Earnings growth wrestles inflation for control of market narrative

Rising prices and higher-than-expected earnings shaped investor sentiment during the third week of October. Most of the companies reporting their 3Q21 numbers surpassed expectations. But their reports and forecasts were qualified by the shortages, input cost increases and supply chain issues they are facing.

Investors responded by pouring nearly $25 billion into EPFR-tracked Equity Funds, with 10 of the 11 major Sector Fund groups recording inflows for the week, and by stepping up their search for inflation protection. Bank Loan and Inflation Protection Funds took in over $1 billion apiece, and Cryptocurrency Funds extended their current inflow streak.

Graph depicting the 'Cumulative flows, as percentage of Assets under management, for major money market fund groups, from 2016 to date'.

Graph depicting 'Change, in basis points for GEM equity fund allocations to major markets, 2021 to date'.

Did you find this useful? Get our EPFR Insights delivered to your inbox.

Related Posts

Investors feel the squeeze in early April

Investors feel the squeeze in early April

There were some unwelcome additions to the “higher for longer” list during the first week of April as geopolitical risks and energy prices joined US interest rates on the tally sheet. Fears that Iran will become directly involved in Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza and Ukraine’s drone campaign against Russian refineries pushed oil prices towards a six-month high.

Better, More Actionable Insights

Let us show you how EPFR can create value for your specific strategy