Wall Street CEOs Flag High Market Valuations, Pullback Risk

Core Insights - Wall Street executives predict a potential equity market drop of over 10% in the next 12 to 24 months, viewing such a correction as potentially positive for the market [1] Group 1: Market Valuations and Earnings - Corporate earnings remain strong, but valuations are considered challenging, with most investors viewing the market as between fair and fully valued rather than cheap [2][3] - The S&P 500 index is currently trading at 23 times forward earnings estimates, above its five-year average of 20 times, while the Nasdaq 100 Index is at 28 times, compared to nearly 19 times in 2022 [4] Group 2: Market Risks and Future Outlook - Executives express concerns about "policy error risk" in the US and geopolitical uncertainties, indicating that while markets seem expensive, systematic risk may have narrowed [4] - There is an expectation of greater dispersion in company performance by 2026, with stronger firms likely to outperform weaker ones [4] - Concerns about high valuations have intensified as global equities have reached new highs despite a slowing US economy and a government shutdown [5]