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Outlook 2017

Investment Insights
January 2017

Navigating a
World in
Transition
Growth amid volatility Political, Economic Uncertainty Signal a World in Transition
Amid Shifting Political Landscape and Muted Growth, Should Investors Reset Their Expectations?

The U.S. election and the Global growth continues at a weak pace, but the U.S. and some emerging markets are bright spots
Brexit vote have raised
questions about global trade.
In addition, historically low 2016 GDP (%) (estimated) 2017 GDP (%) (estimated)
interest rates globally have U.S. Europe China Emerging Japan
driven up asset prices. As 8 years into recovery, Beaten-down region Stimulus, tech sector Markets Stuck in low gear,
a result as you think about still the best house on offers opportunity, fueling growth Emerging markets turning to scal
winners and losers across the block but expect volatility have re-emerged stimulus
various industries and regions
clarity is in short supply. In +1.6 +2.2 +1.7 +1.5 +6.6 +6.2 +4.2 +4.6 +0.5 +0.6
spite of this, there are a lot of
interesting things happening Valuations are Lower Abroad
at individual companies.
Average Current
Martin Romo, Portfolio Manager

U.S. International
EM
CYCLICALLY ADJUSTED P/E RATIOS

Sources: International Monetary Fund, Investors enter 2017 facing a world consider the potential consequences of Europe remains highly challenged,
World Economic Outlook Database, in transition. The surprise result of the years of such policies. with uncertainty about the future of the
October 2016; MSCI; RIMES; Thomson U.S. presidential election and the European Union, low growth and high
Reuters Datastream. Cyclically adjusted That said, the global economy continues unemployment. Yet many companies are
P/E ratios are the index price divided by
earlier Brexit vote in the U.K. in part
along its low-growth path, but there rising above regional woes and valua-
the average of the previous 10 years of reflect potential populist sentiment that
are a number of bright spots. In the tions appear relatively compelling.
inflation-adjusted earnings for the 10 years appears to be challenging the decades-
ended 11/30/16.
U.S., despite the political uncertainty,
long march of globalization. Chinas economy continues to grow,
a strengthening consumer is driving
The uncertainty brought on by this politi- stronger growth. A large fiscal stimulus supported by aggressive stimulus and a
Investments are not FDIC-insured, cal shift, paired with muted economic under the new administration could healthier property market. And in many
nor are they deposits of or guaran- growth across much of the world, well provide another boost to the U.S. emerging markets the rebound that
teed by a bank or any other entity, leaves many economies vulnerable to economy. Valuations in many areas of began in 2016 appears to have momen-
so they may lose value. shocks. Whats more, recognizing that the U.S. market appear stretched, but tum, supported by higher commodities
Past results are not predictive of aggressive central bank stimulus may with a pickup in earnings, the market prices and Chinas turnaround.
results in future periods. have reached its limits, investors must may not remain so expensive.

1 | 2017 Outlook January 2017


Growth amid volatility With Election Behind Us, U.S. Consumer Leads Recovery Onward
The American Expansion Is Strengthening; but After a Lengthy Run, Selective Investing Is Critical

With the presidential election Valuations in most areas of the U.S. market are above their long-term averages
behind us, I think the economy
is more likely to accelerate than 45 Cyclically adjusted P/E ratios
decelerate. But we remain in
a low-return environment and 40 10-Year Average Current Consumer
stocks are fully valued. I want to health offsetting
stay involved in the innovative 35 industrial
technology companies that are weakness
30
remaking the world. With the
oil price stabilizing, I also am 25
interested in certain energy and
industrial companies. Average hourly
20
earnings +2.5%
Mike Kerr, Portfolio Manager
15 Unemployment 4.6%
10 Household debt
service ratio 10.0%
5
Capital goods
orders 0.2%
0
Energy Materials Industrials Consumer Consumer Health Financials IT Telecom Utilities
Discretion Staples Care

Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Uncertainty over the direction of the partly offset by relatively weak, albeit
U.S. Commerce Department, MSCI, Trump administration may linger for recovering, industrial activity so expect With proven growth at a premium,
RIMES, Thomson Reuters Datastream months. But questions about the future modest growth. look for innovative companies that are
as of 11/30/16. Cyclically adjusted P/E transforming the business landscape.
ratios are the index price divided by
of trade policy may be partially offset by
After years of gains, most U.S. stocks For example, online retailer Amazon
the average of the previous 10 years of prospects for lower corporate taxes and
appear fully valued. As of September is changing the way consumers shop
inflation-adjusted earnings for the 10 years other business-friendly policies.
ended 11/30/16. Average hourly earnings
30, 2016, the cyclically adjusted price- and internet search giant Google is
and unemployment rate as of 11/30/16. With the election behind us, the U.S. to-earnings ratio for the MSCI USA Index among the pioneers of driverless
Household debt service ratio represents expansion, well into its seventh year, was 24.1, above the indexs long-term cars. In addition, select companies
ratio of debt to household net worth as of continues to show age is just a number. average. That said, the prospect of tax in oil exploration and servicing, like
6/30/16. Capital goods orders include non- With no obvious signs of excesses in cuts and infrastructure spending by the
military capital goods excluding aircraft as
Chevron and Schlumberger, may offer
of 10/31/16.
the economy, look for continued growth Trump administration could provide long-term value potential.
in 2017, driven by a strengthening a tailwind for corporate earnings.
consumer. The U.S. remains a tale of However, with equities priced for a solid
two economies with consumer health year, selective investing is essential.

2017 Outlook January 2017 | 2


Growth amid volatility After Wave of Setbacks, Europe Is Still Playing Catch-Up
Political and Economic Uncertainty Blanket the Landscape, but Some Companies Are Thriving

Europe faces a great deal Compared with U.S. counterparts, some International stocks have trailed U.S.
of political and economic European companies are attractively valued equities since the Global Financial Crisis
uncertainty. But if the euro holds
together, the European markets
valuation differential with the
JP MORGAN CHASE & CO. 11.06
U.S. is not justifiable. When you BNP PARIBAS 8.59
get political stability, share prices BANKS
can improve very quickly. We will
get much more clarity on this in
EXXON MOBIL 21.92
the coming months. TOTAL 11.74
OIL & GAS
Andrew Suzman, Portfolio Manager

ELI LILLY 19.66 84


MONTHS*
NOVARTIS 15.23
PHARMACEUTICALS

COLGATE-PALMOLIVE 23.85
UNILEVER DR 20.15
PERSONAL PRODUCTS

U.S. Company European Company 12-Month Forward Price-to-Earnings Ratio

Source: RIMES, Thomson Reuters Deflationary pressures, weak economic EU stability is rapidly becoming the
Datastream as of 11/30/16. growth and mounting political risks are biggest new threat to Europes uneasy Select European companies are
* MSCI EAFE Index vs. the S&P 500 Index weighing on the outlook for the Euro- recovery from the 200809 financial crisis. overcoming regional challenges.
rolling 3-year returns as of 11/30/16. The currency depreciation brought
pean economy. Negative interest rates
The rate of economic growth in the euro on by the U.K.s Brexit vote has been
are slamming the banking sector and
zone is likely to be lower on average a tailwind for exporters, including
corporate earnings, although improving,
than it has been in the past. Previous select luxury retailers. For example, a
remain stuck in low gear.
expectations for annualized growth of devalued pound is making Burberry
Meanwhile, political uncertainty is 2% to 2.5% are now giving way to more coats and scarves less expensive for
growing throughout the region as the pessimistic forecasts of 1% to 1.5%. That overseas buyers. Health care compa-
U.K.s June 23 vote to leave the Euro- kind of anemic growth leaves Europe nies with innovative therapies have
pean Union and Trumps rise to the U.S. vulnerable to outside shocks, such as also fared well. Swiss-based Novartis
presidency may bolster support for further slowing of Chinas economy or a has seen increasing sales of its heart
nationalist, anti-immigration movements. potential recession in the United States. drug, Entresto.

3 | 2017 Outlook January 2017


Growth amid volatility India Rising: Developing Nation Buys Into Consumption Society
Modernization of the Asian Nation Is Moving Rapidly, and May Only Be Getting Started

India has a lot going for Households that own durable goods (%), as of 2015
it in terms of favorable
Households That Own Durable Goods (%), as of 2015
demographics, the possibility of
a downward trend in inflation 40 77
and a substantial reform agenda. 13 25
If reforms are forthcoming, its
economy could really take off, GLOBAL AVERAGE
similar to the way Chinas did. INDIA

Nick Grace, Portfolio Manager 67 90


9 67

AIR CONDITIONERS REFRIGERATORS

WASHING MACHINES TELEVISIONS

Source: Euromonitor International. Data India embarked on a journey about When it comes to being an economic
are based on possession rate, which is a 25 years ago, opening its doors to powerhouse, India may just be getting Over the next decade, about 150
measure of how many of the population
globalization and world markets. Since started. The chart above shows the million people will enter Indias work-
units used (e.g., households) own at least force. Thats about the size of the entire
one unit of a certain product, as defined then, the country has become one of country still lags much of the world in
the most important components of the owning items such as refrigerators and U.S. working population. A swelling
by Euromonitor.
global economy. Indias growth has air conditioners. But modernization is labor force makes it likely India will
overtaken that of fellow Asian giant progressing at a relatively rapid rate. continue to be a massive market for
China. One of the key components of Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, consumer companies around the
the countrys economic growth is brisk highways, airports and railways are world. For example, Korean personal
consumer spending, which propelled being improved, which could provide electronics and appliance maker
growth in Indias economy to 7.3% for opportunities for companies and boost Samsung and Japans Sony Corp.
the 12 months ended September 30. the economy. have operations in India.

2017 Outlook January 2017 | 4


Growth amid volatility In Emerging Markets, a Tech-Tonic Shift Is Taking Place
The New Face of Emerging Markets Looks a Lot More Tech, and a Lot Less Commodities

During the next 10 years, A new breed of companies is helping to drive growth in the developing world
developing countries are
expected to add about a billion 10 largest companies by market capitalization in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index
people to the middle class 1996 2006 2016
and above. These emerging Telekom Malaysia Gazprom Samsung Electronics
economies will account for nearly Eletrobras Samsung Electronics Taiwan Semiconductor Mfg
half of total global consumption. Telekomunikasi Indonesia Petrobras Tencent
I believe that is going to have a Telebras China Mobile Alibaba
transformational impact on the
Tenaga Nasional Taiwan Semiconductor Mfg China Mobile
worlds economy.
Malayan Banking America Movil Naspers
Noriko Chen, Portfolio Manager Telmex Telefonos Mex Lukoil Holding China Construction Bk
De Beers ConsD Mines Hon Hai Precision Ind Baidu
Cathay Life Insurance Kookmin Bank ICBC
Sime Darby Petrochina Hon Hai Precision Ind

23% 30% 24% TECHNOLOGY

13% 14% 15% ENERGY / MATERIALS


3% 11% 6% TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Sources: MSCI, RIMES as of 11/30/16. Emerging markets are bouncing back Times have changed in emerging
Top holdings are as of 12/31/96, 12/31/06 after a tough stretch the past few markets. As the chart shows, materials EM valuations look attractive
and 11/30/16. years. Currencies have strengthened, and energy companies used to be key compared with developed markets,
commodity prices have stabilized and components of developing markets, but and earnings in aggregate are fore-
global interest rates remain low. Condi- the focus has shifted to technology and cast to grow. Our research suggests
tions appear to be less bad in Brazil, consumer companies that are benefiting a focus on companies that stand
where a new government is pursuing from rapid adoption of mobile phones, to benefit from increasing internet
fiscal reforms, and in Russia, where increasing internet use and rising wealth. penetration rates and rising wealth in
economic growth appears set to resume Growing populations will continue to developing countries, such as Asian
amid stronger oil prices and prudent shape consumption habits. Consider technology firms, Indian banks or U.S.
central bank policies. However, some that most of the worlds 2 billion millen- technology companies operating in
fear the election of Donald Trump in the nials (those born from 1980 to 2000) are emerging markets.
U.S. may impact global trade. living in emerging markets.

5 | 2017 Outlook January 2017


Growth amid volatility Dividend Income Is Hard to Find. Consider Searching Overseas
A Wide Range of Companies Abroad Pay Significant Dividends, but Be Mindful of the Risks

We do find higher dividend Dividends have played a key role in The world is a fertile hunting
yields outside the U.S. Also, the global equity returns ground for yield
U.S. equity market has done
better than a lot of other markets 10.4%
over the last five to six years, TOTAL RETURN STOCKS WITH YIELD
so the valuations of dividend- PRICE RETURN HIGHER THAN 3%
DIVIDEND RETURN
paying companies in other places
are looking more attractive in 6.6%
certain cases.
INTERNATIONAL
5.7%
Joyce Gordon, Portfolio Manager
EMERGING
399
MARKETS

3.1% 2.8%
304
2.0%
UNITED
STATES
U.S. INTERNATIONAL EMERGING MARKETS
124
2.1% 3.2% 2.6%
CURRENT DIVIDEND YIELD

Sources: MSCI, Capital Group, RIMES as of Dividends have historically played a traditional dividend payers in the U.S.,
11/30/16. Market returns are average annual significant role in driving total returns such as utilities and consumer staples, There is a broad range of companies
returns for the 15 years ended 11/30/16. for equity investors. In fact, since 2001, high above long-term averages. paying substantial dividends in devel-
dividends have accounted for more than oped and developing markets around
For investors willing to look beyond the world. Among these are European
half of average annual total returns in
U.S. borders, however, there are a financials such as Barclays and Pruden-
developed international markets.
significant number of companies in both tial, telecoms such as China Mobil and
Given the expectation for low to developed and emerging markets with Verizon, tech companies including
moderate global growth in 2017 and dividend yields greater than 3%. Keep Taiwan Semiconductor and IBM, and
beyond, dividends may take on even in mind, many of todays higher divi- oil and gas firms like Royal Dutch Shell
greater importance than they have since dend payers are in more economically in the U.K., Enbridge in Canada and
the start of the 21st century. sensitive areas than traditional dividend Chevron in the U.S.
payers. Given the risks, selectivity is key.
To be sure, strong demand for dividend
income has driven valuations for many

2017 Outlook January 2017 | 6


Sustainable income Sure, Rates Have Been Low for a Long Time. Expect More of the Same
Against a Backdrop of Weak Global Growth, Rates Can Stay Low for Much Longer

Interest rates are low because In the past, extended periods of low rates have been common
growth and inflation in the U.S.
have been relatively tame, and 16% U.S. Long-Term Government Bond Yields
foreign central banks continue
to buy bonds, pushing down 31 32 13.98% 8
YEARS OF YEARS OF YEARS OF
global yields. In order to see LOW LOW LOW
RATES RATES RATES
significantly higher yields, we 12
probably need to see both a
hawkish Fed and high inflation. The Long Depression The Great Depression
The probability of both of those (18731879) (19291939)
things happening seems low. 8
Ritchie Tuazon, Portfolio Manager
5.32%
4

The Great Recession


1.95% (20072009)
0
2.37%
1870 1885 1900 1915 1930 1945 1960 1975 1990 2005 2016

Sources: Federal Reserve, Robert Shiller, Rates drifted higher after the U.S. presi- if other factors, like global demand
Thomson Reuters Datastream. Data for dential election, as Trumps emphasis for Treasuries, persist in holding Interest rates look poised to remain rela-
18761961 represents average monthly on infrastructure spending and tax cuts them down. Central bankers may tively low for an extended period. Central
U.S. long-term government bond yields bankers around the world may err on the
compiled by Robert Shiller. Data for 1962
could lead to a higher budget deficit also prefer to allow the economy and
and higher inflation. Despite the rise, inflation to run hot for a while rather side of keeping policy accommodative,
2015 represents 10year Treasury yields,
as of December 31 each year within the rates remain relatively low by historical than tighten policy more aggressively. rather than risk recession. If rates do rise
period. Data for 2016 is as of November 30. standards and appear poised to remain only slowly, downside risk to bond prices
Although this 8-year period of low driven by rates will be limited. Despite
so for some time.
rates might seem long, history has monetary policymakers indicating that
Even if the Fed does continue to slowly shown that low-rate periods can carry they are comfortable with inflation rising
hike rates, it could have a relatively on for much longer. modestly above their usual target, the
modest impact on long-term yields market expects inflation to remain low.
As a result, Treasury Inflation-Protected
Securities (TIPS) may represent good
potential value.

7 | 2017 Outlook January 2017


Sustainable income Believe It or Not, U.S. Rates Are Actually Relatively High
In a World of Near-Zero Sovereign Yields, the U.S. Is a Standout in the Developed World

If youre a saver in a country with U.S. yields are tops in the developed world and emerging markets yields are
negative interest rates, where even higher, but consider the risks.
do you go? You go to a place
thats doing better, where rates
are positive, like the U.S. or
2.37%
emerging markets. 6.84 %
Mark Brett, Portfolio Manager
6.20%
1.42%

0.20%
0.02%

0.18%

UNITED UNITED GERMANY JAPAN SWITZERLAND EM (USD- EM (Local-


STATES KINGDOM denominated) denominated)

Source: Thomson Reuters Datastream as Global investors searching for yield in In addition to searching for yield
of 11/30/16. Developed market yields a world of negative rates can look to abroad, investors can also find oppor- For some time, investors have faced
represent 10-year government bond yields. the U.S. and U.K. for somewhat better tunities in higher yielding sectors, if extremely low yields, and in 2016 they
alternatives. However, as hedging costs comfortable with a higher risk profile. broadly plunged even lower. That
have risen in the latter part of 2016, the Emerging markets debt could offer may tempt some to accept higher risk
potential pickup in additional yield has such an opportunity, particularly for profiles to boost income. However,
begun to decline. U.S. dollar-denominated bonds, if prudent bond and sector selection is
hedging costs are lower than for local still necessary to seek capital preser-
currency-denominated debt. vation. Through U.S. credit exposure
or emerging markets bonds, fund
managers can rely on deep research
to provide a yield boost, while aiming
for relative safety.

2017 Outlook January 2017 | 8


Sustainable income Munis Remain Hard to Ignore for Income Seekers
Diverse Credits, Favorable Yield and Diversification Potential for Stock-Heavy Portfolios

The Trump agenda for tax Twice as much yield as taxable bonds is hard to ignore in a lower-for-longer world
reform and infrastructure by
itself seems unlikely to have Taxable-Equivalent Yields (for the 12 months ended 11/30/16)
Taxable-Equivalent Yields Pre-Tax Yields
a dramatic impact on munis in 6.2%
2017. Still, I expect returns will 5.8%
moderate overall and largely 5.2%
bond prices. Also, volatility
%
track the direction of Treasury U.S. Taxable Bonds 2.6% 4.7%
around distressed credits could
create sizable return potential in
certain pockets of the high-yield Investment-Grade 3.5% 3.3%
muni market.
Chad Rach, Portfolio Manager
Municipal Bonds
(Rated BBB/Baa 4.9% 2.9%
2.6%
and Above)

High-Yield
Municipal Bonds
(Rated BB/Ba 11.5%
and Below) Housing Hospital Education Local and State GO

Source: Bloomberg Index Services Ltd. In 2017, returns for munis are unlikely Revenue bonds such as those linked to
as of 11/30/16. Sector yields are for sectors to reach the heights of recent years. hospitals, schools or toll roads account In a low-yield world, the after-tax
within the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal For income-seeking investors, however, for more than two-thirds of the invest- income potential of munis remains
Bond Index, which is a broad measure of compelling. Investors comfortable
investment-grade municipal bonds.
munis remain unmissable. While bonds able universe. For this type of municipal
from Puerto Rico and Chicago have bond, the credit fundamentals of the with more volatility should consider
been in the headlines for the wrong corporate or nongovernmental issuer high-yield munis; theyve tended to be
reasons, its worth remembering that are what matter. So its deep bond- less correlated to stocks than taxable
most bonds in the $3.7 trillion market by-bond research that helps investors bonds making them a great source
are unaffected by state and local uncover the best opportunities. of diversification, as well as income.
government finances.
Income from municipal bonds may be subject to state or local income taxes and/or the federal alternative minimum tax. Certain other income, as well as capital gain distributions, may be taxable. Methodology for calculation of taxable-equivalent yield:
Based on 2015 federal tax rates. For the year 2016, there will be an Unearned Income Medicare Contribution Tax of 3.8% that applies to net investment income for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 (for single filers) and
$250,000 (for married filing jointly). Thus taxpayers in the highest tax bracket will face a combined 43.4% marginal tax rate on their investment income. The federal rates do not include an adjustment for the loss of personal exemptions and the phase-out
of itemized deductions that are applicable to certain taxable income levels. Index proxies for below-investment-grade and investment-grade munis are Bloomberg Barclays Municipal High Yield Index and Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index, respec-
tively; U.S. taxable bonds represented by Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Index. The indexes are unmanaged and, therefore, have no expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in indexes.

9 | 2017 Outlook January 2017


Portfolio Strategies for 2017

There are a number of ways investors can act on the insights in this 2017 Outlook. Below are sample asset
allocations for investors to consider depending on their time horizon and risk tolerance.

U.S. Equity International Equity Fixed Income


Make U.S. equities a core holding Gain enough exposure to take Use bonds to dampen volatility,
in your portfolio. advantage of opportunities. but dont chase yield.

SAMPLE ALLOCATIONS

MORE GROWTH MODERATE MORE CONSERVATIVE

5% 6% 7%

19%
38% 40%
51% 34% 38%

25%

22% 15%

U.S. Equity International Equity Fixed Income Cash & Equivalents

This option is characterized by a higher This option is a strategy to consider This option provides exposure to a
allocation to equity with strong growth for investors approaching retirement diverse mix of stocks from dividend-
potential, and is most appropriate for and offers exposure to a mix of global paying companies and fixed income
investors who can withstand volatility over stocks and bonds with the potential for securities. With a heavier allocation
a long investment horizon. The sample less volatility than a growth portfolio. to bonds, it is most appropriate for
asset allocation is based on American The sample asset allocation is based on investors in retirement who seek
Funds Growth and Income PortfolioSM as American Funds Balanced PortfolioSM income and lower volatility than the
of 9/30/16. as of 9/30/16. other allocations. The sample asset
allocation is based on American Funds
Income PortfolioSM as of 9/30/16.

2017 Outlook January 2017 | 10


Outlook 2017: Navigating a World in Transition
U.S. Global/International Emerging Markets Municipal Bonds Taxable Bonds

Headwinds Equity valuations are stretched Stubbornly slow growth and Prospect of further rate hikes by U.S. New administration could focus on More aggressive Fed tightening
Corporate debt levels are elevated deflationary pressures Federal Reserve tax-policy changes could trigger volatility
Still relatively weak external Chronic government debt levels Rising populism and political Abrupt rise in Treasury yields could Global shocks could weigh on high-
environment Political risk amplified by populist instability in some areas trigger volatility yield, EM bonds
sentiment Pension liabilities weigh on state, Further earnings erosion could
local governments impact corporate bond market

Tailwinds With wage growth accelerating and Easy monetary policy Shift toward supportive fiscal policies Lower-for-longer scenario still Highly accommodative monetary
household debt near multiyear lows, German economy growing and France in some nations supportive of bond prices policy across major global
consumer health is solid showing signs of improvement Moderating dollar strength Yield advantage prized by U.S., economies
Inventories are at healthy levels Attractive valuations relative to the U.S. Firmer prices for oil and other international investors Stabilizing energy prices
Business and consumer confidence is commodities Volatility could create attractive
upbeat entry points

Key The U.S. continues to lead the global Europe remains challenged by political The turnaround in emerging markets Diverse and attractive yield opportunities The lower for longer scenario remains
takeaways economy, but most companies are fully uncertainty and weak growth, but continues, supported by firming remain, though return potential may intact and bonds continue to play an
valued. Look for proven growth among valuations are compelling, and a number commodities prices and fiscal reforms. moderate and volatility could rise. important risk-dampening role in
disruptive innovators. of multinational companies are thriving. Earnings growth looks promising. portfolios.

Investments The Investment Company of America Capital Income Builder New World Fund American High-Income Municipal The Bond Fund of America
to consider A AIVSX; C AICCX; F-2 ICAFX; A CAIBX; C CIBCX; F-2 CAIFX ; A NEWFX; C NEWCX; F-2 NFFFX; Bond Fund A ABNDX; C BFACX; F-2 ABNFX;

Lit. No. MFCPBR-067-1216P Litho in USA CGD/UNL/8260-S57159 2016 American Funds Distributors, Inc.
Ticker R-3 - RICCX; R-6 - RICGX R-3 - RIRCX; R-6 - RIRGX R-3 - RNWCX; R-6 - RNWGX A AMHIX; C AHICX; F-2 AHMFX R-3 - RBFCX; R-6 - RBFGX
symbols The Growth Fund of America EuroPacific Growth Fund The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America American Funds Emerging Markets
A AGTHX; C GFACX; F-2 ARMFX; A AEPGX; C AEPCX; F-2 AEPFX; A AFTEX; C TEBCX; F-2 TEAFX Bond FundSM
R-3 - RGACX; R-6 - RGAGX R-3 - RERCX; R-6 - RERGX A EBNAX; C EBNCX; F-2 EBNFX;
American Mutual Fund New Perspective Fund R-3 - REGCX; R-6 - REGGX
A AMRMX; C AMFCX; F-2 AMRFX; A ANWPX; C NPFCX; F-2 ANWFX; American Funds Strategic
R-3 - RMFCX; R-6 - RMFGX R-3 - RNPCX; R-6 - RNPGX Bond FundSM
American Balanced Fund A ANBAX; C ANBCX; F-2 ANBFX;
A ABALX; C BALCX; F-2 AMBFX; R-3 - RANCX; R-6 - RANGX
R-3 - RLBCX; R-6 - RLBGX
In addition to the above funds, we also offer all of the American Funds and a number of Separately Managed Account strategies, including the Capital Group International Equity SMA, Global Equity SMA and World
Dividend Growers SMA, available through select broker-dealers.

MSCI has not approved, reviewed or produced this report, makes no express or implied warranties or representations and is not liable whatsoever for any data in the report. You may not redistribute the MSCI data or use it as a basis for other indices or investment
products.
The S&P 500 is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and/or its affiliates and has been licensed for use by Capital Group. Copyright 2016 S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, a division of S&P Global, and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Redistribution or reproduction in
whole or in part are prohibited without written permission of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC.
Bloomberg is a trademark of Bloomberg Finance L.P. (collectively with its affiliates, Bloomberg). Barclays is a trademark of Barclays Bank Plc (collectively with its affiliates, Barclays), used under license. Neither Bloomberg nor Barclays approves or endorses this
material, guarantees the accuracy or completeness of any information herein and, to the maximum extent allowed by law, neither shall have any liability or responsibility for injury or damages arising in connection therewith.
Investors should carefully consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. This and other important information is contained in the fund prospectuses and summary prospectuses, which can be obtained
from a financial professional and should be read carefully before investing.
Investing outside the United States involves risks such as currency fluctuations, periods of illiquidity and price volatility, as more fully described in fund prospectuses. These risks may be heightened in connection with investments in developing countries. The return
of principal for bond funds and for funds with significant underlying bond holdings is not guaranteed. Fund shares are subject to the same interest rate, inflation and credit risks associated with underlying bond holdings. Bond prices and a bond funds share price
will generally move in the opposite direction of interest rates. For tax-exempt bond funds, income may be subject to state or local income taxes. Income may also be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax (except for The Tax-Exempt Bond Fund of America).
Certain other income, as well as capital gain distributions, may be taxable. Bond ratings, which typically range from AAA/Aaa (highest) to D (lowest), are assigned by credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poors, Moodys and/or Fitch, as an indication of an issuers
creditworthiness. Market indexes are unmanaged and, therefore, have no expenses. Investors cannot invest directly in an index.
The statements in 2017 Outlook are the opinions and beliefs of the speaker expressed when the commentary was made and are not intended to represent that persons opinions and beliefs at any other time.

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