Core Viewpoint - Morgan Stanley is optimistic about U.S. equities and bonds despite economic slowdown and high policy uncertainty, predicting a weaker dollar in the second half of the year [1][3]. Group 1: U.S. Market Outlook - Morgan Stanley expects U.S. assets to outperform global markets until mid-2026 due to easing tariff threats and reduced recession risks, alongside substantial monetary easing and regulatory relief [1][13]. - The S&P 500 index is projected to reach 6,500 points by Q2 2024, representing a 9% increase from current levels [1][2]. - The report indicates that the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield is expected to decline to 3.45%, providing approximately 13% total returns for fixed-income investors [2]. Group 2: Currency and Dollar Outlook - The dollar index is anticipated to depreciate by 9% to 91 by mid-2026, with the euro expected to rise to 1.25 against the dollar and the yen strengthening to 130 [3][6]. - Morgan Stanley emphasizes that the era of a strong dollar may be ending due to diminishing growth and yield advantages of the U.S. compared to other G10 economies [6][8]. Group 3: Investment Strategy and Timing - The report highlights the importance of timing in investment decisions amid increasing policy uncertainty, suggesting that investors should remain flexible to seize opportunities arising from policy changes [5][15]. - Key policy changes to watch include tariff policies, fiscal policies related to tax cuts, financial regulation impacts from Basel III, and anticipated interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [15][17]. Group 4: Global Investment Trends - Despite concerns about diminishing demand for U.S. assets, foreign holdings of U.S. dollar-denominated bonds have reached record highs, indicating continued interest in high-quality dollar assets [10][13]. - The report notes that the market size of U.S. dollar assets remains unmatched, with approximately $50 trillion in investable stock market capitalization, significantly larger than Europe’s market [13].