Financial professionals surveyed in Hong Kong were amongst the top three most pessimistic about global equities in 2020.

At minus 9.5 percent, the city was the third most pessimistic when asked about MSCI World’s performance for the year behind only Germany (-12.8 percent) and Australia (-13.4 percent), according to a recent survey by Natixis. 

Volatility was cited as the top concern (74 percent of respondents) followed by recession fears (70 percent). Low yields and liquidity were cited as issues by only 18 percent and 15 percent of respondents, respectively.

Worldwide, financial professionals in Italy led the ranks (-5.8 percent) in terms of optimism about global stocks followed by the U.S. (-6.1 percent) and the U.K. (-6.9 percent).

Going in Blind

Despite the pessimism of Hong Kong’s professionals, they believe that individual investors are more poorly positioned to understanding the situation. 67 percent of respondents said individuals investors were unprepared for a market downturn.

What’s more, actual understanding of market history and dynamics was also viewed as limited. 70 percent of respondents suspected investors «forgot that the longevity of the bull market was unprecedented» while 75 percent said personal risk tolerance was poorly understood until losses are realized.

Chance to Shine

According to Natixis, the increasing market headwinds create an opportunity for asset and wealth managers to showcase their capabilities.

«The crisis has been a perfect storm for emotional investment decision-making, and with the downturn exposing the limitations of passive investing, the vast majority of advisors are looking to active management in the current environment,» said Madeline Ho, APAC head of wholesale fund distribution at Natixis Investment Managers. 

 «Financial professionals can show their value by talking with clients in real terms about risk and return expectations, helping them build resilient portfolios and how to keep emotions in check during market swings,» added Dave Goodsell, an executive director at Natixis’ «Center for Investor Insight».