Just 4.5pc of finance professional opted for a V-shape recovery from current slump

Recession: 95pc of finance professionals expect downturn to continue
Just one in 20 money professionals believes that the economy will stage a sharp “V-shaped” recovery from the current slump, according to a survey by Barclays Capital.

By Richard Evans
Published: 9:09PM BST 02 Jun 2009


Photo: PA When the investment bank asked experts what they expected the trajectory of the global economy to be this year and next, 37.5pc predicted a W-shape – temporary recovery, before renewed weakness – and 31.5pc a U-shape, representing weak growth for some time before gradual recovery. Another 26.5pc favoured the L-shape: growth remaining weak for a protracted period.

Just 4.5pc opted for a V-shape – weakness and then sharp recovery – according to the survey of 605 professionals, who worked for a broad range of foreign exchange investors including hedge funds, real money managers, proprietary trading desks and corporates.

The pessimism about the economy was reflected in experts' opinions about the recent rally in "risky assets" such as shares.

Thirty-seven per cent said they thought we were in a bear market rally close to ending, while 23.5pc said it was a bear market rally with further to go, a bearish total of over 60pc; 22pc thought it sustainable but that further gains were unlikely, and 17.5pc said risky assets had further to rally.

“The recent strong performance of risky assets is seen by investors as a ‘bear market rally’ that is close to ending,” the bank said. “This is consistent with the general view that any global economic recovery over the next year will be shallow or temporary – U or W-shaped.”

Barclays also asked the finance professionals to select the currencies most likely to rise and fall. As favourite to rise, the pound was narrowly beaten by the Australian dollar, while the American dollar was seen as most likely to weaken.

"The choice of the most attractive long currency trading position was a close-run contest between sterling and the American dollar, with the latter eventually winning," Barclays said. "The US dollar was seen as the most attractive short currency position."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/investing/5431622/Recession-95pc-of-finance-professionals-expect-downturn-to-continue.html