Is the Cycle Over? Not Yet

Krishna Memani, Chief Investment Officer and Portfolio ManagerAre we coming to the end of the current cycle? Not yet, according to Chief Investment Officer Krishna Memani. While the current backdrop isn’t as positive as it was in 2017, there is enough momentum to carry the global economy into the second half of the year.For income-seeking investors, higher yields on the short end of the curve, floating-rate securities, and foreign non-dollar denominated bonds, particularly in emerging markets, look attractive given the current backdrop. The average real yield on sovereign local emerging market bonds is now over 3% as inflation has declined in most of the emerging world.On the equity side, we continue to favor non-U.S. and emerging market stocks, as well as cyclical growth companies in the United States. European equities are trading as cheap to U.S. equities as they have in 15 years. Valuations alone tell investors little, but there is enough economic momentum in Europe and its trading partners to provide a catalyst to unlock some of that value. See the 2018 Midyear Outlook for our complete views on the global economy and markets.Related: Will Trade Skirmishes End the Economic Cycle?Mutual funds and exchange traded funds are subject to market risk and volatility. Shares may gain or lose value.These views represent the opinions of OppenheimerFunds, Inc. and are not intended as investment advice or to predict or depict the performance of any investment. These views are as of the publication date, and are subject to change based on subsequent developments. Carefully consider fund investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Visit oppenheimerfunds.com or call your advisor for a prospectus with this and other fund information. Read it carefully before investing.OppenheimerFunds is not affiliated with Advisorpedia.©2018 OppenheimerFunds Distributor, Inc.Advertisement