Emerging Markets

A potential right-wing government in 2027 will not stabilize the trajectory of the public debt-to-GDP ratio. Unsustainable public debt, a large current account deficit, and a sharp growth slowdown will lead Brazilian markets to underperform EM. Yet, to benefit from a quickly decelerating economy, we recommend receiving 2-year swap rates.

In this chartbook, we look at the balance of payments across DM and EM countries. The US does not fare well, but neither do a few other countries.

Economic growth and rapid expansions do not always translate into higher EPS and shareholder returns. One of the key reasons is dilution. We offer a typology of dilution: (1) “offensive”, (2) “defensive”, (3) corporate governance-linked, and (4) idiosyncratic cases.

Our Portfolio Allocation Summary for July 2025.

Alligator Bite #1: As US net portfolio inflows decline (the alligator's upper jaw closes), its current account deficit must narrow (the lower jaw will also shut). Alligator Bite #2: As the US current account deficit shrinks (the lower jaw closes), current account surpluses in the rest of the world will narrow (the upper jaw will come down).

Acute geopolitical risks, like a massive oil shock, may be abating. But structural geopolitical risk remains high and could upset a blithe market. Cyclical economic risks are underrated as the US slows down and China continues to stumble. Investors should book some profits in anticipation of tariff implementation and a downturn in hard economic data.