Friday, 16.11.2018

Norway
Upswing in the far north

The oil sector has been the main driving force behind the current upswing being enjoyed in Norway. At the same time, the Scandinavian country is benefitting from the flourishing business of the fishing industry. According to the current forecasts of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Norway’s gross domestic product in 2018 could on the whole grow by more than 2% for the first time since 2012. The ETT (symbol: ETLNO) on the MSCI™ Daily TR Net Norway Index allows investors to take up a diversified position on the equity market of this small economy. With the PERLES (symbol: REUFIU) on the Norway Fish Equity Basket, investors can focus on the country’s second largest export sector.

While Norway attracts millions of tourists every year with its breathtaking fjords, huge glaciers, picturesque villages and modern cities, the country in the far north is also proving attractive for investors. Over the past year, the MSCI™ Daily TR Net Norway Index has recorded positive growth of 2.2%. This sets the Oslo Stock Exchange apart from the European stock market, which is dominated by negative performances.¹ Norway’s outperformance was driven by the oil industry, which is home to Equinor, by far the largest company in the country. The energy multinational, which has operations in more than 30 countries, has just published its figures for the first nine months of 2018. Its quarterly report illustrates how the rise in oil prices during this period had a positive impact on earnings. Standing at USD 13.4 billion, operating earnings for the period from January to September were up 56% on the previous year. Equinor’s operating cash flow after nine months totaled USD 15.5 billion, which means that it has already surpassed the figure recorded in 2017 as a whole. (Source: Equinor Financial Report Q3 2018)

Opportunities: Equinor and Marine Harvest are among the heavyweights in the MSCI Daily TR Net Norway Index. In addition to the aforementioned duo, eight other shares are included in the benchmark. According to index provider MSCI, the benchmark thus covers around 85% of the free-float-adjusted market capitalization of the Scandinavian country. The ETT (symbol: ETLNO) tracks the index at a subscription ratio of 100:1. There are usually no ongoing management fees for this product structure.² The dividend payments made by the included companies are reinvested net in the index. In June 2017, UBS launched the PERLES (symbol: REUFIU) on the Norway Fish Equity Basket. The participation product denominated in Norwegian kroner is now trading at 65% above the issue price. The basket includes the industry leader Marine Harvest together with six other shares in Norwegian fisheries.

Risks: The aforementioned products do not have capital protection. Should the underlying assets deliver a negative performance, the ETT and PERLES will incur commensurate losses. Investors in structured products are also exposed to issuer risk, which means that the capital invested may be lost if UBS AG becomes insolvent, regardless of the performance of the underlying.

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

MSCI™ Daily TR Net Norway USD Index 5 years¹

The MSCI™ Daily Norway Index has been trending upwards since the beginning of 2016. At the end of September, the benchmark climbed to its highest level in around four years.

Marine Harvest vs. SalMar vs. Leroy Seafood 5 years¹

Marine Harvest, SalMar and Leroy Seafood are the three largest members of the Norway Fish Equity Basket in terms of market value. In recent years, the trio has made impressive gains.

¹) Please be aware that past performance does not indicate future results.
²) The conditions of ETTs are reviewed on a yearly basis and can be adjusted with a deadline of 13 months after the announcement.

ETT on MSCI™ Daily TR Net Norway USD Index

PERLES on Norway Fish Equity Basket

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

Market overview

¹ Change based on the closing price of the previous day compared to the closing price a week ago.

SMI™ vs. VSMI™ 1 year

The VSMI™ Index is calculated since 2005. It shows the volatility of the stocks within the SMI™ index. A portfolio which reacts only to changes in volatility instead of volatility itself is relevant for the calculation. Thereby, the VSMI™ methodology uses the squared volatility, known as variance, of the SMI options with remaining time to expiry of 30 days traded at the Eurex.

General Motors / Ford
Car manufacturers with strong figures

In the car world, off-road vehicles are currently all the rage. This can also be seen in the US registration figures for October. Let’s take Ford as an example – while sales of sedans seemed to be reversing out of the parking lot, SUVs recorded double-digit sales growth and over 70,000 F-Series vehicles were sold for the eighth month in a row. Business at General Motors (GM) is also flourishing thanks to SUVs. In the third quarter, the high-priced models caused operating profits to jump by 25%. Stock exchange speculators are clapping their hands with glee at the moment, as both shares have achieved double-digit percentage growth in the past four weeks.¹ The new Worst of Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCVNDU) on the two automotive companies does not require the growth in share prices to pick up any further. The product offers an annual coupon of 10% and a risk buffer of 40% should the prices move sideways.

Not only did GM record greater earnings than expected in the third quarter, but the car manufacturer also narrowed its annual targets. The upper end of the USD 5.80 to 6.20 range for adjusted pre-tax earnings per share is now expected to be achieved in 2018. To ensure that the Group can continue making such high profits in the future, cuts are being made, with 18,000 of the 50,000 employees in North America having recently received a severance offer. As revealed in Ford’s latest quarterly report, the car manufacturer has also outperformed market forecasts. The company is still in the midst of a corporate restructuring, but this should pay off soon. Chief Financial Officer Bob Shanks confirmed the pre-tax margin target of 8% when presenting the quarterly figures. However, this will probably not be possible by 2020 as was announced. In addition, the company is investigating the opportunities presented by “the car of the future”. According to a media report, Ford is currently in discussions with VW to work together on the costly development of autonomous driving technology and electric cars. Although nothing has yet been decided, a Ford spokesman stated that the US group’s letter of intent with VW included discussions on potential collaborations in a number of areas. (Source: Thomson Reuters media report, October 31, 2018).

Opportunities: In order to generate a profit with the Worst of Kick-In GOAL (Symbol: KCVNDU), the share prices of Ford and GM only need to trend sideways. The product in subscription pays an annual coupon of 10% regardless of price performance. The repayment of the nominal is, however, linked to the underlyings. If none of the shares fall level with or below the barrier of 60% of the initial fixings, investors will remain safe from losses.

Risks: Worst-of Kick-In GOALs do not have capital protection. If the underlyings of the Kick-In GOAL touch or fall below the respective Kick-In Level (barrier), the amount repaid on the maturity date is reflecting the worst performance of the underlyings (but not more than notional value plus coupon). In this case, it is likely that losses will be incurred. Investors in structured products are also exposed to issuer risk, which means that the capital invested may be lost if UBS AG becomes insolvent, regardless of the performance of the underlying.

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

General Motors vs. Ford Motor 5 years¹

10.00% p.a. Worst of Kick-In GOAL on General Motors / Ford

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

¹) Please be aware that past performance does not indicate future results.
²) The conditions of ETTs are reviewed on a yearly basis and can be adjusted with a deadline of 13 months after the announcement.

Friday, 09.11.2018

European industrials
A multifaceted sector

UBS CIO GWM identifies the geopolitical uncertainty factors mainly responsible for the current weak performance of the stock markets in the European Monetary Union (EMU). Looking to the future, experts recommend a neutral weighting within the eurozone countries. Industrial equities are overweight in terms of sector allocation. The ETT (symbol: ETIND) on the STOXX™ Europe 600 Industrial Goods & Services Index allows for a corresponding weighting, as the open end product tracks the performance of the industry benchmark. In contrast, the Early Redemption (ER) Worst of Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCUGDU) is geared towards the Alstom, Siemens and thyssenkrupp equities delivering a relatively stable performance. Provided none of the industrials touch or fall below the barrier of 59% of their respective initial prices, investors will receive a maximum return of 7% upon maturity.

Bert Jansen, Strategist at UBS CIO GWM, notes that sector momentum has always been the main driver for eurozone equity markets in the past. He attests that it has always been more important than country-specific factors. According to Jansen, however, an exception to this rule is Italy, as the equity market in the southern European country is strongly geared to the financial sector. The country’s rather lax budgetary discipline is negatively impacting share prices accordingly. Since a large part of the negative sentiment is now likely to be priced in, Italy – like other EU members – will receive a neutral weighting in the country allocation. In terms of sectors, CIO GWM is pursuing a largely balanced mix of cyclical and non-cyclical sectors for the eurozone. An overweight is being maintained in the energy and industry sectors. (Source: UBS CIO GWM, UBS House View Weekly, Regional View Europe, October 29, 2018)

Opportunities: The Exchange Traded Tracker (ETT) (symbol: ETIND) allows investors to diversify their positions. The underlying STOXX™ Europe 600 Industrial Goods & Services Index currently comprises 100 companies. In terms of weighting, Siemens leads the way. Besides the German group, Alstom is also on CIO GWM’s current most preferred list for European industrials. Together with thyssenkrupp, the duo forms the basis for a new ER Worst of Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCUGDU). Investors can expect a fixed coupon payment of 7% p.a. with this issue. This return opportunity comes with a 41% safety buffer. As part of the early redemption function, the underlyings will be put to the test for the first time on November 14, 2019. Should the three shares close at or above their respective initial prices on this date or one of the other quarterly observation days, investors will receive the nominal amount plus the pro rata coupon early.

Risks: The aforementioned products do not have capital protection. Should the underlying assets deliver a negative performance, the ETT will incur commensurate losses. If the underlyings of the Kick-In GOAL touch or fall below the respective Kick-In Level (barrier) and the early redemption feature does not apply, the amount repaid on the maturity date is reflecting the worst performance of the underlyings (but not more than notional value plus coupon). In this case, it is likely that losses will be incurred. Investors in structured products are also exposed to issuer risk, which means that the capital invested may be lost if UBS AG becomes insolvent, regardless of the performance of the underlying.

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

STOXX™ Europe 600 Industrial Goods & Services Index vs. STOXX™ Europe 600 Index 5 years¹

After the recent setback, Europe’s industrials have been unable to break out of their current sideways trend. However, the sector is still ahead of the general market.

Alstom vs. Siemens vs. thyssenkrupp 5 years¹

Alstom is defying the difficult market environment. Thanks to its recent outperformance, the French industrial rocketed past the German large caps Siemens and thyssenkrupp in the five-year ranking.

¹) Please be aware that past performance does not indicate future results.
²) The conditions of ETTs are reviewed on a yearly basis and can be adjusted with a deadline of 13 months after the announcement.

ETT on STOXX™ Europe 600 Industrial Goods & Services NR Index

7.00% p.a. ER Worst of Kick-In GOAL on Alstom / Siemens / thyssenkrupp

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

Market overview

¹ Change based on the closing price of the previous day compared to the closing price a week ago.

SMI™ vs. VSMI™ 1 year

The VSMI™ Index is calculated since 2005. It shows the volatility of the stocks within the SMI™ index. A portfolio which reacts only to changes in volatility instead of volatility itself is relevant for the calculation. Thereby, the VSMI™ methodology uses the squared volatility, known as variance, of the SMI options with remaining time to expiry of 30 days traded at the Eurex.

Henkel/Beiersdorf/L’Oréal
Staying in step with consumers

With just a few weeks to go before Christmas, consumers around the globe are in a spending mood – in the US, consumer sentiment has recently reached its highest level since the turn of the millennium. The current indicators are likely to delight Henkel, Beiersdorf and L’Oréal. UBS is using the shares of the three leading consumer goods manufacturers as the underlyings for a new issue. The Callable Worst of Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCUDDU) has a 6% annual coupon, while the barriers are set at 60% of each of the initial share prices.

The latest figures from L’Oréal show that consumers in Asia are also really in the mood to buy. In the second quarter of 2018, the French cosmetics manufacturer recorded sales growth of 7.5% on a comparable basis, which resulted in the company exceeding the average analysts› expectations. In Asia, demand was particularly strong for skincare products such as anti-aging creams. According to CEO Jean-Paul Agon, the group is growing rapidly, especially in China where the boom in luxury products persists. In this key segment, L’Oréal is represented by Yves Saint Laurent’s make-up products, among other items.

Beiersdorf published its quarterly figures on the same day as the French company. The cosmetics group increased sales organically 6% over the first nine months of 2018. The North Germans also enjoyed flourishing growth in the luxury segment, with sales of the La Prairie brand skyrocketing by 46.7%. Beiersdorf also recorded significant growth in the adhesives segment with the Tesa brand. (Source: Thomson Reuters media reports, October 30, 2018) Adhesives and sealants are also among Henkel’s core competencies. The DAX™ company is also active in the body care segment, as well as in detergents and cleaning agents. On November 15, investors can find out how Henkel has performed recently.

Opportunities: Should the Henkel, Beiersdorf and L’Oréal share prices largely remain stable, this should prove sufficient for the investment in the Callable Worst of Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCUDDU) to pay off. All that is required is that none of the three shares touch or fall below the low barrier of 60% of the respective initial prices. Since the annual coupon of 6% is paid out in any case, the corresponding maximum return would then be achieved upon maturity. Please note that the issuer has a call option. If it makes use of this call option on one of the dates provided for this purpose, the pro rata coupon will be repaid early in addition to the nominal value.

Risks: Worst-of Kick-In GOALs do not have capital protection. If the underlyings of the Kick-In GOAL touch or fall below the respective Kick-In Level (barrier) and the callable feature does not apply, the amount repaid on the maturity date is reflecting the worst performance of the underlyings (but not more than notional value plus coupon). In this case, it is likely that losses will be incurred. Investors in structured products are also exposed to issuer risk, which means that the capital invested may be lost if UBS AG becomes insolvent, regardless of the performance of the underlying.

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

Henkel vs. Beiersdorf vs. Loréal five years¹

6.00% p.a. Callable Worst of Kick-In GOAL on Henkel / Beiersdorf / L’Oréal

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

¹) Please be aware that past performance does not indicate future results.
²) The conditions of ETTs are reviewed on a yearly basis and can be adjusted with a deadline of 13 months after the announcement.

Friday, 02.11.2018

US Information Technology
The Moment of Truth

The reporting season on Wall Street is in full swing. Quarterly results from Apple out this Thursday (after the US market closes) mark the high point of the current slew of numbers. Even though the figures we have already seen from the US tech sector have mostly been ahead of expectations, prices have been under pressure recently. The S&P 500™ Information Technology Index has fallen by 10.9% from all its all-time high at the start of the month.1 Investors who see this setback as a chance to get on board can use an ETT (symbol: ETINFU). The participation product replicates the S&P 500™ Information Technology Index with no time limitation and no management fees.2 An alternative to a 1:1 investment in the US IT sector is the Early Redemption (ER) Worst of Kick-In GOAL on Alphabet, Microsoft and Apple. The subscription product has a 9.5% annual coupon. The barriers are set at a low 60% of the initial prices of the sector trio.

Soon after the closing bell on Wall Street, on Thursday evening (after editorial deadline) a release from Apple will come over the ticker. The world’s largest listed company is announcing its results for the fourth quarter of its fiscal year 2017/2018 (to 30 September). CEO Tim Cook and his management team will also be holding a conference call at 10:00pm CET to talk in detail about recent business performance and the outlook for the key Christmas quarter. The sheer size alone of the iPhone manufacturer means the quarterly numbers are hugely important for Wall Street.

Opportunities: The exchange traded tracker (ETT) (symbol: ETINFU) passively replicates the 65 stocks in the S&P 500™ Information Technology Index. Investors can use the liquid product to anticipate a rebound in the sector benchmark. A longer-term buy and hold strategy is also possible. Alphabet, along with Apple and Microsoft, is one of the underlyings for a new ER Worst of Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCTKDU). An index reshuffle recently removed the Google parent company from the IT sector and put it in communication services. This has no impact on the opportunities for the subscription product: as long as none of the underlyings touch or fall below the 60% barrier, the investment ends with an annual return of 9.50%. The early redemption feature means early repayment with pro rata coupon is possible. This is conditional on all of Alphabet, Apple and Microsoft closing at or above the starting level on one of the quarterly observation days (first date: 7 November 2019).

Risks: The aforementioned products do not have capital protection. Should the underlying assets deliver a negative performance; the ETT will incur commensurate losses. If the underlyings on the Kick-In GOAL touch or fall below the respective Kick-In Level (barrier) and the early redemption feature does not apply, the amount repaid on the maturity date is reflecting the worst performance of the underlyings (but not more than notional value plus coupon). In this case, it is likely that losses will be incurred. Investors in structured products are also exposed to issuer risk, which means that the capital invested may be lost if UBS AG becomes insolvent, regardless of the performance of the underlying.

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

S&P 500™ Information Technology Index vs. S&P 500™ Index five years¹

Over the last five year, the IT sector has outperformed the broad US equity market by a considerable distance. The most recent correction has done little to reduce this massive differential.

Alphabet A vs. Microsoft vs. Apple five years¹

Microsoft enjoys a run: over five years the software stock has even done slightly better than Apple. Google
parent company Alphabet can no longer keep up with those two.

¹) Please be aware that past performance does not indicate future results.
²) The conditions of ETTs are reviewed on a yearly basis and can be adjusted with a deadline of 13 months after the announcement.

ETT on S&P 500™ Information Technology Index

9.50% p.a. ER Worst of Kick-In GOAL auf Alphabet / Microsoft / Apple

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

Market overview

¹ Change based on the closing price of the previous day compared to the closing price a week ago.

SMI™ vs. VSMI™ 1 year

The VSMI™ Index is calculated since 2005. It shows the volatility of the stocks within the SMI™ index. A portfolio which reacts only to changes in volatility instead of volatility itself is relevant for the calculation. Thereby, the VSMI™ methodology uses the squared volatility, known as variance, of the SMI options with remaining time to expiry of 30 days traded at the Eurex.

Industrial metals
A steely trio

The commodity market overall has been stable year to date, but industrial metals stocks are mostly down. The segment has been hit by concerns about an economic slowdown as a result of the burgeoning trade dispute. Although actual demand for metal continues to be robust, stocks in the sector are under pressure. UBS has combined three sector representatives (US Steel, ArcelorMittal and Rio Tinto) in a Callable Worst of Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCTUDU). The product pays an annual coupon of 11.00% regardless of price performance. This opportunity comes with a 46% safety buffer.

On 16 October, the World Steel Association published its short-term market outlook. They assume that global demand for steel will rise by 3.9% to 1,657.9 million tonnes this year. In 2019, the market will grow a further 1.4% to 1,681.2 million tonnes. Not surprisingly, the 2018 forecast sees the largest increase in demand in emerging markets. Growth in Asia-Oceania, the largest market for sales due to Chinese demand, is expected to be 5.0%. However, the association also points out that risks have risen too, mentioning rising trade tensions and volatile exchange rates. (Source: World Steel Association, press release, 16 October 2018)

These are precisely the factors holding the sector back on the stock market. Take ArcelorMittal: the world’s largest steel producer lost 20% of its capitalization in a month. According to Thomson Reuters, analysts expect the group to boost profit by 22% this year. Whether and to what extent this is realistic will become clearer on 1 November (after our publication deadline). That is when the company releases its third quarter figures. On Friday 2 November US Steel, another major sector player, announces its quarterly earnings.

Opportunities: The two steel producers and Rio Tinto have been selected as the underlyings for a new Callable Worst of Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCTUDU). One of the miner’s products is iron ore, a key input for making steel. Provided none of the three stocks touch or fall below the barrier at a low 54% of the initial prices, the structured product pays a maximal return in line with the 11.00% annual coupon on maturity. Important: The issuer has a call option. If it exercises the callable function on one of two possible dates, holders receive nominal plus the pro rata coupon.

Risks: Kick-In GOALs do not have capital protection. If the underlyings touch or fall below the respective Kick-In Level (barrier) and the callable feature does not apply, the amount repaid on the maturity date is reflecting the worst performance of the underlyings (but not more than notional value plus coupon). In this case, it is likely that losses will be incurred. Investors in structured products are also exposed to issuer risk, which means that the capital invested may be lost if UBS AG becomes insolvent, regardless of the performance of the underlying.

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

US Steel vs. ArcelorMittal vs. Rio Tinto 5 years¹

11.00% p.a. Callable Worst of Kick-In GOAL on US Steel / ArcelorMittal / Rio Tinto

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

¹) Please be aware that past performance does not indicate future results.
²) The conditions of ETTs are reviewed on a yearly basis and can be adjusted with a deadline of 13 months after the announcement.

Friday, 26.10.2018

Low-volatility strategy
Get off the roller coaster

Trade disputes, Brexit chaos and a controversial Italian budget proposal – these three factors have been making life uncomfortable for investors recently. They have also caused the turbulence on the global equity markets to rise sharply. Collective sentiment is reflected in implied volatilities. The range of fluctuation priced into options shot up at the start of the fourth quarter (see chart). In an environment like this, investment strategies targeting stocks with relatively low volatility could come into their own once again. The same goes for the K Switzerland Low Volatility NTR Index. Year to date this underlying has extended its long-term outperformance of the SMITM.1 A PERLES (symbol: SOLVZU) can give investors exposure to this benchmark in their portfolio.

Performance on the Swiss equity market is something of a roller coaster at the moment. The SMITM gained 5.6% between July and September 2018. This was the strongest performance the domestic blue chip index had posted since the first three months of 2013. But it was not enough for a breakout to the upside. Instead, recent weeks have seen the SMITM move down smartly. Shortly before the end of October the performance for the month was down 3.5%.1 Over extended periods these ups and downs in prices reduce returns. Academic studies have demonstrated that portfolios of relatively low-volatility stocks beat the broader market in the long term. This puts them at odds with traditional capital market theory, which assumes that the more risk an investor takes, the higher the return on a diversified portfolio. Robert Haugen and James Heins documented the “low volatility anomaly” as long ago as 1972. Twenty years after that, US researchers Eugene Fama and Kenneth French published a three-factor model. One of the characteristics this featured as driving returns was low volatility.

Opportunities: The PERLES is listed on SIX (symbol: SOLVZU) and is a way of taking a diversified position in the 20 lowest-volatility stocks on the Swiss equity market. The product replicates the K Switzerland Low Volatility Index for an annual management fee of 1.00%. Any dividends on the constituents are reinvested net in the underlying. The term is limited to a total of seven years, but this can be extended by the same period.

Risks: This product does not have capital protection. With a PERLES, losses are incurred if the underlying index falls. Investors in structured products are also exposed to issuer risk, which means that the capital invested may be lost if UBS AG becomes insolvent, regardless of the performance of the underlying.

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

K Switzerland Low Volatility NTR Index vs. SMI™ TR Index
(5 years; for illustrative purposes only; figures in %)¹

The K Switzerland Low Volatility Index has risen in the past. Over a five-year period the smart beta benchmark has outperformed the SMITM considerably.

Helvetia Holding vs. Lindt & Sprüngli vs. PSP Swiss Property
(5 years; for illustrative purposes only; figures in %)¹

Insurance, chocolate and real estate are the industries Helvetia, Lindt & Sprüngli and PSP operate in, all of which have contributed to the recent outperformance of the K Switzerland Low Volatility Index.

¹) Please be aware that past performance does not indicate future results.
²) The conditions of ETTs are reviewed on a yearly basis and can be adjusted with a deadline of 13 months after the announcement.

PERLES on the K Switzerland Low Volatility Index

K Switzerland Low Volatility Index – Composition as of 31.08.2018

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

Market overview

¹ Change based on the closing price of the previous day compared to the closing price a week ago.

SMI™ vs. VSMI™ 1 year

The VSMI™ Index is calculated since 2005. It shows the volatility of the stocks within the SMI™ index. A portfolio which reacts only to changes in volatility instead of volatility itself is relevant for the calculation. Thereby, the VSMI™ methodology uses the squared volatility, known as variance, of the SMI options with remaining time to expiry of 30 days traded at the Eurex.

Gold
The crisis currency moves up

The weather may have been nice in October, but things were less agreeable on the stock market. As discussed on the preceding pages, equity market corrections pushed volatility up sharply. At the same time, gold showed signs of life. The crisis currency has risen 3.4% since the end of September.¹ Logically, the ETC (Symbol: CGCCIU) on the UBS Bloomberg CMCI Gold CHF Monthly Hedged TR Index broke out to the upside of its downward technical trend. This participation product makes it possible to take roll-optimized positions in the precious metal.

Most investor showed little interest in gold as a safe haven until the end of the third quarter. The steep increase in interest rates in the USA and the associated strength of the dollar weighed on it in particular. While the greenback itself remains in demand as a crisis currency and is holding up at a high level, the gold price has shot up in recent weeks. Clearly the rise in general uncertainty factors has driven increasing numbers of investors to switch to risk-off mode. The situation in Italy is of special concern for financial markets. The government of the right-wing Lega party and the populist Five Star movement is planning to raise far more new debt in 2019 than its predecessor had indicated. The EU Commission has rejected Rome’s draft proposal, something which has never happened before in the history of the Eurozone. “If trust is eroded, all Member States take damage, our union takes damage,” said Commission Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis of this unprecedented step. Italy now has three weeks to react to the criticism and submit a new budget for 2019 to Brussels. (Source: Thomson Reuters media report, 23 October 2018)

Opportunities: The ETC (Symbol: CGCCIU) on the UBS Bloomberg CMCI Gold CHF Monthly Hedged TR Index allows investors to diversify their portfolios simply and cheaply. The product underlying replicates the gold price by using various futures contracts. As is typical for the CMCI index family, positions are taken across the entire forward curve and all liquid maturities. A hedging mechanism ensures that fluctuations between the US dollar (the currency gold is priced in) and the Swiss franc (the product currency) are neutralized every month.

Risks: This product does not have capital protection. With an ETC, losses are incurred if the underlying index falls. Investors in structured products are also exposed to issuer risk, which means that the capital invested may be lost if UBS AG becomes insolvent, regardless of the performance of the underlying.

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

Gold (in US dollars per fine ounce) 5 years¹

ETC on the UBS Bloomberg CMCI Gold CHF Monthly Hedged TR Index

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

¹) Please be aware that past performance does not indicate future results.
²) The conditions of ETTs are reviewed on a yearly basis and can be adjusted with a deadline of 13 months after the announcement.

Friday, 19.10.2018

Microchip equities
Opportunity to get involved in this sector thanks to the sell-off

There was recently a wave of sales in the microchip sector. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell by more than 4% within a single week. Infineon was hit even harder, with the DAX equity declining by around twice as much in the same period. AMS has also been on the “to sell” list of stock exchange speculators for some time now, and the microchip specialist has lost more than a quarter of its market capitalization in the space of a month.¹ Following the general sell-off in the sector, it might now make sense to consider entering the market at this low base. In view of the uncertain situation on the stock markets, however, conditional partial protection is a must. The Double Coupon Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCRRDU) in subscription on AMS, Infineon and Intel has attractive conditions. In addition to a risk buffer of 40% and a coupon of 10% p.a., the product also offers the additional opportunity of being able to double the return. For those who prefer a product with only one underlying, should take a look at the Early Redemption Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCSEDU) on AMS, with which a coupon of 10% p.a. is possible within just two years.

Although semiconductor companies are currently exposed to severe fluctuations on the stock market, the industry continues to grow. According to the experts at IC Insights, the global microchip market is expected to grow by 14% to USD 509.1 billion this year, exceeding the half trillion US dollar mark for the very first time. In light of new technology trends such as Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence, the demand for microchips could continue to remain high. IC Insights estimates that the percentage of electronic products being fitted with semiconductors will increase from 28.8% in 2017 to 31.5% in 2022. (Source: IC Insights, July 18, 2018)

Opportunities: In order to achieve a double-digit percentage return with the Early Redemption Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCSEDU) on AMS, the equity does not need to grow. If the risk buffer of 40% is maintained, the maximum return of 10% p.a. will be paid out in just under a year. The new Double Coupon Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCRRDU) on AMS, Infineon and Intel offers a lofty 20% return opportunity. If the three equities are at least level with or above the initial price upon maturity, the traditional coupon of 10% p.a. will be doubled. The barrier stands at a comfortable 40% of the initial fixing price.

Risks: Kick-In GOALs do not have capital protection. If the underlyings touch or fall below the respective Kick-In Level (barrier) and the early redemption feature does not apply, the amount repaid on the maturity date is reflecting the worst performance of the underlyings (but not more than notional value plus coupon). In this case, it is likely that losses will be incurred. Investors in structured products are also exposed to issuer risk, which means that the capital invested may be lost if UBS AG becomes insolvent, regardless of the performance of the underlying.

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

AMS vs. Infineon vs. Intel (5 years; for illustrative purposes only; figures in %)¹

The three microchip equities are ultimately showing clear upward growth over the next 5 years, with AMS faring the best. Nevertheless, the Apple supplier recently suffered significant losses.

AMS (5 years)¹

Austrian semiconductor manufacturer AMS has enjoyed a steep upward trend, which started some two years ago. A correction phase subsequently set in when prices rose above 100 francs.

¹) Please be aware that past performance does not indicate future results.
²) The conditions of ETTs are reviewed on a yearly basis and can be adjusted with a deadline of 13 months after the announcement.

10.00% p.a. Double Coupon Worst of Kick-In GOAL on AMS, Infineon, Intel

10.00% p.a. ER Kick-In GOAL on AMS

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

Market overview

¹ Change based on the closing price of the previous day compared to the closing price a week ago.

SMI™ vs. VSMI™ 1 year

The VSMI™ Index is calculated since 2005. It shows the volatility of the stocks within the SMI™ index. A portfolio which reacts only to changes in volatility instead of volatility itself is relevant for the calculation. Thereby, the VSMI™ methodology uses the squared volatility, known as variance, of the SMI options with remaining time to expiry of 30 days traded at the Eurex.

BMW & Tesla
Premium manufacturers revved up

The automotive industry is currently being hit from all sides. In addition to international risks as a result of the customs conflict and Brexit, regulators are also exerting pressure on manufacturers with new exhaust emission tests. Although day-to-day business is consequently suffering, the companies are not losing sight of their future opportunities. BMW made a massive statement of intent recently. The German firm was the first foreign car company to succeed in acquiring a majority stake in a Chinese joint venture. In contrast, Tesla is making headlines in the US thanks to its rising production figures. From July to September, 53,239 bodies of the Model 3 cars on which the company has pinned its hopes rolled off the production line – more than twice as many as in the second quarter. UBS is now packaging the two premium manufacturers into a Callable Worst of Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCRQDU), offering amazing conditions. The barrier stands at 50% of the initial price and the coupon totals 20% p.a.

The charismatic boss of the electric car pioneer Tesla is always good for a surprise. Elon Musk is currently trying to retrofit the on-board computer in the Tesla to include a video game console. Although this is still a long way off from bearing fruit, investors are eagerly awaiting the figures for the third quarter. After a weak first half-year, Musk had promised “sustainably profitable” work from now on. Tesla will publish its interim report on October 30. Although remaining in the black is no problem for competitor BMW, the Munich-based company did scare off investors with a profit warning. Nevertheless, the car company has decided not to stick its head in the sand, but continue to put the pedal to the metal instead. For example, BMW is increasing its stake in the joint venture with its Chinese partner Brilliance by 25% to 75%, paying EUR 3.6 billion in return. We expect to be able to fully consolidate BMW Brilliance Automotive in the balance sheet from 2022 onwards,” said BMW CEO Harald Krüger. (Source: Thomson Reuters media report, October 11, 2018)

Opportunities: BMW and Tesla don’t have to switch to the fast lane for the new Callable Worst of Kick-In GOAL (symbol: KCRQDU) to be profitable. On the contrary: The two automotive equities have a downward margin of 50% before the brakes are put on the potential maximum return of 20% p.a. The maximum term of one year can be shortened by a maximum of half a year due to the callable function.

Risks: This product does not have capital protection. If the underlyings touch or fall below the respective Kick-In Level (barrier) and the callable feature does not apply, the amount repaid on the maturity date is reflecting the worst performance of the underlyings (but not more than notional value plus coupon). In this case, it is likely that losses will be incurred. Investors in structured products are also exposed to issuer risk, which means that the capital invested may be lost if UBS AG becomes insolvent, regardless of the performance of the underlying.

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

BMW vs. Tesla
(5 years; for illustrative purposes only; figures in %)¹

20.00% p.a. Callable Worst of Kick-In GOAL on BMW and Tesla

More UBS products and further information on the risks and opportunities are available at ubs.com/keyinvest.

¹) Please be aware that past performance does not indicate future results.
²) The conditions of ETTs are reviewed on a yearly basis and can be adjusted with a deadline of 13 months after the announcement.