Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley suggests that the U.S. stock market may experience a phase adjustment in Q3, primarily due to the lagging impact of tariffs and the fluctuating policies of the Federal Reserve. However, the current bull market is not expected to end, with adjustments seen as opportunities for investment rather than a market termination [1][3][7]. Market Performance - Since the low in April, the S&P 500 index has rebounded over 26%. As Q3 approaches, concerns arise from weak non-farm employment data and inflation worries due to tariffs, leading to market uncertainty about the continuation of the bull market [3][4]. Bull Market Logic - The bull market's foundation is rooted in a V-shaped recovery of earnings revision breadth (ERB), which has rebounded from -25% in April to +10% currently. This indicator is crucial for confirming market bottoms and has historically led earnings surprise data [6]. Tariff Impact and Federal Reserve Policy - The impact of tariffs is expected to reflect in corporate earnings reports in Q3, particularly affecting consumer goods sectors with weak pricing power, while industrial firms that can pass on costs will be less affected. Labor market data adds to policy uncertainty, with the bond market pricing in an 88% chance of a Fed rate cut in September [9]. Earnings Growth and Fed Policy Outlook - Despite short-term risks, the outlook for the next 12 months remains bullish, supported by three main factors: increased certainty in earnings growth, with consensus predicting a 9% EPS growth for the S&P 500 in 2025 and 14% in 2026; the eventual shift in Fed policy towards rate cuts; and resilience in valuations and liquidity, with the S&P 500's dynamic P/E ratio remaining at reasonable levels [10].

Core Viewpoint - The S&P 500 index has rebounded over 26% since the low in April, but concerns about weak non-farm payroll data and inflation fears due to tariffs may lead to a pause in the bull market during the third quarter [1][8] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Morgan Stanley's latest report suggests a potential phase adjustment in the U.S. stock market in Q3, driven by the lagging effects of tariffs and the Federal Reserve's policy uncertainty [1][8] - Despite the potential for a pullback, Morgan Stanley believes the current bull market is not over, viewing any adjustments as opportunities for buying on dips [1][8] Group 2: Earnings and Economic Indicators - The core driver of the bull market is the V-shaped recovery in Earnings Revision Breadth (ERB), which has rebounded from -25% in April to +10% currently, indicating a confirmation of the market bottom [5] - The "rolling earnings recession" that began in early 2022 is nearing its end, with companies cutting costs and labor to pave the way for profit margin expansion [5] Group 3: Tariff and Labor Market Impact - The impact of tariffs is expected to reflect in corporate earnings reports in Q3, particularly affecting industries with weak pricing power, while industrial companies that can pass on costs will be less affected [8] - Recent labor market data has heightened policy uncertainty, with the latest non-farm payroll data showing the worst revisions since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic [9] Group 4: Future Outlook - Despite short-term risks, Morgan Stanley maintains a bullish outlook for the next 12 months, supported by enhanced earnings growth certainty, with consensus expectations for S&P 500 EPS growth of 9% in 2025 and 14% in 2026 [11] - The Federal Reserve is expected to eventually shift its policy, with a high probability of entering a rate-cutting cycle by 2026 as inflation pressures ease and the labor market cools [11] - The current dynamic P/E ratio of the S&P 500 remains high, but the 10-year Treasury yield is stable below 4.5%, indicating resilience in equity risk premiums without clear signs of a bubble [11]