On the final day of 2013 Russ Koesterich reflects of the near calamities and looks forward to events in 2014.

This year began with many focusing on what could go wrong. We had just gone through the “fiscal cliff” debacle, investors were worried about the European debt crisis, and the outlook for U.S. and global economic growth looked uncertain.

Instead, however, 2013 proved to be a year when most major risks were avoided and the table was set for a strong investing year. The economic recovery continued (if unevenly), inflation remained low and, notwithstanding a mid-year jolt, interest rates rose (but not disruptively).

In this environment, equity markets enjoyed an impressive year, with U.S. stocks up more than 25% and the major indexes hitting new records along the way. International markets also notched solid results, with the exception of emerging markets, which struggled with uneven growth and structural imbalances. Fixed income markets were choppy in 2013, with a long-awaited rise in interest rates finally occurring. As Treasury yields advanced nearly a full percentage point, bonds experienced a rare negative total return for the year (prices move in the opposite direction of yields).

Expect an Improving Economy and (Slightly) Higher Rates in 2014

So what should investors expect in the New Year? From a broad perspective, many may feel a sense of déjà vu, since we expect most of the macro factors that existed in 2013 to persist: improving (but still relatively slow) economic growth, very low inflation and slowly rising interest rates.

That said, we do expect growth to pick up modestly, both in the United States and globally. Although the Fed has begun its long awaited taper, policy remains accommodative and supportive of the economy. Lower energy prices and an improving housing market also represent tailwinds. In 2014, we expect the U.S. economy will edge past the 2% growth rate in which it has lived for the past couple of years and come in at around 2.5% to 2.75%. Global growth should accelerate from 3% in 2013 to around 3.5% next year.

Another important theme we expect to see in 2014: Slightly better growth should lead to an increase in real interest rates. We do not believe rates will rise rapidly or dramatically, partly because the Fed will likely keep the fed funds rate anchored at close to zero through 2014, but we do think yields will…

Unlock the rest of this article with a 14 day trial

Already have an account?
Login here