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And just like that, everything changed

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By Michael O’Connor

I spoke last week about the fragility of the most recent upward trend in markets.

We are in the interlude between inflation peaking and economic data slowing, a momentary sweet spot if you will.

Well, the interlude is over, and the sweet spot is no more, ground to a shuddering halt by a direct and concise message of intent from Fed chair Jerome Powell on Friday.

“While higher interest rates, slower growth, and softer labour market conditions will bring down inflation, they will also bring some pain to households and businesses. These are the unfortunate costs of reducing inflation but a failure to restore price stability would mean far greater pain.”

In short, don’t be surprised to see more market volatility and economic pain as interest rates continue to rise in an effort to cool inflation.

Sometimes pain is for the greater good, apparently.

Outlook

After clawing back over 50% of their losses, stocks are at a crossroads.

As we move away from inflationary woes toward economic growth concerns, market uncertainty will most likely result in back-and-forth trading with no clear direction in site.

As I mentioned previously, the V-shaped recoveries we have come to know and love over the last 2+ years are far less likely.

The liquidity and support that fuelled previous reversals are now being stripped out of markets. Fundamentals will continue to be reset to account for this.

Expectations will need to be moderate as we enter a period of slower growth.

My Predictions

None of the major asset classes looks overly attractive in this market over the short term.

Stocks and bonds continue to reset, and the point of entry remains unclear given the risks that remain.

With that said, buyers remain on the sidelines and using any pullbacks as a chance to top up on high-quality stocks with strong free cash flow is advised.

Although fundamentals are being reset as future earnings get revised downwards, many of these high-quality names are more profitable than ever and have the capital on hand to buy-up market opportunities where they see fit.

Funding these purchases by reducing your positions in non-profitable growth is also advised.

Many of the pandemic high-flyers will continue to bleed out.

Supply/demand issues should keep oil prices elevated over the medium term but expect considerable volatility. Some high dividend energy companies should provide some attractive yields in the process.

Bonds continue to add to their allure as the equity risk premium gets reduced, but interest rates have yet to reach their ceiling. With that said, the 10-year Treasury at 3.5% seems like a solid entry point to build up long-term exposure.

While I believe that interest rates will be higher for longer, I don’t believe that rates can remain elevated for very long, making treasuries an interesting investment.

The current aggressive Fed policy that brings interest rates to these higher levels will initiate an economic slowdown that is only alleviated by reducing the very rates that caused the slowdown in the first place.

And round and round we go.

For free weekly stock tips and direct access to my personal investment portfolio, go to www.theislandinvestor.com.

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Paralympic legend Jason Smyth visits St Brendan’s

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Paralympic legend Jason Smyth visits St Brendan’s


World renowned Paralympian and world record holder Jason Smyth paid a visit to St Brendan’s College on Wednesday afternoon as part of a high profile visit to Killarney.


The six time Paralympic gold medallist spoke to second year students from St Brendan’s College, alongside students from neighbouring schools St Brigid’s Presentation Secondary School and Killarney Community College.
The interactive talk and interview took place ahead of World Sight Day, with the legendary sprinter sharing his personal journey with Stargardt disease, a genetic eye condition that left him legally blind at eight years old.
The Derry native, who holds the world record as the fastest Paralympian on earth over 100 metres, offered inspiring insights into overcoming physical adversity and achieving success at the highest level of world sport.
The school visit formed the opening leg of his Killarney schedule before he took centre stage later on Wednesday evening at The Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa.
Smyth headlined An Evening with Paralympian Jason Smyth, an event organised by the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce as part of its winter schedule, sponsored by AIB.

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Deerpark Retail Park placed on market for fifteen million euro

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Deerpark Retail Park in Killarney has officially been placed on the market with a guide price in excess of 15.4 million euro, excluding VAT.

International real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield has been appointed as the sole sales agent to handle the high-profile commercial property sale on behalf of its current owner, Investcorp.

Investcorp, a global investment management firm headquartered in Bahrain, had previously acquired the prominent shopping complex.


The sale represents one of the largest commercial property offerings to launch in County Kerry this year.

Located roughly 1.3 kilometres west of Killarney town centre, the scheme enjoys strong regional connectivity and sits adjacent to independently owned operations including a Tesco Extra store, a Tesco petrol filling station, JYSK, and Aldi.


Constructed in 2006, the development extends across approximately 10,482 square metres, or 112,835 square feet.

The scheme comprises a mix of modern retail warehouse units and a complementary neighbourhood centre, offering 13 individual units in total with Part Open and Part Bulky Use planning permission.

The units range in size from 94.6 square metres up to 1,994.9 square metres. Visitors have access to approximately 248 customer parking spaces across the commercial grounds.

The park is currently 100 per cent occupied by a strong line-up of established national and international brands.

Key retail tenants include Marks & Spencer, Boots, DID Electrical, Maxi Zoo, and Mountain Warehouse.

The neighbourhood centre element accommodates service and convenience operators such as Costa Coffee, Card Factory, and Salon B.

The first-floor accommodation is fully let to Peak Performance Academy, which provides additional rental diversification.

Additionally, the scheme benefits from an agreement with Tesla to operate eight electric vehicle charging bays within the customer car park.


Commercial figures show that the property generates a total current rental income of 1,326,458 euro per annum, with a weighted average unexpired lease term of 4.45 years to break options and 6.46 years to lease expiry.

Cushman & Wakefield noted that the quoted guide price of 15.4 million euro reflects a net initial yield of 7.83 per cent, assuming standard purchaser costs of 9.96 per cent.

The selling agents highlighted that the fully occupied asset offers investors an attractive income profile alongside scope for additional income generation through parking commercialisation.

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