Vanguard’s Annual Outlook Puts Spotlight on “Higher-For-Longer” Interest Rates and Robust 60/40 Portfolios

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VALLEY FORGE, PA — In its recently released annual report titled “A Return to Sound Money,” Vanguard, the Pennsylvania-based investment management company, has provided investors with a comprehensive economic roadmap. The report delves into key themes that will drive global financial markets, including the impact of “higher-for-longer” interest rates, policy shifts, and asset class valuations.

Joe Davis, Vanguard’s Global Chief Economist and Global Head of Investment Strategy Group, shared that elevated interest rates will become the new standard for many economies across the globe. While this shift is expected to cause near-term financial market volatility, Davis believes that long-term and diversified investors could benefit from a return to positive real rates.

Higher interest rates are set to influence borrowing decisions, increase capital costs, and promote saving for consumers and businesses. Governments will need to reassess fiscal outlooks due to rising deficits and higher interest rates, heightening concerns about fiscal sustainability. With central banks expected to gain confidence in achieving inflation targets, policy rate cuts could become more likely in the second half of 2024.

Despite these changes, Vanguard’s research suggests that the neutral interest rate has increased due to factors like demographics, productivity growth, and higher structural fiscal deficits. As a result, policy rates are predicted to remain at elevated levels compared to periods following the Global Financial Crisis and COVID-19 pandemic.

Vanguard’s annual outlook also makes a strong case for maintaining a diversified portfolio. Long-term investors in 60/40 portfolios (60% equities and 40% bonds) have seen a significant rise in the probability of a nominal return of 7%, partly due to higher interest rates boosting bond return expectations.

However, the higher-rate environment is anticipated to depress asset price valuations across global markets and squeeze profit margins, making it more expensive for corporations to issue and refinance debt.

Vanguard’s updated 10-year annualized return projections are as follows:

  • Global bonds: 4.7%-5.7%
  • U.S. bonds: 4.8%-5.8%
  • Global equities (developed): 7.0%-9.0%
  • Global equities (emerging): 6.6%-8.6%
  • U.S. equities: 4.2%–6.2%

These projections are based on simulations from the Vanguard Capital Markets Model (VCMM) and are hypothetical in nature, not reflecting actual investment results or guaranteeing future outcomes. The findings emphasize the importance of long-term investment strategies and portfolio diversification in navigating the evolving economic landscape.

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