Chart of the Week

Source: Bloomberg, December 10, 2018. Monthly data from December 30, 1999 – December 6, 2018. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

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The Financial Times Stock Exchange Index (FTSE 100 Index) is the primary benchmark used to represent the performance of U.K. equities; it tracks the 100 most highly capitalized companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. The FTSE closed last Thursday at 6,704, which is 3.3% lower than its December 30, 1999, closing price of 6,930. In other words, the FTSE 100 Index has given back all of its price gains for this century. An index is unmanaged and not available for direct investment.

The 3.2% decline last Wednesday (December 5) represents the worst percentage drop in the FTSE 100 Index since June 24, 2016, the day after the Brexit referendum vote. Following this week’s postponement of a Brexit vote in Parliament, we expect continued uncertainty surrounding the U.K.’s exit from the European Union, creating heightened levels of market volatility into the New Year.

We expect Brexit unknowns to contribute to higher levels of market gyrations in coming weeks. We believe this volatility is likely to be felt more in European risk assets than in the U.S.; as a result, we expect the U.S. dollar to maintain its strength versus the euro and pound in the near-term, an outlook that is reflected in our unfavorable view on international developed market bonds and neutral view on the region’s stocks.

Each asset class has its own risk and return characteristics. The level of risk associated with a particular investment or asset class generally correlates with the level of return the investment or asset class might achieve. Stock markets, especially foreign markets, are volatile. Stock values may fluctuate in response to general economic and market conditions, the prospects of individual companies, and industry sectors. Foreign investing has additional risks including those associated with currency fluctuation, political and economic instability, and different accounting standards. This may result in greater share price volatility. These risks are heightened in emerging markets. Investments in fixed-income securities are subject to market, interest rate, credit and other risks. Bond prices fluctuate inversely to changes in interest rates. Therefore, a general rise in interest rates can result in the decline in the bond’s price. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer will default on payments of interest and/or principal. This risk is heightened in lower rated bonds. If sold prior to maturity, fixed income securities are subject to market risk. All fixed income investments may be worth less than their original cost upon redemption or maturity.

Global Investment Strategy (GIS) is a division of Wells Fargo Investment Institute, Inc. (WFII). WFII is a registered investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., a bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

The information in this report was prepared by Global Investment Strategy. Opinions represent GIS’ opinion as of the date of this report and are for general information purposes only and are not intended to predict or guarantee the future performance of any individual security, market sector or the markets generally. GIS does not undertake to advise you of any change in its opinions or the information contained in this report. Wells Fargo & Company affiliates may issue reports or have opinions that are inconsistent with, and reach different conclusions from, this report.

The information contained herein constitutes general information and is not directed to, designed for, or individually tailored to, any particular investor or potential investor. This report is not intended to be a client-specific suitability analysis or recommendation, an offer to participate in any investment, or a recommendation to buy, hold or sell securities. Do not use this report as the sole basis for investment decisions. Do not select an asset class or investment product based on performance alone. Consider all relevant information, including your existing portfolio, investment objectives, risk tolerance, liquidity needs and investment time horizon.

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