Core Insights - The 34th Annual Global Strategy Conference hosted by Goldman Sachs revealed a stark contrast between macro optimism and micro caution among investors, with a strong GDP outlook but a rush towards safe-haven assets like gold and non-US markets due to geopolitical concerns [1] Group 1: Macroeconomic Outlook - Investors are highly optimistic about the US economy, with over 80% expecting GDP growth to exceed 2% by 2026, a figure more optimistic than Bloomberg's consensus of 2.1% [2] - The fear of a US recession has dropped to nearly zero, with 0% of respondents anticipating a recession [2] Group 2: Geopolitical Risks - Geopolitical risk has emerged as the largest threat to the global economy and markets, with 65% of investors identifying it as a major concern for 2026, up from 30% the previous year [2] - Inflation risk has decreased to 12%, and trade risk has plummeted from 41% to just 4% [2] Group 3: Central Bank Policies - Despite strong economic data, investors are still eager for monetary easing, with expectations for the Federal Reserve to cut rates by 70 basis points by 2026, more aggressive than the current market pricing of 50 basis points [3] - 35% of investors expect the European Central Bank to lower rates, while expectations for the Bank of England are even higher at a 60 basis point cut [3] Group 4: Equity Strategies - The strategy of "buying US stocks blindly" is losing favor, with only 23% of respondents believing the US will be the best-performing region, down from 58% [4] - Emerging markets are gaining traction, with Asia (excluding Japan) being the most favored region at 38% [4] - The perception of China as a long-term investment opportunity has rebounded to 25%, up from 9% in the past two years [4] Group 5: Sector Preferences - Technology stocks remain the top choice for 31% of investors, but the advantage is narrowing [5] - 60% of investors believe the S&P 493 will outperform the "seven giants," indicating a potential shift away from crowded AI trades towards undervalued sectors [5] Group 6: Commodity Market Trends - There is a significant divide in the commodities market, reflecting investor distrust in fiat currencies and supply-demand judgments [6] - 45% of investors believe copper will be the best-performing commodity by 2026, driven by demand from AI data centers and electrification [6] - 42% of respondents expect gold prices to rise to between $5,000 and $6,000 per ounce, with 10% predicting prices above $6,000 [6] - Conversely, 54% expect Brent crude oil prices to fall below $60 per barrel, a stark increase from 5% the previous year [6]