HAL NV: Unlocking Hidden Value in a Discounted InvestmentCurrent Price: Approximately €117.40 per share
Target Price: €150 per share
HAL NV (traded via HAL Trust) has long been recognized as a unique investment vehicle, thanks to its diversified portfolio of high-quality assets. Despite a current trading level around €117.40, a closer look at the underlying holdings and operational performance reveals a significant value gap—one that suggests the stock should be priced nearer to €150.
Key Holdings and Their Strengths
Boskalis – A Fully Owned Flagship
• 100% Ownership: HAL NV owns Boskalis outright, giving it full exposure to the maritime and offshore construction market.
• Robust Order Books: Boskalis benefits from a full order book, which not only secures future revenues but also demonstrates strong market positioning.
• Operational Efficiency: With steady execution in its core business, Boskalis adds both resilience and growth potential to HAL’s overall portfolio.
SBM Offshore – Secure Order Pipeline
• Substantial Stake (22.9%): While not fully owned, SBM Offshore represents a key component in HAL’s strategy.
• Solid Order Books: Like Boskalis, SBM Offshore’s strong order backlog underscores its ability to generate future cash flow.
• Strategic Exposure: The offshore energy market, driven by both traditional and renewable energy projects, positions SBM Offshore for long-term growth.
Vopak – Consistent Performer with Upward Trends
• Major Stake (51.4%): HAL’s significant interest in Vopak captures exposure to the global tank storage and logistics sector.
• Earnings Fluctuation, But Upward Trend: Although Vopak’s earnings can fluctuate year over year, the overall trend has been strongly positive, reinforcing its role as a reliable income generator.
Additional Growth Catalysts
• Coolblue (56.4%) & TKH Group (5.2%): These holdings further diversify HAL’s portfolio, offering exposure to high-growth sectors such as retail technology and industrial services.
The Valuation Gap: NAV vs. Market Price
One of the most compelling aspects of HAL NV is the notable discrepancy between its Net Asset Value (NAV) and its market capitalization:
NAV Insight: Recent reports and annual filings suggest that the NAV per share of HAL’s underlying assets is approximately €165.95.
Market Discount: Trading at around €117.40, HAL NV is effectively offered at a significant discount. This “hidden value” implies that the market has yet to fully recognize the aggregate worth of its high-quality investments.
Equity vs. Market Cap: With the equity value of its portfolio (including fully consolidated companies like Boskalis and the robust valuations from quoted holdings such as Vopak and SBM Offshore) substantially higher than the current market cap, the potential for upward re-rating is evident.
Hal NV is poised for robust long‐term growth, with annual rates expected to reach around 15%. This optimism is driven by strong demand for the services of Boskalis and SBM Offshore, both of which continue to benefit from substantial order books. Additionally, the accelerated growth of Coolblue and the steady, consistent performance of Vopak—bolstered by emerging opportunities in India—further enhance the outlook. Coupled with a conservative balance sheet that ensures a low cost of capital, these factors collectively support the company’s promising growth trajectory.
Catalysts for Price Convergence
Several factors support the rationale for a price target of €150:
Strong Order Books: Both Boskalis and SBM Offshore are backed by extensive order books, which not only secure future revenue streams but also reduce operational risks.
Consistent Growth Trends: Vopak, despite some earnings volatility, has demonstrated a significant long-term upward trend in earnings—enhancing the overall stability of HAL’s portfolio.
Undervalued Underlying Assets: The current market price does not fully reflect the NAV derived from HAL’s diverse investments. As market sentiment improves and the intrinsic value becomes more widely recognized, a re-rating toward the NAV is likely.
Favorable Valuation Metrics: HAL NV’s relatively low Price/Earnings ratio compared to its growth prospects and asset quality makes it an attractive buy for value-oriented investors.
Conclusion
HAL NV represents an intriguing investment opportunity—a trust whose market price currently undervalues a robust portfolio of operationally strong and strategically significant companies. With full control over Boskalis and solid stakes in SBM Offshore and Vopak, combined with additional growth prospects from Coolblue and TKH Group, the underlying equity far exceeds the current market valuation. In essence, if the market were to recognize the full value of these assets, a price target of €150 per share appears not only justified but highly attainable.
Investors looking for a value play in the industrial and investment holding space should keep a close eye on HAL NV, as the convergence of market price to NAV could deliver significant upside potential.
Note: The analysis above is based on current market data (price ≈ €117.40) and recent annual reports, and reflects the author’s view on the intrinsic value of HAL NV. Investors should perform their own due diligence before making any investment decisions.
Emergingmarkets
Emerging Markets Are Breaking Higher; Be Aware Of Lower USDollarEmerging markets, represented by the EEM chart, have been trending lower since October 2024 in what appears to be a complex W-X-Y corrective pattern. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY) experienced a strong rally, driven by Trump’s victory in the US elections. However, the rally formed a wedge pattern, which suggests that its upside momentum may be coming to an end.
Why is the correlation between EEM and DXY important? If the Trump administration pushes oil prices lower, inflation expectations could also decline. This would likely lead to lower interest rates, which in turn could weigh on the USD. In such a scenario, capital may flow out of the US and into emerging markets.
Now that EEM is recovering and breaking above a key channel resistance, it signals that bullish momentum is returning. If this trend continues on EEM to 2024 highs, then DXY could decline to the 105–103 range—or possibly even as low as 100.
USDZAR 1Q2025 outlookThe rand has been on the ropes since mid-December after it failed to pull the pair below the 50-day MA support. Since then the broad-based dollar strength has seen the rand give away all its post-election gains.
Fundamentally there I only see two factors which are supportive for the rand as we head into 2025. The first is a strong SA trade surplus of R34.7 billion for November 2024 and the second is the SARB’s continued hawkish stance. The dollar has punished both developed and developing market currencies whose central banks opted to front run the Fed with their respective rate cuts last year and the SARB’s hawkish stance has limited the rand’s losses in 2024. Apart from these two factors, the overall risk-off sentiment stemming from the volatility in the US and other bond markets coupled with the fleeting post-election SA election optimism does not bode well for the rand.
Technically, we have completed a five wave impulse for the pair which pushed the pair to a high of just shy of the psychological handle of 19.00. I believe we should see an ABC corrective pattern play out and a re-test of the levels around 18.40 and 18.50. A failed break below this support range will be the first sign for the predicted move higher towards the 2024 high of 19.35. A break below the 50-day MA will however invalidate the idea and allow the rand to re-test levels below the 18.00 handle.
The 50- and 200-day MAs are currently sitting at 18.15 and we are seeing the infamous “golden cross” taking shape which is rand negative. Over the very short-term, the bearish divergence on the RSI could allow the rand to strengthen with today’s US non-farm payroll volatility. The USDZAR and the DXY both look overstretched and this week’s attempted move higher for the USDZAR does have the characteristics of a bull trap.
Is Saudi Arabia the next new Dubai? As we go into 2025...
Have you ever thought about Saudi Arabia? If not, you are now!
Is it going to be the next new Dubai - Time will tell.
We have Trump Tower built and many other hard assets increasing within Saudi and investors seem to extending further. The growth of Saudi not only commodities advantage they hold, but the other relation matters.
That's the fact jack - Residential real estate prices and rents continue to soar in Saudi Arabia. The cities of Riyadh and Jeddah saw year-on-year sales prices jump by 10% and 5%, respectively, in the first half of 2024, according to property consultancy company JLL's KSA Market Dynamics Report H1 2024.
I'd personally be a dip buyer if we break out of this wedge and decline further for a medium term. If we are to break higher out of wedge there's great target areas.
I could go on further to discuss macroeconomic factors, see further on my Substack about 2025 outlook - Saudi Arabia, other EM countries and much more!
All the best for 2025 - Let's make it rain!
Trade Journal | Empowering Your Trading Journey
Can Political Tremors Rewrite Global Financial Markets?In the intricate dance of global finance, South Korea's recent political upheaval serves as a compelling microcosm of how geopolitical dynamics can instantaneously transform economic landscapes. The Kospi Index's dramatic 2% plunge following President Yoon Suk-yeol's fleeting martial law declaration reveals a profound truth: financial markets are not merely numerical abstractions, but living, breathing ecosystems acutely sensitive to political breath.
Beyond the immediate market turbulence lies a deeper narrative of institutional resilience and adaptive governance. The swift parliamentary intervention, coupled with the Bank of Korea's strategic liquidity injections, demonstrates a remarkable capacity to pivot and stabilize in moments of potential systemic risk. This episode transcends South Korea's borders, offering global investors a masterclass in crisis management and the delicate art of maintaining economic equilibrium amid political uncertainty.
The broader implications are both provocative and instructive. As heavyweight corporations like Samsung Electronics and Hyundai Motors experienced significant share price fluctuations, the event underscores an increasingly interconnected global financial system where local political tremors can rapidly cascade into international market movements. For forward-thinking investors and policymakers, this moment represents more than a crisis—it's an invitation to reimagine risk, resilience, and the complex interdependencies that define our modern economic reality.
Can the Brazilian Real Survive its Perfect Economic Storm?In the intricate world of global finance, few narratives are as compelling as Brazil's current economic crucible. The Brazilian real stands at a precipice, buffeted by a confluence of domestic policy missteps and international economic pressures that challenge the very foundations of its monetary stability. President Lula's administration finds itself wrestling with a complex challenge: balancing ambitious social spending with the cold, hard realities of fiscal discipline.
The currency's dramatic decline—losing nearly 20% of its value in recent months—represents more than a mere statistical fluctuation. It is a profound referendum on investor confidence, reflecting deep-seated concerns about Brazil's economic management. The potential depreciation to 7 reals per dollar looms like a specter, threatening to unleash inflationary pressures that could destabilize the entire economic ecosystem, from local markets to international trade relationships.
What emerges is a high-stakes economic drama with global implications. The Brazilian real's struggle is not just a national issue, but a microcosm of the broader challenges facing emerging economies in an increasingly unpredictable global financial landscape. As central bank governors, international investors, and policymakers watch with bated breath, Brazil stands at a critical juncture—its choices will not only determine its economic trajectory but potentially reshape perceptions of emerging market resilience in the face of unprecedented economic volatility.
FXI - Wave 5 can push price to 40+A Wave 4 50% indicated price would drop to 31.10. Filled at 31.05. Wave 5 should push prices above Wave 3. While I will take some profits around the $40 level, as I did when price hit $33, my initial target, China will be a force going forward so I will maintain a long-term stock position. Thus far, this has been an exceptional trade after initially highlighting the double bottom at the 22 level.
What If Smart Money Shifts from Traditional Companies to Crypto?This idea explores the potential scenario where smart money moves from traditional top 100 Nasdaq companies to the crypto space. As Nasdaq reaches its peak and becomes less attractive, blockchain companies offer more reasonable valuations, and the crypto market continues to open up, providing new opportunities. This shift could drive substantial growth in the blockchain and crypto sectors as traditional finance investors look for higher returns in emerging technologies.
USDMXN: Short Term BuyEntry: 19.4600
Stop Loss: 19.3000 (160 pips below entry)
Take Profit: 19.7000 (240 pips above entry, offering a 1.5:1 reward-to-risk ratio)
Reasoning: The Mexican peso has been showing signs of weakening, while the U.S. dollar has been gaining strength. This trend suggests that USD/MXN could continue its upward movement, providing a potential buying opportunity.
Tech Booms Versus Emerging MarketsWhen capitalism nearly died in 2008, major stock market indices experienced >50% drawdowns from all-time highs. After unprecedented interventions by the Federal Reserve — and a historic surge in government debt to GDP — tech, growth, and the S&P 500 have seen stellar returns. (QQQ, VUG, & SPY respectively above).
On the other hand — small caps (VB), value (VTV), real estate (VNQ), developed markets (VEA), and emerging markets (IEMG) — have significantly underperformed. Tech companies have become more valuable than most countries’ GDP. Recently, the total market cap for top tech companies has surpassed $14T.
Will the tech boom continue upwards or is it time for small caps plus value to mean revert to a fair historical share of the total market? Tech also leads dominance for the U.S. versus other developed and emerging markets. More recently, the divergence is especially striking in percent returns and drawdown visualizations since 2020.
SINOSTAR PEC Analysis 6/25Disclosure: As of 6/24 I am long SINOSTAR PEC SGX:C9Q
Sinostar PEC is a Chinese Petrochemical company listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange. They operate through central and northern China. Their main operation is to extract LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) and process it to sell to manufacturers for fuel, scientific, and industrial purposes.
***Please Note: There are many aspects to their operations that any potential investor should know by reading the company's annual report, and of course none of this is to be taken as financial advice.***
- Management effectiveness: The company operates in a cyclical industry and has been consistently growing and profitable since 2014. The return on equity is consistently in above 10% and revenue growth looks stable. Margins have compressed in the last few years (Part of the whole cyclical thing), but that is exactly why I am looking now. Because the craziest thing about this company is the next section.
- Valuation: The company is currently trading at 0.3x Book Value. Price/Earning Ratio of 1.7. Price/Cash Flow of 0.69. You may ask yourself why is the valuation so low? I asked the same thing and can think of risks, but they are all well compensated for in the valuation. The company has a healthy capital position and positive tailwinds. It is always important to consider the risks of currency fluctuations, inflation, increasing cost of goods.
-Summary: Sinostar PEC seems to be a well run company with quality management, trading at very low prices. If you are looking for exposure to the Chinese economy and are comfortable with the risks (Currency fluctuation, Cyclicality, Liquidity, +more). This is one to research and consider.
Macro Monday 51 ~ The Philippines - The Trading Hub of AsiaMacro Monday 51
The Philippines – The Trading Hub of Asia
The Philippine economy is currently the fastest-growing economy in South East Asia with solid promising growth projections for the next several years. The World Bank's Global Economic Prospects report on East Asia and the Pacific showed that the Philippines and Cambodia will be the second highest growing economies in East Asia and the Pacific, next to Palau which is projected to grow by 12.4%.
10 Reasons to consider the Philippines for significant investment returns:
1. The GDP growth rate in the Philippines was 7.6% in 2022 and 5.6% in 2023. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its GDP growth forecast for the Philippines to 6.2% for 2024, as reported in their latest World Economic Outlook. This forecast is within the government’s revised 6-7% growth target. This puts the Philippines up there with India, the Ivory Coast and Ireland in terms of their GDP growth rate, all of which are some of the fastest growing economies in the world.
2. The population of the Philippines is 119 million with 28% (33 million people) of the population between the ages of 10-24, giving the country a sustained future labour market edge. The current labour market holds its own with 55% of the population between the ages of 20 – 64 (64 million people). Similar to India, the labour force is young, capable and likely to be sustained.
3. The Philippines are semiconductor specialists. The largest export of the Philippines is semiconductors. Semiconductors make up a significant portion of the Philippines’ exports, accounting for approximately 31.9% of the total electronic products exports. Electronic product exports in turn represent nearly 63% of the country’s total exports.
4. Additional to the above electronic products, the Philippines are also major exporters of manufacturing machinery and equipment, making them similar to South Korea in this respect (covered a few weeks ago). Broadly Manufactured Goods contributed the largest to the country’s total exports in January 2024 amounting to $4.83 bln or a share of 81.4 %. The Philippines are major machine and tool manufacturers (think Caterpillar Inc), however electronic products and semi-conductors are their forte making up the majority of their exports.
5. The second largest export of the Philippines is coconut oil, which has shown a significant annual increase in export value. It is one of the top commodity groups after electronic products in terms of export earnings.
6. The Philippines have a broad customer base in terms of exports. Their largest trading partner was the U.S. with an export value amounting to $902.3 million or a share of 15.2% to the country’s total exports in January 2024. The remaining top five major export trading partners for this month with their export values and percent shares to the total exports were;
a. Japan - $869 million (14.6%);
b. Hong Kong - $761 million (12.8%);
c. People’s Republic of China - $625 million (10.5%)
d. Republic of Korea - $356 million (6.0%).
7. The Philippines has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty over the past three decades. According the World Bank the poverty rate has fallen by almost 80% between 1985 to 2024 and this is expected to continue. According to the World Bank the current poverty rate is 10.7% however, the official poverty rate methodology in the Philippines is different and indicates that 18.1% of people live below the national poverty line. Of the employed population, 2.2% earn less than $1.90 per day on purchasing power parity (PPP) as of 2022. Regardless based on the Philippines methodology a target of <9% in expected to be hit by 2028 - set by the leading President Ferdinand R. Marcos.
8. Major Foreign Investment Incentivisation. The Philippines adopts an open economy that allows 100% foreign ownership in most business sectors. Many government corporations are getting privatized and the major industries such as telecommunications, energy, banking, and shipping have been deregulated. This gives foreign investors more freedom to set up operations in the country. In 2023, the Philippines saw a 6.6% decrease in FDI net inflow, totalling $8.86 billion, which was slightly higher than the targets set. For 2024, there has been a reported increase in FDI net inflows, with a 23.1% rise in March compared to the same month in 2023. The net inflow for March 2024 was $686 million.
9. Strategic Location. For investors aiming to tap into the ASEAN Free Trade area’s vast market of over 600 million consumers, or to engage with the key economies of East Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea, the Philippines offers an ideal strategic position. Additionally, the nation’s prime location at the nexus of numerous global maritime and air routes makes it an excellent hub for integrating into the worldwide supply chains of various enterprises. Think of it as the versatile and dynamic Suez Canal of Asian trade with reduced regulation.
10. Finally, there are a number of additional other factors make the Philippines ripe for investment and growth;
A. The Philippines boasts a high literacy rate of 94.6%, ranking third globally, with English widely used in education, media, business, and daily life, following Filipino (Tagalog) as the national language. This is similar to Ireland in Europe, which is also the only native English speaking country remaining in the EU since UK’s exit - Brexit. This gives these countries a trading edge.
B. The country’s growing economy is complemented by low business start-up costs, with labor and operational expenses significantly lower than in Western countries, leading to substantial cost savings for foreign companies establishing back offices and development centers.
C. One of the world’s largest archipelagos, the Philippines is rich in natural resources, ranking among the top gold and copper producers, with diverse marine and land species unique to its thousands of islands, alongside stunning tourist destinations.
Bonus Note on President Rodrigo Duterte:
It would be remiss of me to not mention the previous President Rodrigo Duterte who took a very harsh approach to resolving drug related crime in the Philippines. According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, during 216,138 anti-illegal drugs operations conducted between July 2016 and September 2021, 311,686 people were arrested and 6,201 were killed by the police Whilst controversial, this low tolerant approach resolved and remedied a major drug and crime issue that Philippines was burdened with. This has made the country as a whole more appealing for nationals and tourists.
Duterte also increased infrastructure spending to an average of 5 percent of the country’s overall GDP – this is twice the budget in the administrations that came before him.
As you can tell from all of the above, the Philippines is staged to enter into a monumental period of growth. The Philippine Stock Exchange also suggests that the stage is set, lets have a look.
The Philippine Stock Exchange - PSE:PSEI
The PSE Composite Index (PSEi) is composed of the 30 largest and most active common stocks listed at the PSE.
The Top 5 Companies in the PSE are as follows;
1. SM Investments Corporation: A conglomerate with operations in retail, property, and financial services. It is one of the largest companies in the Philippines by market capitalization. Market Cap of $17 bln.
2. SM Prime Holdings (SMPH): One of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated property developers, offering lifestyle cities with malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers. Market Cap of $13 bln.
3. BDO Unibank: The largest bank in the Philippines by assets, loans, and deposits. It offers a full range of banking services and products to the retail and corporate markets. As of June 2024, BDO Unibank has a market cap of $12.11 billion.
4. Golden MV Holdings: A company that develops memorial parks and columbarium facilities in the Philippines. It also engages in real estate through its subsidiary Bria Homes, Inc. Market Cap of $12 bln.
5. International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI): A leading operator of container ports and terminals in the global trade and shipping industry. Market Cap of $11.7 bln.
We might look at a couple of these company charts later in this article and possibly more in coming days.
The PSEi Index chart I am about to share reminds me of the Brazil Emerging Market ETF Index AMEX:EWZ chart which we previously shared weeks ago. It also looks a little like the AMEX:URA chart and or U.S. Small Cap 3000.
All these charts are forming long term pennants and breaking to the upside. We are still pending a decisive move on the PSEi below.
▫️ You can observe a compressing pennant with a breakout very likely approaching. Given the positive strides being made in the Philippines I am leaning towards a bullish break out in the above, however this will likely be a measure and slow move.
▫️ If this chart moves in the right direction and gets above its 21 day moving average we can presume the market is moving in the right direction in the Philippines and thus seek out some companies to invest in, knowing that the wind is at our back.
▫️ Investing in the above would obviously leave you exposed to a currency risk in the Philippine Peso. So you need to keep an eye on that currency pair.
▫️ The above chart is not a prediction, however it does have a double bottom look about it and with that in mind, there is a back end potential for an up to 12% currency gain in a longer term trade for U.S. investors. It’s a very interesting background set up.
▫️ This means if you invest in Filipino stocks or companies, there is potential here that you might get additional %’s from the back end currency play.
▫️ Equally, if we lose the current low on the Peso, this would lead to losing potential gains, the currency risk in the trade. So you need to watch both charts if you enter a trade.
Very important to keep an eye on the Philippine Peso if you’re an international investor converting your local currency into Pesos in order to invest in companies in the Philippines, however at present the chart looks like it might be an advantageous back end play. No Guarantees.
Now lets look at a Philippine Stock that is large, liquid and heavily relied upon by multiple sectors in the Philippines and obviously we need a DAMN GOOD CHART.
International Container Terminal Services - SET:ICT
▫️ The chart speaks for itself and presents a good 6:1 risk: reward set up.
▫️ That 100 SMA can provide a nice structural support for anyone wanting to stay in the trade longer or at least have a level that if convincingly lost, you can cut your losses. Equally the 100 SMA would also be a great entry level.
▫️ The above SET:ICT chart reminds me so much of the Reysas LoJistik BIST:RYSAS chart which is a similar business in logistics and transportation but in Turkey. Please have a look below.
COMPARISON
Reysas Lojistic - BIST:RYSAS
▫️ I am sharing this chart as a reference to potential outcomes for ICT.
▫️ Very Similar Company Sector and Chart to the above ICT Chart in Philippines. Could we see similar continued advances in ICT?
There are a number of REALLY interesting chart set ups for the Top 5 companies in the Philippine Stock Exchange (we shared these tickers earlier). I will definitely add these in coming days and weeks as I see a lot of opportunity in the Philippine market place and the currency looks like it might be about to gain positive ground.
It appears the Philippines is undergoing an monumental economic renaissance with the economic and demographic landscape looking incredibly favourable for this versatile archipelago. This nation of Islands is presenting an incredible investment opportunity, so great in fact, I’ve started looking at property there. It has so much potential and appears to be on the cusp of a major bull trend. We can watch the PSE chart and wait for the break out.
All these charts are available on my TradingView Page and you can go to them at any stage over the next few years press play and you'll get the chart updated with the easy visual guide to see how the Philippine stock market has performed. I hope it’s helpful.
PUKA
Possible entries to a Liverpool LongThis seems like a great buying point, looking at all the technicals, it would be hard for price to keep pushing down. However, the moving averages do tend to work as resistance and support, so it could be possible for price to drop there. However, It's unlikely price will continue to move down by much. And if so, price is likely to keep on rising. As this company has proven to be a go-to store for Mexicans looking for presents during the holidays, special events, sports gear and many others. Despite big competitors, this brand has lasted the test of time.
The next decade belongs to Latin AmericaFor the past decade, decision-makers in major banks and multinational companies have been focusing their attention on one of the hottest "growth frontiers": emerging markets.
During much of the 1980's the prospects in most emerging countries were quite bleak: the debt crisis, inflation and domestic political turbulence.
Then a number of "economic miracles" began to pop up, drawing attention to specifically Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Eastern Europe and toward the end of the 80's, Latin America.
Latin America struggled with the heavy burdens of the debt crisis, hyperinflation, recession and the transition from authoritarian to democratic governments. Most analysts call the 80's Latin America's "Lost Decade." Most governments in the area came to the realization that they were gradually becoming irrelevant to the investment decisions of major international players and that they would slowly but surely lose ground to Asia and Eastern Europe in the competition for capital and employment opportunities. The region's trade with the rest of the world increased but at a slower pace than in countries at similar stages of their development. Latin America largely remained an exporter of primary goods. In fact, beside the popping off of just particular industry sectors and multinational companies, Latin America never saw a bullrun as a continent.
After lagging behind big players like India and China during the Era of Markets (1989–2019), where there was a remarkable increase in global economic interconnectedness and rapid adoption of digital technologies, now it's time to shine for Latin America and to catch up to OECD economies.
The next decade is expected to be a transformative period for Latin America with many countries experiencing rapid growth and development.
Economic Growth : Latin America's economic growth is expected to continue, driven by a combination of factors such as increased trade, investment, and infrastructure development. The region's large and growing middle class is also driving consumer spending and demand for goods and services.
Regional Integration : Latin America is also expected to strengthen its regional integration, with initiatives such as the Pacific Alliance and the Mercosur bloc aiming to promote trade and cooperation among member states. This will help to increase economic competitiveness and attract foreign investment.
Demographic Dividend : Latin America is experiencing a demographic dividend, with a large and growing population of young people entering the workforce. This will provide a significant boost to economic growth and innovation, as well as help to address social and economic challenges.
Innovation and Technology : Latin America is also expected to become a hub for innovation and technology, with many countries investing in digital infrastructure and innovation hubs. This will help to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation.
Emerging countries now represent the clear majority of the world's population. Their growth prospects range from 4 to 5% per year in Latin America, 6 to 7% in East Asia and up to 10% in China. These are typically two to three times the expected growth rates of developed countries.
In all of these countries, growth will invariably entail the expansion of new middle classes, with outsized needs for consumer durables, housing and mobility.
The MSCI Emerging Markets Latin America Index e.g. captures large and mid cap representation across 5 emerging markets countries in Latin America. This index is one of the most trusted measures of how these stock markets in the region are performing. However, all the constituent countries do not have a proportional representation in the index. The country weights in the MSCI Emerging Markets Latin America Index are mostly Brazil 46.6%, Mexico 36.51%, Chile 9.79%, Colombia 4.17% and Peru 2.93% with sectors like materials, energy, consumer staples, common services and financials.
Looking at the Index from a technical macro standpoint we can see clearly almost 20 years of an (Wyckoff) accumulation period (with the launch in 1990 probably even longer) and sideways movement resulting in a kind of created bull flag signaling a continuous coming-in of buyers and losing steam of sellers.
Furthermore the monthly RSI is printing higher lows and higher highs which is an indicator for a steady uptrend and positive momentum shift towards the upside.
No doubt, Latin America is gonna flourish the next decade(s) marking a significant transformation, with the region poised to emerge as a major player on the global stage.
#USDZAR stuck between 18.95 and 18.20. USDZAR some interesting developments for the Rand bulls. 50dma < 200dma (death cross). 3 lower highs forming what could be a potential flat bottom triangle with the base at 18.10-18.20.
Some bullish characteristics here which could be shifting sentiment in favour of the bulls but it's still too early too call. Range bound between 18.95 and 18.20 now. A convincing break above or below the two levels will be needed to force a move in either direction.
#EEM Emerging markets poised for a breakup ?While not a perfect construction this does look like an inverse Head and Shoulders. A break above the neckline resistance at 39.85 should see this poised to move to 42.00 and then the target of 43.30 which is almost 9% higher. Note price has been consolidating above the 200dma now for 13 days which is quite significant and i think the probability favour an upside breakout.