Goldman Sachs(US:GS) Goldman Sachs·2025-07-14 00:36Investment Rating - The report maintains a moderately positive outlook for Asian equity markets, forecasting a 9% USD price return over the next 12 months with a revised MXAPJ index price target of 700, which is 3% above the previous target of 680 [3][47][54]. Core Insights - The macro risk environment has improved, with reduced US economic policy uncertainty and expectations of Fed rate cuts, which are likely to support regional equities [4][32]. - The tariff environment remains fluid, with potential impacts on GDP growth and earnings forecasts, but the overall growth impact may not be as negative as previously feared [14][19]. - Earnings growth is expected to be the dominant driver of returns, with forecasts of 9% and 10% EPS growth for 2025 and 2026, respectively [48][52]. Summary by Sections Current Conditions - The macro risk environment has improved due to moderated US economic policy uncertainty, eased financial conditions, and firm activity data, leading to a 25% rebound in the MXAPJ index [4][5][6]. Tariffs - The tariff situation is expected to influence equity performance, with potential higher rates but greater certainty. The final tariff rates may differ from current expectations, impacting GDP growth and earnings forecasts [14][15][19]. Rates - The Fed is expected to begin cutting rates in September, with a total of five cuts anticipated by mid-2026, which should support regional equities through a weaker dollar [32][33][36]. Returns - The report anticipates a wide dispersion of expected returns across markets, with a forecasted 9% USD price return over 12 months based on earnings growth and a revised index target [47][49][54]. Allocations - The report emphasizes North Asia, maintaining overweights in China, Japan, and Korea, while downgrading Malaysia to underweight. Sector upgrades include capital goods and tech hardware, while autos and consumer staples are downgraded [59][60][69][75].