factors into plans for both asset classes.

Top 5 portfolio risks for 2022

Inflation (68%) ranks almost as high on the list of risks. Economists at first had generally seen inflation as transitory, the result of supply chain disruptions and improving employment numbers. Many now think the US is in for a more prolonged bout of inflation, with labor continuing to tighten as the unemployment rate drops to 3.5%. Wage growth has begun to accelerate, highlighted by the huge gains seen from job switchers. And still lingering supply-related issues are keeping prices elevated for key segments of the marketplace.

Making moves in 2022

While making little in the way of broad changes to allocation strategy, fund selectors are making tactical moves to position themselves for the year ahead.

Some data does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Equity valuations do not reflect fundamentals

Interest rates loom large into views on stocks, as 84% of fund selectors believe that low rates have distorted valuations. In fact, two-thirds of selectors are concerned that current valuations do not reflect the fundamentals.

Valuations weigh so greatly on their market views that one in five fund selectors globally say valuations no longer matter. Ultimately, two-thirds see record market performance over the past two years and say current equity market growth is unsustainable.

Central banks are key to continued bull market

Beyond rates, central bank policy on quantitative easing has also helped propel equity market gains. Fund selectors recognize this tailwind may be winding down, and 60% are concerned that the bull market will come to an end when bankers stop printing money.

To mitigate the risks, selectors are actively diversifying away from US equities. Overall, four in ten say they will hold fast on US exposures, but three in ten (31%) will trim their positions. Similar numbers look to hold on to allocations in other equity classes, but a significant number plan to increase allocations to European (40%), Asian Pacific (39%), and emerging market (39%) equities.

Spotlight: Inflation tops emerging market challenges

Even as many plan to increase allocations to emerging markets, selectors see potential challenges. Inflation is their biggest concern (65%), suggesting they are worried that rising prices in less developed regions could lead to civil unrest, much as energy prices did in Kazakhstan in early January.

China presents another question for emerging markets. Nearly four in ten (39%) believe US/China relations are a key risk, and one-quarter (24%) point to China growth. Overall, seven in ten selectors worry that emerging market investment is overly dependent on China and 77% say the regulatory uncertainties make investments in the country less attractive.

Some data does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Sector shifts focus from interest rates to credit

As policy makers implement anticipated rate hikes, fixed income strategy will gain greater scrutiny and 87% say it will be important to counter duration risk. Even so, selectors know clients need to generate income and 70% report their firms are recommending alternative investments as yield replacements.

When adjusting their fixed income strategy, selectors are most likely to decrease allocations to rate-sensitive government and sovereign bonds (39%). But with rates so low for so long, this appears to be a continuation of a long-term trend, and almost half (46%) say they will maintain what they already hold.

Selectors are willing to trade rate risk for credit risk and will increase or maintain allocations to investment grade (28%/50%) and high yield corporates (32%/44%) and emerging market debt holdings (26%/48%).

Some data does not add to 100% due to rounding.

Alternative investments present enhanced yield potential

The search for yield also has selectors turning to alternative investments, as seen by the number who plan to maintain or increase allocations to infrastructure (45%/47%), private debt (35%/55%), and real estate (30%/57%).

Private equity also factors in plans for alternatives, and nine out of ten who own the asset class will pursue the potential for enhanced returns with lower correlations to traditional equities by maintaining (47%) or increasing (45%) these investments.

Many are looking to alternative allocations to help navigate a more uncertain market scenario with absolute return strategies. Among those who already invest, 53% will maintain their allocations and another 39% will increase their holdings in 2022.

3 Investment solutions

Model portfolios, private equity and ESG strategies lead product agend

Setting portfolio strategy is just one part of the job for fund selectors. As those responsible for evaluating strategies for firm platforms, they must also make strategic decisions on implementation.

In 2022, selectors will focus on model portfolios, private assets and ESG investments as they look to balance a changing investment landscape with the evolving needs and interests of clients.

Model portfolios for a more consistent investor experience

Model portfolios have emerged as a key option for firms looking to manage client expectations and risk exposures. In fact, 80% of respondents globally report their firm has some form of model portfolio offering.

Models will be a key focus for 2022 as selectors look to help end investors navigate more volatile markets. Overall, 82% say model portfolios provide a more consistent investment experience and seven in ten (69%) say models provide an extra level of due diligence.

Even more, 85% say models provide a streamlined investment approach. This can allow advisors to spend more time focused on helping clients address long-term goals. As evidence, 85% of selectors say models are a more efficient way of implementing UMAs.

Half of those who offer models say their firms will look to move clients into these portfolios in the next 12 months. This strategy is most favored in the US, where 67% of respondents say this is their firm’s goal, and more specifically in wirehouses, where three-quarters of selectors agree.

Firms increase third-party model portfolios

Globally, firms currently favor proprietary models, but more than one-third see their firm expanding third-party offerings in 2022, as is the case for 58% of selectors at US wirehouses.

Selectors see models as an efficient way to implement ESG and other in-demand investment strategies. Two-thirds say models make it easier to implement ESG across client portfolios, which may be one reason that 55% of selectors say there is greater need for specialty modes like ESG. Beyond ESG, selectors see a need for thematic (38%), alternative (34%), tax-managed (26%), and income (25%) portfolios.

Where will fund selectors add to model offerings in the next 12–24 months?

Selectors also find models offer key business benefits. With fee pressures tightening, 74% find that models offer a lower-cost option. The consistent experience that models offer clients also benefits wealth managers, as three-quarters of selectors say model portfolio programs help manage firm risk exposure.

Sectors see significant delta in private asset returns

With model portfolios at the core of the offering, many firms are looking to complement these risk-based strategies with non-correlated investments. For many, this leads to private assets, where two-thirds of selectors see a significant delta in returns.

In many instances, the move to beef up private offerings is a direct response to client demand, as half (49%) of selectors say their firm is offering more private investments in response to client interest.

Much as with models, ESG is a clear focus area for selectors as they look to expand private investments. Another 25% are looking explicitly for impact investments in private markets.

In terms of the types of deal they want to bring to clients, selectors are equally split between providing co-investment (28%) and direct investment (27%) opportunities. Given the scale of the recent wave of private investment, 25% are looking to give clients the opportunity to capitalize as funders sell out of original positions through the secondaries market.

Private deal focus for 2022

Infrastructure tops private market sector calls

With one notable exception, sector calls for private markets echo those for public markets. Selectors make infrastructure (42%) their top private opportunity. With interest rates low, selectors may see infrastructure as an opportunity to provide a consistent source of yield. This strategy would only be enhanced by increased public investment like the $1 trillion US infrastructure bill.

Respondents also see information technology (41%) and healthcare (39%) as top private opportunities. Energy (29%) and real estate (23%) are also in favor, although US wirehouses were twice as positive (44%) on real estate as selectors globally.

Sectors may provide direction on where to look, but selectors will examine opportunities carefully. Nine in ten (90%) say due diligence is paramount when choosing deals, something 60% say has been made harder by Covid. Expenses are also in focus as two-thirds say current fees are too high based on expected returns.

Six in ten to add to ESG offerings

Investor demand for ESG has grown substantially in recent years, and wealth managers are responding. Six in ten (64%) selectors say they plan to add to their ESG offering over the next 24 months.

Though many implement ESG to align assets and values (48%), to make a better world (33%) and meet investment policy mandates (32%), selectors also see an investment rationale: Seven out of ten say ESG is integral to sound investing and 63% go so far as to say there is alpha to be found in ESG.

Despite impressive gains posted during the pandemic, only 20% believe momentum is driving demand for ESG. In fact, selectors say clients are investing to influence social and environmental issues (54%) with their investments or see an opportunity to participate in the green economy (45%). Demographics also play a role in expanding ESG offerings as 34% say increased demand is the result of the changing demographics within their client base.

How fund selectors implement ESG strategy

Incorporating ESG considerations where material to risk and return in investment analysis.

Investing based on trends, including social, industrial, and demographic areas.

Avoiding securities of companies or countries on the basis of traditional moral values, standards and norms.

Preferring companies with better or improving ESG performance relative to sector peers.

Investing with the intention to generate and measure social and environmental benefits alongside a financial return.

Entering into a dialog with companies on ESG issues and exercising both ownership rights and voice to effect change.

Firms implement wider range of ESG strategies

Firms are implementing a range of ESG strategies to meet demand. Most frequently selectors rely on integration (57%) to consider ESG factors alongside fundamental analysis. But others take a more opportunistic approach with thematic investments (53%), such as those that align with client interest in the green economy.

Half implement exclusionary screens (48%) that were the hallmark of early socially responsible investments, and another 43% use the positive screens associated with best-in-class investments. The same number use impact investments (43%). Fewer practice active ownership (35%).

DE&I becoming part of the selection process

In terms of action on ESG, many firms are focused on diversity, equity and inclusion and 24% of selectors currently make assessments as part of their selection process. Another 43% are considering how to add it to their process.

A smaller number (37%) are actively investing for impact. One-quarter measure carbon footprint (25%) with a similar number looking to lower their footprint (24%). Only a small number (13%) are now measuring portfolio temperature.

Even as they look to expand their offering, selectors see a significant roadblock to broader ESG adoption: measurement. To date, the industry and regulators have not established a single ESG standard. Seven in ten of those surveyed say standardization will make it easier to evaluate ESG investments. And that will be critical as more firms look to deliver impact.

Working past the wall of worry

Fund selectors may not see Covid as the greatest threat to economic growth in 2022, but the pandemic still raises many questions. Since the first signs of contagion, Covid has upended global supply chains, driven inflation to a 40-year high, and pushed interest rates to unsustainable lows. Yet fund selectors consider the reopening trade to be the best bet for the year ahead. The challenge comes down to how well they deliver on portfolio solutions.

Read the executive overview

The Fund Selector Outlook Executive Overview provides a summary of the report as well as the report graphics.

2022 Fund Selector Outlook Executive Overview

1.25 MB

About the 2022 Fund Selector Outlook

Natixis Investment Managers, Global Survey of Fund Selectors conducted by CoreData Research in November and December 2021. Survey included 436 respondents in 25 countries throughout North America, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

¹ S&P Global
² Natixis Global Survey of Individual Investors conducted by Core Data Research March-April 2021. Survey included 8,550 investors across 24 countries.
³ “World Economic Outlook, October 2021: Recovery during a Pandemic.” IMF, Oct. 2021, https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/Issues/2021/10/12/world-economic-outlook-october-2021.
⁴ FactSet

The data shown represents the opinion of those surveyed, and may change based on market and other conditions. It should not be construed as investment advice.

This material is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice. The views and opinions expressed are as of February 2022 and may change based on market and other conditions. There can be no assurance that developments will transpire as forecasted, and actual results may vary.

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Unlike passive investments, there are no indexes that an active investment attempts to track or replicate. Thus, the ability of an active investment to achieve its objectives will depend on the effectiveness of the investment manager.

Asset allocation strategies do not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss.

Alternative investments involve unique risks that may be different from those associated with traditional investments, including illiquidity and the potential for amplified losses or gains. Investors should fully understand the risks associated with any investment prior to investing.

Emerging markets refers to financial markets of developing countries that are usually small and have short operating histories. Emerging market securities may be subject to greater political, economic, environmental, credit and information risks than U.S. or other developed market securities.

Commodity-related investments, including derivatives, may be affected by a number of factors including commodity prices, world events, import controls, and economic conditions and therefore may involve substantial risk of loss.

S&P 500^® Index is a widely recognized measure of US stock market performance. It is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation, among other factors. It also measures the performance of the large-cap segment of the US equities market.

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