Market approaching highs due to upcoming rate cuts and soft landing, says Nuveen's Malik

Market Outlook - The market's first half performance suggests timing the market is difficult [3] - Markets have moved higher due to reduced Middle East tensions, anticipated Fed rate cuts, and a slowing but non-recessionary economy [3][4] - The market is approaching highs for 2025, supported by the expectation of a couple of rate cuts in the second half of the year [4] Earnings and Valuations - S&P 500 is trading at a premium, but strong earnings growth could drive the market higher [5][6] - First quarter earnings exceeded expectations, with actual earnings growth of approximately 12% compared to the expected 6% [6] Tariffs and GDP - A 10% tariff rate for the rest of the world (excluding China) could reduce GDP by about 1.5%, potentially skirting a recession [7] Global Diversification and US Market - Investors should remain globally diversified, with a neutral to weaker dollar benefiting non-US equities [9] - The US market is bullish, driven by artificial intelligence, with almost two-thirds of earnings growth driven by technology stocks [9] - Mega-cap tech stocks drive over 30% of the S&P 500's market cap, making the US a strong place to generate returns [9] Fixed Income and Bond Market - The bond market has calmed down, with the 10-year yield around 4.25% [10] - Factors like concerns about US Treasury safety and the impact of the "big beautiful bill" on the deficit could negatively affect the bond market [11] - Municipal bonds are attractive due to high yields and strong fundamentals driven by the strength of the US economy [12]