European stock markets opened lower on Monday, as investors were worried about the impact of China’s property sector woes and the possibility of more interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve.
China’s property sector under pressure
China’s property sector, which accounts for about 20% of the country’s GDP, has been facing a severe liquidity crunch, as many developers struggle to repay their massive debts. The most prominent case is Evergrande, the world’s most indebted property developer, which has defaulted on several bond payments and faces the risk of bankruptcy.
The crisis has raised concerns about the stability of China’s financial system and the spillover effects on the global economy. China is the world’s second-largest economy and a major trading partner for many countries, especially in Asia and Europe.
On Monday, another Chinese developer, Shimao Group, reported a huge loss of 48.6 billion yuan ($6.8 billion) over two years of trading, after a 16-month delay in releasing its financial results. The company’s shares plunged by 67% when trading resumed for the first time since April 2022.
The Chinese government has been trying to contain the fallout from the property sector by providing liquidity support to some developers and imposing stricter regulations on the industry. However, analysts say that more defaults and restructuring are likely in the coming months, as the sector faces a supply glut and weak demand.
Fed’s rate hike expectations weigh on markets
Another factor that weighed on European markets was the expectation of more interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve, as the central bank tries to rein in inflation that remains near a 40-year high.
The Fed has already raised its benchmark rate by 75 basis points for two consecutive months, to 4.25%-4.5%, the highest level since 2008. The bank is expected to hike rates again by 50 basis points on Wednesday, and possibly twice more in June.
The Fed’s tightening policy has increased the cost of borrowing for businesses and consumers, and reduced the attractiveness of riskier assets such as stocks. Higher interest rates also tend to strengthen the US dollar, which makes exports from other countries less competitive.
The Fed has said that it is encouraged by some signs of improvement in inflation, but that it needs more evidence to be confident that it is on a sustained downward path. The bank has also said that it is prepared to adjust its policy stance if needed, depending on the economic data and conditions.
European stocks slide across the board
The combination of China’s property crisis and Fed’s rate hike fears dragged down European stocks across the board on Monday. The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell by 1.2%, while Germany’s DAX dropped by 1.4%, France’s CAC 40 by 1.3%, and Britain’s FTSE 100 by 1.1%.
Among the worst-performing sectors were energy, materials, financials, and industrials, which are sensitive to global growth and inflation expectations. Oil prices also declined amid worries about demand from China and rising supply from OPEC+.
Some analysts said that the market correction was overdue, given the strong rally that started in 2020, as the markets priced in a strong economic recovery from the pandemic. They said that the current sell-off could be a healthy correction that creates buying opportunities for long-term investors.
However, some also warned that the volatility could persist in the near term, as the markets face multiple uncertainties and risks, such as the spread of new Covid-19 variants, geopolitical tensions, and policy changes.
How to cope with market fluctuations
For investors who are concerned about the market fluctuations, some experts offered some tips on how to cope with them. Some of the suggestions are:
- Diversify your portfolio. Having a mix of different asset classes, such as stocks, bonds, commodities, and cash, can help reduce the overall risk and volatility of your portfolio. You can also diversify within each asset class, by investing in different sectors, regions, and styles.
- Review your risk tolerance and investment goals. Depending on your age, income, expenses, and financial objectives, you may have a different level of risk tolerance and investment horizon. You should review your portfolio periodically and make sure it aligns with your risk appetite and long-term goals.
- Avoid panic selling or buying. When the markets are volatile, it can be tempting to sell your investments when they are down or buy more when they are up. However, this can lead to emotional decisions that may hurt your returns in the long run. Instead, you should stick to your investment plan and avoid making impulsive moves based on short-term market movements.
- Seek professional advice. If you are unsure about how to manage your portfolio or need more guidance on how to navigate the market fluctuations, you may benefit from seeking professional advice from a financial planner or adviser. They can help you create a personalized investment strategy that suits your needs and preferences.
