Core Viewpoint - The U.S. stock market is experiencing a significant rally, with the S&P 500 index rising nearly 24% since mid-April, prompting discussions about the sustainability of this bull market [1] Group 1: Corporate Earnings Improvement - The primary driver for the continued rise in U.S. stocks is the improvement in corporate earnings, with recent upward revisions in earnings forecasts for S&P 500 constituents [3] - The breadth of earnings improvement is expanding beyond just technology giants, as indicated by the ERB indicator, which has rebounded from -25% in mid-April to -5% currently [3] - Historical data suggests that such turning points often signal a strong return outlook for the market, with large-cap quality stocks benefiting first, followed by small-cap and lower-quality stocks [3] Group 2: Federal Reserve Monetary Policy Expectations - A shift in expectations regarding Federal Reserve monetary policy is the second catalyst supporting the rise in U.S. stocks, with predictions of up to seven interest rate cuts by 2026 [4] - The market tends to react proactively to anticipated changes in monetary policy rather than waiting for explicit signals [4] - While there are risks associated with rising unemployment potentially disrupting market optimism, this scenario is not included in Morgan Stanley's baseline forecast [4] Group 3: Market Resilience to External Shocks - The strong resilience of the U.S. stock market in absorbing external shocks is the third pillar supporting its future performance, mirroring historical trends following geopolitical conflicts [5] - The easing tensions between Iran and Israel and the subsequent decline in international oil prices have reduced energy cost threats to the economic cycle [5] - The potential removal of "retaliatory tariffs" from tax reform legislation is expected to boost market confidence, alongside a decrease in the yield premium on U.S. Treasuries, indicating alleviated concerns about U.S. fiscal health [5] - Morgan Stanley maintains a target of 6,500 points for the S&P 500 index over the next 12 months, provided that the 10-year Treasury yield remains below 4.5% [5]

Group 1 - Goldman Sachs has adjusted its forecast for the Federal Reserve's interest rate cuts, now expecting a cut in September instead of December, citing weaker-than-expected inflation impacts from tariffs [1] - The Goldman Sachs economic research team, led by Chief Economist Jan Hatzius, believes the probability of a September rate cut is slightly above 50%, influenced by factors such as weaker tariff effects and a softening labor market [1] - Goldman Sachs predicts rate cuts of 25 basis points in September, October, and December, lowering the terminal rate expectation from 3.5%-3.75% to 3%-3.25% [1] Group 2 - Morgan Stanley disagrees with Goldman Sachs, stating that the likelihood of the Federal Reserve cutting rates in the near term remains low, despite market expectations increasing for a September cut [1] - Morgan Stanley analysts believe that most Federal Reserve officials support a cautious stance and are unlikely to quickly endorse rate cuts, anticipating a relatively stable upcoming employment report [1] - Chicago Fed President Goolsbee expressed skepticism about the possibility of a 1970s-style stagflation occurring in the current economic environment, given the current unemployment and inflation rates [2] Group 3 - Atlanta Fed President Bostic expects one rate cut in 2025 and three cuts in the following year, indicating a patient approach to maintaining current rates due to a stable labor market [3] - Bostic noted that the full impact of Trump's trade tariffs on the economy has yet to be felt, suggesting that price impacts are more a matter of timing than certainty [2]

Investment Rating - The report recommends an overweight position in US equities, suggesting they remain attractive compared to the rest of the world [9]. Core Insights - There is a narrative questioning whether foreign investors are fleeing US assets, driven by uncertainties in trade and tariff policies. However, data indicates that while foreign investors have slowed their pace of buying US stocks, they have not significantly reallocated away from them [2][4]. - US risky and risk-free assets are viewed as attractive, with a recommendation for an equal-weight position in global equities while overweighting US equities due to better earnings revision breadth in the US compared to other regions [9]. - The report highlights persistent weakness in the US dollar over the next 12 months, driven by a convergence of US rates and growth to peers, alongside elevated policy uncertainty [10]. Summary by Sections - **Investment Flows**: International investors have been net buyers of US equities post-Liberation Day, but the buying pace has slowed compared to 2024, although it remains higher than in 2021-2023. US investors, in contrast, have been net sellers, reallocating away from US equities [3][4]. - **Bond Funds**: Net inflows to US bond funds have been positive but slower than the previous year. Foreign investors have remained net buyers of US bonds, indicating no significant outflows from US bonds [5][8]. - **Regional Allocation**: The weight of US equities in global equity funds has decreased, reflecting a market correction rather than net outflows. This change aligns with the overall market cap of US equities shrinking as a share of the global equity benchmark index [4].

Investment Rating - The report suggests a long position in UST duration at the 5-year key rate and recommends maintaining long positions in UST 3s30s and term SOFR 1y1y vs. 5y5y steepeners ahead of potential range breakouts post-month-end [6][10][41]. Core Insights - The report emphasizes that the performance of the S&P 500 Index often does not accurately predict economic recessions, with historical data showing that in 27% of NBER-declared recessions, the S&P 500 peaked in or after the month the recession began [6][21]. - It highlights the importance of upcoming US labor market data, particularly the May JOLTS and June employment reports, which could significantly influence the yield curve and Treasury yields [18][32]. - The report notes a significant decrease in the US Treasury's cash flow deficit over the past three months, attributed to higher tax revenues, tariff revenues, and reduced government spending [19][29]. Summary by Sections Economic Data and Market Performance - The report argues that investors should focus on economic data rather than the stock market, as historical trends indicate that equity performance often misleads regarding impending recessions [9][11]. - It points out that the S&P 500 Index's performance leading up to recessions has often been misleading, with many instances where the index was near its peak when recessions began [15][21]. Labor Market Insights - The upcoming labor market data is critical, with expectations for total payroll growth of 140,000, which aligns with recent trends but contrasts with rising unemployment claims [32][36]. - The report suggests that the labor market data could catalyze a repricing of risks in the US rates market, particularly if the data indicates downside risks [30][41]. Treasury Financing Needs - The report discusses the US Treasury's financing needs, noting a significant reduction in the cash flow deficit, which fell to $111 billion over a recent 63-day period, down 75% from the previous year [29][30]. - It highlights that tariff revenues have played a significant role in reducing the cash flow deficit, with annualized tariff revenue reaching $323.9 billion, or 1.1% of nominal GDP, a notable increase from historical averages [25][26].

Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley predicts that Brent crude oil prices are expected to decline to around $60 per barrel by early next year [1] Group 1 - The forecast indicates a significant drop in oil prices, suggesting potential changes in the energy market dynamics [1]

Group 1 - The market's expectation for a Federal Reserve rate cut is increasing, but JPMorgan's London strategy team warns that the underlying reasons for the cut may not be favorable for the stock market, potentially leading to a "wrong type of easing" and triggering market repercussions [1] - JPMorgan strategists identified three possible scenarios for rate cuts: 1) a cut due to significant economic activity slowdown, 2) a resilient economic growth scenario with controlled inflation, and 3) a cut despite some inflation pressure, possibly influenced by the U.S. government [1] - The strategists predict a combination of the first and third scenarios, where economic activity slows but inflation rises, which could lead to investor disappointment [1] Group 2 - Historically, emerging market stocks tend to perform well when the Federal Reserve loosens monetary policy, and JPMorgan has reaffirmed its bullish stance on this sector after a cautious period [2] - In a rate cut environment, sectors such as consumer staples, healthcare, and technology typically perform better, while industrials and financials may lag [2] - Despite the S&P 500 reaching new highs, its year-to-date gain of 5% is significantly lower than the 21% increase of European stocks [2]

Group 1 - JPMorgan's strategy team indicates that the cooling labor market in the U.S. may exert a greater suppressive effect on the stock market than the potential boost from Federal Reserve rate cuts [1] - The team, led by Chief Strategist Mislav Matejka, believes that the weakening macro environment supporting U.S. equities is diminishing, and that the negative impact of a weak labor market on investor confidence will be more significant than the positive effects of monetary easing [1] - The report emphasizes that the adverse effects of a weak labor market will dominate over the positive push from the Fed's loosening of monetary policy [1] Group 2 - In contrast, Morgan Stanley's strategy team, led by Michael Wilson, suggests that the market may begin to rebound before the anticipated rate cuts are realized [3] - Morgan Stanley economists predict that the Fed will implement a total of seven rate cuts by 2026, which will provide crucial support for the stock market in the second half of this year [3] - The differing views between the two investment banks reflect a divide in assessing the turning point of the U.S. economy, with JPMorgan focusing on the negative chain reaction from a deteriorating labor market and Morgan Stanley emphasizing the driving effect of policy shifts on valuation expansion [3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a cautious outlook on the industry, with expectations of GDP growth slowing to 4.5% in the third quarter of 2025, following a strong second quarter performance [3][13]. Core Insights - The second quarter showed robust growth, but June data revealed emerging concerns, particularly in retail and export sectors, indicating a potential softening of economic momentum [3][4]. - The real estate market continues to struggle, with declining transaction volumes and increased fiscal pressure on local governments, necessitating potential policy adjustments [5][12]. - Consumer spending is being supported through financial measures, with a focus on enhancing service supply to stimulate demand [10][11]. Summary by Sections Economic Performance - The second quarter GDP growth is projected to reach 5%, but a decline to 4.5% is anticipated in the third quarter due to weakening exports and a sluggish real estate market [3][13]. - Retail sales showed strong performance in early June, driven by promotional activities, but this may not be sustainable as consumer sentiment weakens [4][10]. Export and Trade - Exports to the U.S. saw a rebound in June, likely due to seasonal demand for the holiday shopping season, but overall export performance remains weak [4][18]. - Container throughput at major ports in China has significantly slowed, indicating a broader decline in trade activity [4][14]. Real Estate Market - The real estate sector remains under pressure, with transaction volumes continuing to decline and fiscal revenues falling short of budget targets [5][22]. - Local governments face increasing fiscal challenges, prompting discussions on expanding budgetary flexibility and potential new financing tools [5][12]. Consumer Spending and Policy Measures - The government is implementing measures to support consumer spending, including financial backing for service consumption and infrastructure development [10][11]. - Structural reforms are necessary for a more balanced economic recovery, focusing on social welfare and tax reforms [11][12].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an overall investment rating for the industry, but it provides forecasts and expected returns for various asset classes, indicating a mixed outlook across equities, bonds, and commodities [4][18]. Core Insights - The correlation between the dollar and the S&P 500 has returned to negative territory after reaching five-year highs, suggesting a shift in market dynamics [9]. - Bloomberg's Fedspeak Index has dropped to its most dovish signal since 2021, indicating a potential easing in monetary policy [10]. - The US economic surprise index has fallen to its lowest level in nine months, reflecting weaker-than-expected economic data [20]. Summary by Sections Equities - S&P 500 forecasted returns range from a bear case of 5,968 to a bull case of 7,200, with a base case return of 6,500, indicating a potential decline of 16.6% in the bear scenario and an increase of 21.9% in the bull scenario [4]. - MSCI Europe shows a bear case of 2,141 and a bull case of 2,620, with a base case of 2,250, reflecting a potential decline of 21.6% in the bear scenario and an increase of 25.6% in the bull scenario [4]. - Topix forecasts range from 2,100 in the bear case to 3,250 in the bull case, with a base case of 2,900, indicating a potential decline of 21.8% in the bear scenario and an increase of 19.7% in the bull scenario [4]. Fixed Income - UST 10-year yields are forecasted to range from 4.38% in the bear case to 2.85% in the bull case, with a base case of 3.45%, indicating a potential increase of 7.8% in the bear scenario and a decrease of 17.5% in the bull scenario [4]. - US Investment Grade (IG) credit spreads are expected to range from 85 bps in the bear case to 70 bps in the bull case, with a base case of 90 bps, reflecting a potential decline of 2.2% in the bear scenario and an increase of 1.8% in the bull scenario [4]. Commodities - Brent crude oil is forecasted to range from $77 in the bear case to $120 in the bull case, with a base case of $60, indicating a potential decline of 29.1% in the bear scenario and an increase of 70.2% in the bull scenario [4]. - Gold prices are expected to range from $3,368 in the bear case to $3,900 in the bull case, with a base case of $3,250, reflecting a potential decline of 21.5% in the bear scenario and an increase of 10.9% in the bull scenario [4]. Market Sentiment - The Market Sentiment Indicator (MSI) aggregates survey positioning, volatility, and momentum data to quantify market stress and sentiment, indicating a current negative sentiment [55][60]. - The report tracks daily fund flows across approximately 5,000 ETFs globally, covering around $7 trillion in assets, providing insights into cross-asset sentiment and positioning [23].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent changes in the cross-currency basis swap, indicating a shift in investor preferences away from dollar-denominated assets towards euro and yen-denominated assets, influenced by geopolitical risks and U.S. fiscal uncertainties [4][6][8]. Group 1: Cross-Currency Basis Swap Dynamics - Analysts from banks like Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs have noted a recent shift in the cross-currency basis swap, which measures the additional cost of exchanging one currency for another beyond cash market borrowing costs [4]. - Increased demand for specific currencies leads to a rise in this additional cost or premium, while decreased demand can lower it or even turn it negative [5]. - The preference for dollar liquidity has weakened over time, particularly against the euro, which may result in higher borrowing costs in euros compared to dollars [6]. Group 2: Investor Behavior and Market Trends - The recent changes in cross-currency basis swaps suggest a declining willingness among investors to purchase dollar-denominated assets, while interest in euro and yen-denominated assets is increasing [6][8]. - The dollar index has dropped over 8% this year, marking the worst annual start in its twenty-year history, coinciding with a broader questioning of the dollar's role as a safe haven [7]. - There is a notable trend of cross-border capital flows, particularly from the U.S. to Europe, as indicated by analysts from BNP Paribas and Goldman Sachs [8][9]. Group 3: Future Implications - Goldman Sachs posits that the cross-currency basis swap market may see the euro becoming more expensive than the dollar, a rare occurrence in the past two decades [10].