NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Commodity markets were modestly higher in January as physical asset prices reacted to higher than anticipated inflation in China and other developing countries. Supportive fundamentals, combined with an improving macroeconomic landscape, may continue to support appreciating commodities prices.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20091204/CSLOGO)
Nelson Louie, Global Head of Commodities at Credit Suisse Asset Management said, "Developed and emerging countries are handling monetary policy much differently, which may instigate higher-than-expected inflation over time. In the U.S., the Federal Reserve continues to favor a loose monetary policy in an effort to stoke economic growth and job creation, while in China, Central Bank officials raised bank reserve requirements once again in an attempt to curb inflation and keep economic growth from becoming destabilizing. Through the actions of central bankers around the world, inflation, which has been running high in China and other emerging economies, may eventually surface in developed countries as well."
Christopher Burton, Senior Portfolio Manager for the Credit Suisse Total Commodity Return Strategy added, "The current global macroeconomic conditions also generally support commodity price levels. Investor confidence in the Euro zone increased following successful bond auctions and support from key nations outside of Europe, while political uncertainty in Egypt and the Middle East rapidly escalated, driving commodity prices higher as January concluded. Improving investor sentiment in developed regions coupled with geopolitical unrest in some emerging markets may provide a favorable backdrop for commodities performance."
The Dow Jones-UBS Commodity Index Total Return rose 1.00% in January. Overall, 13 of the 19 index constituents increased in value. The Precious Metals sector, 2010's best performing sector, was the only sector to fall in January, decreasing 7.12%. Gold and Silver prices declined as the demand for precious metals fell amidst renewed economic growth prospects and a decrease in risk aversion. Agriculture continued its positive performance in January, rising 3.93%, as each commodity in the sector barring Soybean Oil posted monthly gains. The sector has generally been supported by tight inventory levels due to continued strong demand and various supply shocks in key producing markets.
The Credit Suisse Total Commodity Return Strategy group periodically produces updates on relevant industry topics. For a copy of their white paper, "How Commodities Can Help Investors Face the Uncertainty of the Inflation/Deflation Debate", please email [email protected].
About the Credit Suisse Total Commodity Return Strategy
Credit Suisse's Total Commodity Return Strategy has been managed for fourteen years and seeks to outperform the return of a commodities index, such as the Dow Jones–UBS Commodity Index Total Return or the S&P GSCI Total Return Index, using a quantitative commodity research process. Commodity index total returns are achieved through:
- Spot Return: price return on specified commodity futures contracts;
- Roll Yield: impact due to migration of futures positions from near to far contracts; and
- Collateral Yield: return earned on collateral for the futures.
As of December 31, 2010 the team managed approximately USD 8.1 billion in assets globally.
Credit Suisse AG
Credit Suisse AG is one of the world's leading financial services providers and is part of the Credit Suisse group of companies (referred to here as 'Credit Suisse'). As an integrated bank, Credit Suisse offers clients its combined expertise in the areas of private banking, investment banking and asset management. Credit Suisse provides advisory services, comprehensive solutions and innovative products to companies, institutional clients and high-net-worth private clients globally, as well as to retail clients in Switzerland. Credit Suisse is headquartered in Zurich and operates in over 50 countries worldwide. The group employs approximately 50,500 people. The registered shares (CSGN) of Credit Suisse's parent company, Credit Suisse Group AG, are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com.
Asset Management
In its Asset Management business, Credit Suisse offers products across a broad spectrum of investment classes, including hedge funds, credit, index, real estate, commodities and private equity products, as well as multi-asset class solutions, which include equities and fixed income products. Credit Suisse's Asset Management business manages portfolios, mutual funds and other investment vehicles for a broad spectrum of clients ranging from governments, institutions and corporations to private individuals. With offices focused on asset management in 19 countries, Credit Suisse's Asset Management business is operated as a globally integrated network to deliver the bank's best investment ideas and capabilities to clients around the world.
All businesses of Credit Suisse are subject to distinct regulatory requirements; certain products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all client types.
Important Legal Information
This document was produced by and the opinions expressed are those of Credit Suisse as of the date of writing and are subject to change without obligation to update. It has been prepared solely for information purposes and for the use of the recipient. It does not constitute an offer or an invitation by or on behalf of Credit Suisse to any person to buy or sell any security. Any reference to past performance is not a guide to future performance. The information and analysis contained in this publication have been compiled or arrived at from sources believed to be reliable but Credit Suisse does not make any representation as to their accuracy or completeness and does not accept liability for any loss arising from the use hereof.
Certain information contained in this document constitutes "Forward-Looking Statements" (including observations about markets and industry and regulatory trends as of the original date of this document), which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "anticipate", "target", "project", "estimate", "intend", "continue" or "believe", or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Due to various risks and uncertainties beyond our control, actual events, results or performance may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. Credit Suisse has no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this document.
Copyright © 2011, CREDIT SUISSE GROUP AG and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
SOURCE Credit Suisse AG
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article