2018 Annual Outlook: Peak Central Bank

In 2017, investors experienced the best of all possible worlds—uncommon synchronized global growth, strong acceleration in corporate earnings and continuing unprecedented monetary support—that fueled capital market appreciation across the globe. However, investors face a looming milestone in 2018, as they approach Peak Central Bank. The U.S. is well into its monetary normalization phase and other countries will begin to follow. Will the impact of shrinking central bank balance sheets remove the support investors have enjoyed for nearly a decade? Will the status quo of buying every dip be replaced with volatility and sharper corrections, causing investors to sell and seek comfort in cash?