30 | 2023 Investment Outlook | December 12, 2022 ƒ Most recently, we have also been adding selectively to our positioning in EM currencies, where compensation appears comparatively attractive, given the level of risk. On the hard currency side, we maintain a slight preference for EM corporate over sovereign debt. What We Are Watching ƒ We continue to evaluate all opportunities on a bottom-up, country-by-country and company- by-company basis, as we believe this to be the best way to find attractive EM turnaround stories. ƒ We recognize, however, that the broad asset class remains more sensitive to macro conditions and market sentiment at present. So we continue to monitor developments in key global markets, such as the U.S. and China, and their impact on the asset class. “We remain particularly optimistic about EM local interest rates, as real yield differentials between emerging and developed markets appear very attractive.” 1 J.P. Morgan, Global Emerging Markets Research: EM Flows Weekly, November 18, 2022. Risk Considerations: The value of investments may increase or decrease in response to economic and financial events (whether real or perceived) in the U.S. and global markets. The strategy employs an "absolute return" investment approach, benchmarking itself to an index of cash instruments and seeking to achieve returns that are largely independent of broad movements in stocks and bonds. Investments in foreign instruments or currencies can involve greater risk and volatility than U.S. investments because of adverse market, economic, political, regulatory, geopolitical, currency exchange rates or other conditions. In emerging or frontier countries, these risks may be more significant. Investments in debt instruments may be affected by changes in the creditworthiness of the issuer and are subject to the risk of non-payment of principal and interest. The value of income securities also may decline because of real or perceived concerns about the issuer's ability to make principal and interest payments. Exposure to derivatives involves risks different from, or possibly greater than, the risks associated with investing directly in securities and other investments. As interest rates rise, the value of certain income investments is likely to decline. The value of commodities investments will generally be affected by overall market movements and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity, including weather, embargoes, tariffs, or health, political, international and regulatory developments.
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