国泰海通｜策略：褪色的霸权：美元走弱下的资产配置启示

Core Viewpoint - The potential for a depreciation of the US dollar is increasing due to misalignment in monetary policy and obstacles in the dollar's external circulation, suggesting a focus on foreign exchange markets, commodities, and non-US equity investment opportunities [1]. Group 1: Historical Context of Dollar Depreciation - Since 1970, there have been seven significant periods of dollar depreciation, each impacting asset performance differently, with commodities generally benefiting the most [2]. - Key periods include: 1. 1971-1973: Breakdown of the Bretton Woods system led to a dollar credit crisis, benefiting commodities and Asian equities [2]. 2. 1976-1980: Missteps by the Federal Reserve resulted in high inflation, with commodities performing best amid concerns of stagflation [2]. 3. 1985-1987: The Plaza Accord initiated a deliberate dollar depreciation, with industrial metals outperforming precious metals and Japanese equities leading globally [2]. 4. 1989-1992: US economic recession and German reunification led to a weaker dollar, with subdued performance in commodities and equities [2]. 5. 1994-1995: Unexpected rate hikes by the Federal Reserve suppressed economic expectations, benefiting commodities as non-US economies rebounded [2]. 6. 2002-2008: The US faced "twin deficits," leading to a commodities bull market and strong performance in non-US equities [2]. 7. 2017-2018: Recovery in the Eurozone and emerging markets resulted in positive returns for both commodities and equities [2]. Group 2: Drivers of Dollar Weakness - Factors contributing to dollar weakness include relative economic advantages, misaligned monetary policies, and credit risks associated with the dollar [3]. - Economic advantages typically arise during global economic recoveries, prompting capital to flow from the US to faster-growing regions [3]. - Misalignment in monetary policy has historically led to dollar weakness, though such periods are rare [3]. - Credit risks emerge when global investors grow concerned about the dollar's stability, leading to a sell-off and subsequent depreciation [3]. Group 3: Asset Performance During Dollar Weakness - Commodities consistently outperform during periods of dollar weakness, driven by demand for physical assets and reduced investment costs for developed countries [4]. - Non-US equity markets tend to benefit more than US equities, with emerging markets showing greater elasticity in capital inflows [4]. - Historical performance rankings during dollar depreciation periods show that the Hang Seng Index outperformed, followed by the Nikkei 225 and European markets [4]. Group 4: Investment Opportunities - The likelihood of a trend towards dollar depreciation is increasing, with a focus on foreign exchange markets, commodities, and non-US equity investments [5]. - Key investment areas include: 1. Foreign exchange: The Eurozone, Japan, and Canada are expected to see their currencies strengthen due to high net positions in US assets [5]. 2. Commodities: Continued value in gold and potential for other physical assets to gain traction [5]. 3. Equities: Focus on economies with leverage capacity, such as Germany and India, with Hong Kong stocks expected to outperform A-shares due to improved liquidity [5].