Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The conference call primarily discusses the **Global Macro Outlook**, focusing on **US Rates**, **International Rates**, **Commodities**, **Currencies**, and **Emerging Markets** [3][4][5][6]. Core Insights and Arguments US Rates - **Treasury Yield Forecast**: The forecast for 10-year Treasury yields has been revised upward to **4.35%** by year-end, from **4.00%** previously. The 2-year Treasury yield is now expected to end the year at **3.50%**, up from **3.10%** [7][15]. - **Impact of Fiscal Policy**: The budget reconciliation bill could raise the primary deficit by **$150 billion** from FY25-26, which is **0.4% of GDP**. This could be offset by an estimated **$100 billion to $200 billion** in tariff revenue [31][32]. International Rates - **European Rates**: The recommendation is to stay **overweight (OW)** on European rates despite ongoing challenges [45]. Commodities - **Oil Demand**: Global oil demand has softened, primarily due to a decline in US oil consumption. As of May 20, demand increased by **340,000 barrels per day (kbd)** but remains nearly **300 kbd** below projections [92]. - **Price Forecasts**: Price forecasts for natural gas in Northwest Europe have been lowered to **35 EUR/MWh** for 2Q25 and 3Q25, down from **40/45 EUR/MWh** [7][97]. Copper prices are expected to average **$9,225/mt** over 2H25, while aluminum prices are forecasted at **$2,325/mt** [100]. Currencies - **Weaker Dollar Strategy**: The strategic call remains for a weaker dollar following the US-China tariff de-escalation. The dollar's performance is expected to be influenced by data rather than policy [5][69][72]. - **USD/CNY Forecast**: The forecast for USD/CNY has been adjusted downward, with expectations of **7.20** in 2Q and **7.30** in 4Q [89]. Emerging Markets - **Sovereign and Corporate Ratings**: The recommendation is to stay **underweight (UW)** on EM sovereigns while moving EM corporates to **market weight (MW)** due to tariff reprieve [8][45]. Other Important Insights - **Market Positioning**: Investor positioning in the Treasury market is no longer as stretched to the long side, indicating that active investors have more scope to add duration [26]. - **Foreign Holdings**: Foreign investors own approximately **30%** of the Treasury market, predominantly in short-dated securities [37][40]. - **Moody's Downgrade Impact**: Following Moody's downgrade of US debt, risks are skewed towards a bearish steepening in the near term, with expectations of higher interest expenses [32][36]. This summary encapsulates the key points discussed in the conference call, providing insights into the macroeconomic landscape, commodity forecasts, currency strategies, and emerging market dynamics.