Four trends in eurozone equities that may surprise you

After a decade of underperformance, eurozone equities are finally roaring back.

The MSCI EMU Index of stocks across the 10 developed markets in the Economic and Monetary Union is up 16.0% in dollar terms this year versus 9.7% for the MSCI All-Country World ex US Index.

In fact, in local currency terms, eurozone equities have even rallied as much as their US peers.

So why has investor sentiment turned so bullish on the region? Here are four emerging trends about eurozone equities that may surprise you.  

1. Many “old economy” sectors are no longer in the return driving seat

The eurozone is often perceived to offer high market exposure to “old economy” sectors such as financials and low exposure to growth-orientated sectors such as technology.

However, while this was once true, it no longer is. Over the past decade, the market cap weight of IT stocks in the eurozone has more than tripled from 4.5% to 14.3%. This has made IT the third largest sector in the region.

Meanwhile, financials have seen their weight collapse by 11.1%, down from 25.2% in 2010 to 14.1% today.

2. The eurozone has shifted from a value-bias to a growth-bias

One consequence of the eurozone’s changing sector mix is that growth stocks (i.e. those with above-average forecast profit growth) have become a more important source of returns.
 
For example, 78% of consumer discretionary stocks (the largest sector in terms of market cap) are classified as having a growth tilt by the index provider MSCI. The IT sector also has a strong growth bias.

On the other hand, the sectors which have the least exposure to the growth style (financials, utilities, and energy) are also those which have shrunk most as a proportion of the market.

European Equities fund manager Martin Skanberg said: “The eurozone’s profile has changed in recent years. The region is home to many innovative, fast-growing companies but investors’ perceptions have not necessarily kept up with that reality.

“There are numerous companies in the eurozone who are environmental leaders. Such firms will only see demand for their products and services increase due to the imperative of meeting climate goals. These aren’t just companies operating in power generation but also, for example, suppliers in the materials or industrials sectors who are helping to create more efficient, environmentally-friendly products.

“Then there are the technology leaders. Notable among these are semiconductor equipment firms who are well-placed to benefit as the world digitalises and chipmakers build out capacity while also seeking to re-shore supply chains. 

“We can also point to the life sciences sector where Europe is a global leader; one example is the novel mRNA vaccine used not only for Covid vaccines but also enabling a new range of immunotherapies in the near future. Many of the building blocks and equipment are supplied by European firms.

“There is substantial fiscal stimulus still coming through in Europe in the wake of the pandemic, with a particular focus on the €750 billion Next Generation EU scheme. This is designed to build a greener, more digital and more resilient Europe. Companies whose products and services can make that a reality should continue to see robust demand.”

3. Analyst sentiment is turning more bullish

After a difficult 2020, the eurozone is experiencing a bounce-back in profit expectations. For instance, the 13-week earnings revision ratio (upgrades vs downgrades) has been rising faster in the eurozone compared to the rest of the world.    

Historically, whenever analysts have become relatively more upbeat in their assessment of future expected earnings, eurozone equities have outperformed global equities, as shown in the next chart.

4. Eurozone valuations have re-rated

With profit forecasts being revised upwards and an improving sector composition, investors are slowly reappraising the investment case for the eurozone.

For example, on a forward P/E basis, the MSCI EMU Index now trades at a growing premium to other non-US markets (MSCI All-Country World ex US/EMU Index). This is a welcome change as better growth prospects should warrant a higher valuation.

Eurozone valuations have not narrowed against the US, which has a much larger IT sector (29% of the index) and growth style tilt.   

Martin Skanberg said: “It’s been a strong year so far for corporate profits. However, price pressures are now coming through on a number of fronts, including logistics/transport as well as from rising raw materials costs. Demand has been so buoyant that most sectors can simply pass on these rising costs but some areas are starting to feel the squeeze. Investors will need to be selective in picking those companies who have pricing power and can protect their profit margins.

“The end to deflation is real, and rising costs are becoming more endemic throughout the entire economy. Rising wage expectations will likely anchor higher inflation.

“Ultimately central banks will need to alter monetary policies with profound implication for asset allocation. A new set of winners will of course emerge, but the equity playbook of the last two decades may well need to be read in reverse.”

The eurozone deserves a second look

After years of underperformance, market sentiment towards the eurozone has finally turned a corner.

Sector composition is now much more diversified than in the past, exposure to growth-orientated sectors has risen and earnings momentum is currently stronger than the rest of the world.     

Taken together, this suggests a brighter future for the region. With valuation momentum underway, investors would be wise to reconsider their scepticism towards the eurozone.