Investing in High-Growth Economies: A Risky Move?

  • High-growth countries have lower stock market returns
  • Increased risk in high-growth countries
  • Possible reasons: missed expectations, government intervention, weaker currency affecting dollar-denominated returns

A study by Derek Horstmeyer, Nicholas Kline, and Yashkaran Sidhu reveals that countries with the highest GDP growth rates tend to have lower stock market returns. The top quartile of high-growth countries experienced an average annualized return of just 0.10% over 10 years, while the bottom quartile had a 3.42% return. High-growth countries also come with increased risk. Possible reasons include missed expectations, government intervention, and weaker currencies affecting dollar-denominated returns. US-based investors should consider protecting against potential currency devaluation when investing in these markets.

Factuality Level: 8
Factuality Justification: The article presents a well-researched and analyzed topic with clear findings and explanations. It provides data from various countries’ stock market returns and GDP growth rates, and offers potential reasons for the observed results. The author also includes relevant examples and insights from their research. However, it could have provided more context on the methodology used in the analysis and a broader discussion of the implications of these findings for investors.
Noise Level: 6
Noise Justification: The article provides a unique and interesting insight into the relationship between GDP growth rates and stock market returns, which is relevant to investors. However, it lacks some depth in explaining the reasons behind the findings and could have included more examples or data to support its claims. Additionally, the conclusion could be clearer and more actionable for readers.
Key People: Derek Horstmeyer (Professor of Finance at Costello College of Business, George Mason University), Nicholas Kline (Research Assistant), Yashkaran Sidhu (Research Assistant)

Financial Relevance: Yes
Financial Markets Impacted: Yes
Financial Rating Justification: The article discusses the relationship between a country’s GDP growth rate and its stock market returns, as well as the impact of currency on these returns. It also provides insights for U.S.-based investors to consider when investing in emerging markets.
Presence Of Extreme Event: No
Nature Of Extreme Event: Other
Impact Rating Of The Extreme Event: No
Extreme Rating Justification: There is no extreme event mentioned in the article and it doesn’t discuss any recent events.
Move Size: No market move size mentioned.
Sector: All
Direction: Down
Magnitude: Large
Affected Instruments: Stocks

Reported publicly: www.wsj.com