Given such high levels of correlation, ongoing equity market volatility and very low bond yields, Van Geyt argued that non-traditional asset classes – including real estate, alternative UCITS and structured products – are likely to hold special appeal in 2016 as part of a broader portfolio diversification strategy.

From a macroeconomic perspective, he said that Europe should continue to experience moderate growth, likely exceeding the rate of roughly 1.5% recorded last year. That expansion will be supported by three key factors: low energy/commodity prices; a weak euro, which will continue to boost exports; and sustained attractive financing costs.

“In the US, the services sector will remain strong,” said Van Geyt. “Consumer confidence will be further underpinned by decreased unemployment and slightly rising wages. Meanwhile, negative factors for the US economy include the impact of the strong dollar, increasing interest yields and those same rising wages, which will dampen profit margins.”
Recognizing that Japan’s economy narrowly avoided recession in the third quarter of 2015, Ilario Attasi, KBL epb’s CIO, Luxembourg, nevertheless argued that, as “Abenomics” continues to take effect and spurred by expected higher levels of consumer spending, Japan has the potential to rebound over the next 12 months.

Attasi likewise pointed to potential promise in emerging markets, which have been battered by declining commodity prices, Chinese overcapacity and the prospect of a US Federal Reserve rate hike. “Led by service-sector expansion and increased consumption,” he said, “this year should mark a turning point for emerging markets, although there remain significant risk factors.”

Against that complex macroeconomic backdrop, global equity markets will continue their roller-coaster performance, generating both nerve-rattling volatility and significant opportunities for steely investors. Overall, according to Van Geyt, European and Japanese shares should prove most attractive over the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, following more than four years of steady decline, KBL epb’s Group CIO said that while commodity prices may have finally hit bottom, “the climb back up is likely to be difficult, slow and uneven.”

Finally, regarding currencies, Van Geyt said that the great dollar bull run of 2015 is unlikely to be repeated over the coming 12 months, leading to a more stable EUR/USD cross rate. Emerging-market and commodity currencies are now broadly undervalued, he added, and should trend upwards in 2016.