Commodities
December 2024
- In 2025 it will be paramount to actively manage risk
- Price strength in USD and oil could limit demand in EM and provide an opportunity for us to position for the next cycle
- Commodities remain an undervalued asset class that in the coming year could offer more relative value opportunities
1. What do you think could be the biggest challenge or opportunity for clients in 2025?
With changes in both the political and geopolitical spectrum, market conditions are likely to be challenging next year. It will be paramount to actively manage risk or rely on people who do so. There will be a trade-off between taking advantage of market dislocations to position for the medium term and ensuring that downside volatility is mitigated through portfolio diversification and reactivity.
2. What do you see as the one major investment opportunity for you in 2025 and how can you capitalise on it?
Today, it is hard to see to what extent the dollar strength will continue into next year. At the time of writing, even forces are supporting the greenback and, as such, depressing commodities. Price strength in both USD and oil are going to limit demand in emerging markets and reprice oil's fair value. This will be an opportunity to position ourselves for the next cycle.
3. What is the biggest risk to your asset class next year and how can you mitigate that risk, or even turn it into an advantage?
Commodities would not do well in a global meltdown unless it happens in a highly inflationary environment. The coming year will likely offer more relative value opportunities rather than seeking alpha only in directionality. Commodities remain an undervalued asset class that we believe will outperform other asset classes in case of a liquidity or credit event.
Maximilian Tomei, CEO of Galena, manages the GAM Commodities strategy for GAM Investments.
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