Surprise! The FTSE 100 is closing in on 8,000 points and a new record

These days, it has appeared like each single main index on this planet has hit a brand new file excessive aside from the FTSE 100.

Nonetheless, that is perhaps about to vary as a result of the Footsie has been creeping up and is now inside putting distance of the 8,000 factors it briefly reached in early 2023.

Right here’s why I believe it’s going to breeze previous its file shut of 8,012 this 12 months.

It’s all concerning the charges

The market now seems to be pricing in three central financial institution rate of interest cuts by the tip of this 12 months. That may take the bottom price right down to 4.5%.

That’s not an unreasonable assumption on condition that inflation has been falling quickly.

In truth, Financial institution of England Governor Andrew Bailey stated markets are “affordable” to anticipate a couple of price minimize in 2024 on condition that UK inflation is transferring within the “proper route”.

In comparison with his normally cautious tone, that’s truly bullishness.

In the meantime, forecasts for FTSE 100 earnings, dividends, and buybacks stay sturdy for this 12 months and subsequent.

Given all this, it’s onerous to not be optimistic. And I’ve simply been studying that economists at KPMG see rates of interest falling to three% in 2025. In that situation, shares will certainly rise, received’t they?

Inviting egg on my face then, I’m going to say the FTSE 100 will finish the 12 months above 8,500.

This inventory might have additional to run

One Footsie share I see persevering with to do effectively is Pershing Sq. Holdings (LSE: PSH).

That is the funding belief automobile of billionaire hedge fund supervisor Invoice Ackman.

The share value has been on an absolute tear, rising 48% in a single 12 months and 212% over 5.

In 2023, Pershing generated a 26.7% internet return, barely forward of the S&P 500. Extremely, this was achieved solely holding one of many ‘Magnificent Seven’ (Alphabet).

Since inception in 2004, the fund has delivered a cumulative whole internet asset worth (NAV) return of two,078% versus 592% for the S&P 500.

This has been achieved by holding a really concentrated portfolio of 8-12 shares, in addition to perfectly-timed macro bets utilizing derivatives (widespread for hedge funds).

In early 2020, for instance, Ackman made $2.6bn from a $27m outlay – virtually a 100-fold return – betting {that a} Covid outbreak would trigger a market crash. This opportunism helped offset the steep market falls.

After all, derivatives add complexity and might improve threat. And the high-conviction portfolio means one or two laggards might drag badly on annual efficiency.

Beneath are the contributors and detractors to efficiency in 2023 and 2024 (as much as 19 March).

Regardless of this outperformance, the shares at £41 are nonetheless buying and selling at a 23% low cost to the fund’s NAV. A perennial concern right here has been the excessive administration and efficiency charges.

Nonetheless, Ackman’s long-term objective is to scale back efficiency charges to zero with sturdy returns and the launch of latest funds. A type of forthcoming funds is a US-listed one referred to as Pershing Sq. USA.

It would largely mirror the established funding technique, however with out further efficiency charges. Ackman goals to lift $10bn for this.

I believe this fund’s launch, coupled with a rising FTSE 100, might see the inventory head larger. I’m already a shareholder, however I’d fortunately make investments once more with spare money.