Macroeconomic outlook benign for infrastructure


The infrastructure sector is expected to see a relatively benign year ahead however investors should remain aware of technological disruption, according to RARE Infrastructure.
The Sydney-based global listed infrastructure investment manager said that although it expected a stable operating environment in 2018, any deviation from expectations could cause an outsized movement in asset prices.
Also, while there might be volatility, RARE did not expect major corrections due to significant cash on the sidelines.
According to the manager, there would be three key themes that would drive the infrastructure market in 2018.
RARE Infrastructure’s co-chief executive and co-chief investment officer, Nick Langley, said: “First is asset based growth – companies investing in their underlying assets to generate future returns, rather than buying or building new assets.”
“Second is price elasticity of demand. We believe that, as companies need to be careful not to increase prices beyond the consumer’s willingness to pay.
“Third and arguably the theme with the greatest potential to change markets is technological disruption. Investors are starting to consider, and be wary of, the impacts of changes in technology on the way we utilise our infrastructure, and there may be some winners and losers out of that.”
According to Langley, the disrupters within the infrastructure sector included: the falling cost of battery energy storage, greater penetration of renewable power generation, increased inter-connection of electricity network and the greater prevalence of electric vehicles.
Some of the RARE’s funds are:
Recommended for you
JP Morgan Asset Management has appointed an ETF specialist from Vanguard as it seeks to expand its ETF range.
The alternative asset manager has expanded its Singapore office with a head of Asian distribution, representing a “critical step” for the Asian business, where it is seeking to launch new offerings.
Six Australasian sustainable funds closed in the last quarter, according to Morningstar, while 39 per cent of all strategies saw outflows during the period.
The bank and financial services firm has appointed its next CEO for Australia and New Zealand, while its previous chief for the region takes up a new position.