January 12, 2026 02:12 PM GMT M Update Cross-Asset Spotlight | Global Geopolitical Risk Signals, Flows, & Key Data: A weekly summary of key cross-asset monitors, data, moves, and models tracking sentiment, fund flows, and positioning. Last week, oil ended the week higher on supply disruption concerns, DXY gained, and the market-implied probability of Fed rate cuts fell. Key highlights from last week: Exhibit 1: Morgan Stanley forecasts Return/Risk Base Case Volatility Q4 2026 Forecast Q4 2026 Return Forecas ...

January 5, 2026 04:33 PM GMT Cross-Asset Spotlight | Global Resilient into Year-End Signals, Flows, & Key Data: A weekly summary of key cross-asset monitors, data, moves, and models tracking sentiment, fund flows, and positioning. Last week, FTSE 100 reached all-time highs, gold closed the year with its strongest annual gain in four decades, USDCNY dipped to a two-year low. Key highlights from last week: Exhibit 1: Morgan Stanley forecasts | As of Jan Q4 2026 Forecast | | Q4 2026 Return Forecast | | Volatil ...

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on global markets, particularly US equities, UK gilts, and commodities like silver and gold. It provides insights into market sentiment, fund flows, and positioning across various asset classes. Core Insights and Arguments - **US Equities Performance**: The S&P 500 increased by 3.7% last week, recovering losses from November. The bullish outlook for US equities is maintained, with strategists viewing recent corrections as opportunities to reinforce recovery strategies [7][71]. - **UK Gilts Rally**: Following the Budget announcement, UK gilts experienced a bull-flattening move, indicating a positive outlook for nominal longs and linkers due to increased fiscal headroom and a supportive fiscal stance [7][18]. - **GBP Movement**: The GBP saw a rally post-Budget as investors adjusted their hedges. However, strategists are cautious about the currency's future due to anticipated rate cuts that may negatively impact its value [7][10]. - **Silver Price Surge**: Silver prices rose by 13.1%, reaching an all-time high, outperforming broader commodity indices [7][71]. - **Market Sentiment**: The Market Sentiment Indicator (MSI) reflects a mix of negative and positive sentiment, with current readings indicating a cautious outlook among investors [58][64]. Additional Important Insights - **Equity Sector Performance**: Materials and communication services led global equity sector gains, with increases of 5.2% and 4.7%, respectively [71]. - **Credit Market Dynamics**: Credit spreads tightened, particularly in US high yield (HY) bonds, which saw a 32 basis point tightening [71]. - **Currency Trends**: The DXY index fell by 0.7%, with both developed and emerging market currencies gaining against the dollar [71]. - **Forecasts for 2026**: Morgan Stanley's forecasts for various asset classes indicate a range of expected returns and volatility, with equities and commodities showing significant potential for growth [3][17]. Conclusion - The report highlights a recovery in US equities, a bullish outlook for UK gilts, and significant movements in commodity prices, particularly silver. Market sentiment remains cautious, with strategists advising careful positioning in light of potential rate cuts and economic uncertainties.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on global asset classes, including equities, fixed income, currencies, and commodities, with specific forecasts for Q2 2026. Core Insights and Arguments - **Equity Market Forecasts**: - S&P 500 is forecasted to return 6,500 in the base case, with a bear case of 4,900 and a bull case of 7,200, indicating a potential decline of -24.4% in the bear scenario [3] - MSCI Europe shows similar trends with a bear case of 1,610 and a bull case of 2,620, reflecting a -24.2% decline in the bear case [3] - Emerging Markets (MSCI EM) are projected to decline by -32.0% in the bear case, with a base case return of 1,200 [3] - **Fixed Income Insights**: - UST 10-year yields are expected to return 3.45% in the base case, with a bear case of 4.00% and a bull case of 2.85% [3] - The report indicates a significant spread in high yield (HY) bonds, with a bear case of 475 bps and a base case of 335 bps [3] - **Currency Forecasts**: - The JPY/USD is projected to strengthen to 130 in the bull case, while the EUR/USD is expected to reach 1.25 [3] - The INR/USD is forecasted to appreciate to 81.9 in the bull case, indicating a 12.7% increase [3] - **Commodity Market Trends**: - Brent crude oil is expected to return to 60 in the base case, with a significant potential upside to 120 in the bull case, reflecting a -23.9% decline in the bear case [3] - Gold is forecasted to return 3,500 in the base case, with a bear case of 2,975 [3] Important but Overlooked Content - **Market Sentiment**: - US initial jobless claims have reached a three-year high, indicating potential economic stress [7] - MSCI China has reached its highest level since 2021, suggesting a recovery in that market [7] - US ETFs focused on international equities saw inflows of approximately $10.4 billion, the largest since January 2021, indicating a shift in investor sentiment towards international markets [12] - **Cross-Asset Positioning**: - The report highlights net positioning across various asset classes, with US equities showing a 28% long position among asset managers, while emerging market equities have a 41% long position [64] - The positioning in commodities shows a 31% long position in gold, indicating a preference for safe-haven assets [64] - **Correlation Insights**: - The report provides insights into cross-asset correlations, with equity correlations at 70%, indicating a strong relationship among equity markets [73] - The correlation between equities and credit is notably high at 79%, suggesting that movements in equity markets are closely tied to credit market conditions [73] This summary encapsulates the key insights and forecasts from the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current market landscape and future expectations across various asset classes.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report provides insights into various asset classes including equities, fixed income, currencies, and commodities, with a focus on market sentiment and positioning as of August 15, 2025. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Equity Market Forecasts**: - S&P 500 projected returns range from -22.8% (bear case) to 12.8% (bull case) with a base case return of 2.0% [4][6] - MSCI Europe shows a similar trend with a bear case of -24.1% and a bull case of 21.6% [4][6] - Topix is expected to decline by 30.2% in the bear case, indicating significant risk in the Japanese equity market [4][6] 2. **Currency Trends**: - The JPY/USD forecast indicates a potential appreciation of the yen with a bull case return of -0.3% [4][6] - The EUR/USD is expected to have a bear case return of -4.6% and a bull case of 9.1% [4][6] 3. **Fixed Income Outlook**: - UST 10-year yields are projected to yield a bear case return of 7.3% and a bull case of 17.0% [4][6] - The credit market shows a bearish outlook with US IG and US HY expected to yield negative returns in the bear case [4][6] 4. **Commodity Performance**: - Brent crude oil is forecasted to have a bear case return of -22.6% while the bull case suggests a potential increase of 85.8% [4][6] - Gold is expected to yield a bear case return of -13.9% and a bull case of 21.5% [4][6] 5. **Market Sentiment Indicators**: - The Global Risk Demand Index has reached a "Greed" signal for the first time since December, indicating a shift in market sentiment [10][11] - Non-commercial net positioning in S&P 500 E-Mini is at its lowest since April 2024, suggesting reduced bullish sentiment among traders [10][17] 6. **ETF Flows**: - US ETFs focused on Japan equities experienced significant outflows of approximately $422 million, the largest since December 2024 [10][14] - Overall, equity outflows from US domestic funds were noted, indicating a cautious approach among investors [45][46] Additional Important Insights - The Shanghai Stock Exchange Composite Index has reached a 10-year high, reflecting strong performance in the Chinese equity market [23] - The report highlights the importance of monitoring cross-asset correlations, which currently show a 1-year correlation of 40% across global assets, indicating a moderate level of interconnectedness [78] - The COVA framework identifies potential portfolio diversifiers, emphasizing the need for assets with negative correlations to equities [86][88] This summary encapsulates the key points from the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current market landscape and future expectations across various asset classes.

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The report focuses on the global financial markets, particularly equities, fixed income, currencies, and commodities, as analyzed by Morgan Stanley Research. Core Insights and Arguments 1. **Equity Market Forecasts**: - S&P 500 is projected to have a base case return of 3.0% with a bear case of -22.1% and a bull case of 13.9% for Q2 2026 [2][2][2]. - MSCI Europe shows a similar trend with a base case return of 5.5% and a bear case of -23.6% [2][2][2]. - Emerging Markets (MSCI EM) are forecasted to have a bear case return of -28.3% and a base case of -2.0% [2][2][2]. 2. **Fixed Income Insights**: - UST 10-year yields are expected to return 12.4% in the base case, with a bear case of 8.0% [2][2][2]. - The report indicates a significant increase in US capital goods, reaching their highest FPE levels since 2020 [6][6][6]. 3. **Currency Forecasts**: - The JPY/USD is projected to strengthen to 130 in the bull case, while the EUR/USD is expected to reach 1.25 [2][2][2]. - The GBP/USD is forecasted to rise to 1.45 in the bull case [2][2][2]. 4. **Commodities Outlook**: - Brent crude oil is expected to have a bear case return of -24.4% with a base case of -9.3% [2][2][2]. - Gold is projected to return 0.9% in the base case, with a bull case of 21.1% [2][2][2]. 5. **Market Sentiment**: - The Morgan Stanley Market Sentiment Indicator (MSI) reflects a negative sentiment, indicating market stress [57][57][57]. - The report highlights that the US equity risk premium remains negative, suggesting a cautious outlook for equities [9][9][9]. Additional Important Insights 1. **ETF Flows**: - The report tracks daily fund flows across approximately 5,000 ETFs globally, covering around $7 trillion in assets, indicating a comprehensive analysis of market sentiment and positioning [20][20][20]. 2. **Cross-Asset Correlations**: - The current correlation index stands at 43%, with equity correlations at 73%, indicating a strong relationship among equity assets [73][73][73]. 3. **Positioning Summary**: - In US equities, asset managers hold a net long position of 29%, while hedge funds are net short by 10% [65][65][65]. - In commodities, gold shows a net long position of 32% among asset managers [65][65][65]. 4. **Valuation Framework**: - The COVA scorecard identifies good portfolio diversifiers, emphasizing assets with negative correlations to equities and attractive valuations [79][79][79]. 5. **Market Movements**: - Japan's 2-year yields experienced a significant move higher, indicating volatility in the fixed income market [6][6][6]. This summary encapsulates the key insights and data points from the conference call, providing a comprehensive overview of the current market landscape as analyzed by Morgan Stanley Research.

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an overall investment rating for the industry, but it provides forecasts and expected returns for various asset classes, indicating a mixed outlook across equities, bonds, and commodities [4][18]. Core Insights - The correlation between the dollar and the S&P 500 has returned to negative territory after reaching five-year highs, suggesting a shift in market dynamics [9]. - Bloomberg's Fedspeak Index has dropped to its most dovish signal since 2021, indicating a potential easing in monetary policy [10]. - The US economic surprise index has fallen to its lowest level in nine months, reflecting weaker-than-expected economic data [20]. Summary by Sections Equities - S&P 500 forecasted returns range from a bear case of 5,968 to a bull case of 7,200, with a base case return of 6,500, indicating a potential decline of 16.6% in the bear scenario and an increase of 21.9% in the bull scenario [4]. - MSCI Europe shows a bear case of 2,141 and a bull case of 2,620, with a base case of 2,250, reflecting a potential decline of 21.6% in the bear scenario and an increase of 25.6% in the bull scenario [4]. - Topix forecasts range from 2,100 in the bear case to 3,250 in the bull case, with a base case of 2,900, indicating a potential decline of 21.8% in the bear scenario and an increase of 19.7% in the bull scenario [4]. Fixed Income - UST 10-year yields are forecasted to range from 4.38% in the bear case to 2.85% in the bull case, with a base case of 3.45%, indicating a potential increase of 7.8% in the bear scenario and a decrease of 17.5% in the bull scenario [4]. - US Investment Grade (IG) credit spreads are expected to range from 85 bps in the bear case to 70 bps in the bull case, with a base case of 90 bps, reflecting a potential decline of 2.2% in the bear scenario and an increase of 1.8% in the bull scenario [4]. Commodities - Brent crude oil is forecasted to range from $77 in the bear case to $120 in the bull case, with a base case of $60, indicating a potential decline of 29.1% in the bear scenario and an increase of 70.2% in the bull scenario [4]. - Gold prices are expected to range from $3,368 in the bear case to $3,900 in the bull case, with a base case of $3,250, reflecting a potential decline of 21.5% in the bear scenario and an increase of 10.9% in the bull scenario [4]. Market Sentiment - The Market Sentiment Indicator (MSI) aggregates survey positioning, volatility, and momentum data to quantify market stress and sentiment, indicating a current negative sentiment [55][60]. - The report tracks daily fund flows across approximately 5,000 ETFs globally, covering around $7 trillion in assets, providing insights into cross-asset sentiment and positioning [23].

Investment Rating - The report provides a bearish outlook for equities, particularly for the S&P 500, MSCI Europe, and MSCI Emerging Markets, with expected returns showing significant declines in the bear case scenario [3]. Core Insights - The report highlights a significant drop in China’s exports to the US, which fell by 34.4% year-over-year in May, indicating potential economic challenges [8][9]. - EU momentum has reached an all-time high, suggesting strong economic performance in the region [14]. - Silver prices have surged to their highest level since 2011, reflecting increased demand and market volatility [15]. Summary by Sections Equities - S&P 500 forecasted returns range from 6,000 in a bear case to 7,200 in a bull case, with a base case return of 4,900, indicating a -17.1% change in the bear scenario [3]. - MSCI Europe and MSCI Emerging Markets show similar bearish trends with expected returns of 1,610 and 870 respectively in the bear case [3]. FX (Foreign Exchange) - The JPY is expected to depreciate to 145 in the bear case, while the EUR is forecasted to remain stable at 1.14 in the base case [3]. - The GBP and AUD are also projected to see slight declines in their respective bear scenarios [3]. Rates - The UST 10-year yield is forecasted to be 4.51% in the bear case, with a base case of 4.00% [3]. - Other government bonds like DBR 10-year and UKT 10-year show similar trends with expected returns reflecting a bearish outlook [3]. Commodities - Brent crude oil is expected to see a significant drop to 45 in the bear case, while gold is forecasted to decline to 2,760 [3]. - Copper prices are also projected to fall to 7,790 in the bear scenario, indicating a bearish outlook for commodities overall [3]. Market Sentiment - The Market Sentiment Indicator (MSI) reflects negative sentiment across various asset classes, suggesting a risk-off environment [58]. - The report indicates a significant divergence in positioning among different asset classes, with equities showing a more negative sentiment compared to bonds [63]. Cross-Asset Positioning - The report details net positioning across various markets, highlighting that US equities have a net positioning of 26% among managers, while EM equities show a higher net positioning of 42% [63]. - In the bond market, UST 10-year shows a net positioning of 38%, indicating a cautious approach among investors [63].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an overall investment rating for the industry or specific assets [4]. Core Insights - The S&P 500 experienced its best May performance since 1990, indicating strong market sentiment [9]. - US goods imports saw a significant drop of 20% in a month, marking the largest decline ever recorded [9]. - Bloomberg's Fedspeak index has reached its most dovish level in over four years, suggesting a shift in monetary policy outlook [9]. Summary by Sections Equities - S&P 500 forecasted returns range from -15.8% (bear case) to 23.1% (bull case) with a base case return of 19% [4]. - MSCI Europe shows a bear case of -22.8% and a bull case of 23.6%, with a base case return of 16% [4]. - Emerging Markets (MSCI EM) forecasted returns range from -22.1% to 20.2%, with a base case return of 16% [4]. Foreign Exchange - The JPY is forecasted to depreciate to 144 in the bear case and appreciate to 130 in the bull case, with a base case of 143 [4]. - The EUR is expected to range from 1.13 (bear) to 1.25 (bull), with a base case of 1.14 [4]. Rates - The 10-year UST yield is forecasted to range from 4.40% (bear) to 3.45% (bull), with a base case of 4.00% [4]. - UK 10-year yields are expected to range from 4.65% (bear) to 3.95% (bull), with a base case of 4.35% [4]. Credit - US Investment Grade (IG) credit spreads are forecasted to tighten from 88 bps (bear) to 90 bps (bull), with a base case of 130 bps [4]. - US High Yield (HY) spreads are expected to range from 315 bps (bear) to 335 bps (bull), with a base case of 475 bps [4]. Commodities - Brent crude oil is forecasted to range from $64 (bear) to $55 (bull), with a base case of $45 [4]. - Gold prices are expected to range from $3,278 (bear) to $3,250 (bull), with a base case of $2,760 [4]. Market Sentiment Indicator (MSI) - The MSI aggregates survey positioning, volatility, and momentum data to quantify market stress and sentiment, indicating a current negative sentiment [50][55]. Cross-Asset Positioning - In US equities, asset managers are net long at 27%, while hedge funds are net short at -7% [63]. - In commodities, positioning shows 25% net long in gold, while 7% net long in Brent [63]. Cross-Asset Correlations - The current global correlation index stands at 43%, indicating a slight increase from the previous month [72]. - Equity correlations are at 70%, while credit correlations are at 80%, reflecting strong interdependencies [72]. ETF Flows - US equities saw a net inflow of $0.7 billion over the past week, while world equities had a net inflow of $0.8 billion [37]. - Bond markets experienced a significant inflow of $15.1 billion, indicating strong demand for fixed income [37]. Volatility Monitor - The implied volatility for the S&P 500 is currently at 17.0%, reflecting market expectations of future volatility [96]. - Major equity markets show varying levels of volatility, with the Nasdaq at 21.2% [96]. Overall Market Performance - Major developed market equity indices posted gains, with TOPIX up 2.4% and NASDAQ up 2% [98]. - Commodity markets generally posted losses, with copper down 3.3% [98].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or specific assets [3]. Core Insights - The S&P 500 is forecasted to reach 6,500 by Q4 2025, representing a total return of 15.6% with a volatility of 19% [3]. - The report highlights a mixed performance across global equity markets, with the DAX outperforming at +3.8% and technology sectors leading at +4.3% [101]. - The US Dollar experienced a significant decline of 4.55% in April, marking its second worst monthly performance in 15 years [9][101]. - Credit spreads tightened for US and EU high-yield bonds, while spreads widened for investment-grade indices [101]. Summary by Relevant Sections Equities - S&P 500: Current level at 5,687, forecasted to 6,500 with a return of 15.6% [3]. - MSCI Europe: Current level at 2,137, forecasted to 2,150 with a return of 3.8% [3]. - Topix: Current level at 2,688, forecasted to 2,600 with a return of -0.8% [3]. - MSCI Emerging Markets: Current level at 1,133, forecasted to 1,050 with a return of -4.6% [3]. Fixed Income - UST 10-year yield forecasted to decrease to 4.00% from 4.31%, with a total return of 6.8% [3]. - US Investment Grade (IG) credit spread at 102 bps, forecasted to tighten to 95 bps with a return of 1.5% [3]. Commodities - Brent crude oil forecasted to decrease to $57.5 from $61, with a return of -5.2% [3]. - Gold forecasted to increase to $3,500 from $3,250, with a return of 5.3% [3]. Currency - JPY forecasted to appreciate to 141 from 145, with a return of 1.0% [3]. - EUR forecasted to depreciate to 1.08 from 1.13, with a return of -6.5% [3]. Market Sentiment - The report indicates a negative sentiment in the market, with the Market Sentiment Indicator (MSI) reflecting stress and positioning data [54][58].