Short-term investor sentiment has driven markets at the expense of long-term investment thinking during a markedly volatile 2011, says HSBC Global Asset Management. But this has created what it believes to be a potentially attractive set of investment opportunities for 2012 for those with a longer-term perspective.

In its global outlook for 2012, HSBC argues that frequent rotations in sentiment in markets reflect the fact that officials have been applying a ‘band-aid’ approach to addressing fundamental problems — acting only when faced with severe market pressure, and only then delivering just enough to stem the tide in the short run. This has currently investors focused on whether European policymakers will be able to deliver a comprehensive long-term solution to deal with the eurozone crisis.

Given the risks to the outlook, many investors have flocked to ‘safe havens’ this year, forcing the gold price to record highs and government bond yields to the lowest levels for a generation. This puts some government bonds in a position where returns may be negative when inflation is taken into account, the report notes. HSBC’s clear long-term view is that equities offer the best value in 2012 even though short-term performance is likely to remain volatile. Many companies are in solid financial shape, having applied their own austerity measures. Balance sheet strength in turn supports the outlook for ongoing growth in dividends paid out to investors.

Marc Cevey, CEO at HSBC Global Asset Management (Canada) Limited confirmed that: “Economic growth is likely to remain under pressure in 2012. Although many European companies have robust finances, a lack of confidence has simply deterred them from investing. However, we believe that this ignores two key positive factors which point to a brighter long-term future for investors: firstly, many firms based in the Western world are increasingly benefiting from profits in emerging markets and, secondly, while the macro outlook for developed markets may continue to be a drag, emerging market equities look set to benefit from a much more supportive economic environment in the region.”

A combination of inflation and the industrialization of emerging markets favour physical assets like property and commodities, says HSBC. A positive supply and demand picture also supports the outlook for commodities.

Cevey said: “Canada is well positioned to continue to benefit from demand in emerging markets. China’s decision to loosen monetary policy bodes well for a soft landing for the Chinese economy. This should help support demand for key commodities produced in Canada. Commodity prices came under pressure in November and early December, but we think the long-term demand picture is still promising.”

In the United States, consumer spending is a key driver of growth, and although the outlook for the U.S. economy remains tough, particularly as unemployment is high, the U.S. does appear to be seeing stronger growth than other developed economies. This may provide some support to 2012 corporate earnings, at least compared with other developed markets, especially if economic stimulus measures are extended into 2012.

Equities are also attractively valued in Latin America on a price to earnings multiple of around nine times 2012 earnings. Fears around the continued strength of commodities have led to concerns about the risks to the outlook for this region, but HSBC believes the likelihood of a crash similar to that seen in 2008/2009 is low.

Moving to the export-heavy Asian countries, the global slowdown has clearly had an impact but HSBC still views the backdrop favourably, with economies offering stronger growth than the West. Inflation is showing signs of moderating and looser fiscal policies could help boost consumer demand in 2012, which would be positive for the region’s economies and equity markets.

Within Asia, HSBC favours Chinese equities where in its view valuations are currently attractive. The market is currently trading on about 8 times 2012 earnings. Rapid rises in residential real estate prices in China could reverse and become destabiliszng to parts of the economy, but HSBC believes a soft landing is the most likely outcome.