Investment Rating - The report maintains an equal-weight rating on equities, overweight in core fixed income, and underweight in other fixed income [4][5]. Core Insights - The Federal Reserve is expected to initiate rate cuts, with four consecutive 25 basis point cuts anticipated through January 2026, leading to a terminal rate of 2.875% [2][20]. - The macroeconomic environment is characterized by a focus on improving expectations despite ongoing trade tensions and global slowdown risks, with a preference for quality assets [3][4]. - The report highlights a constructive outlook on USD assets, while cautioning about potential pressures on the dollar due to rising policy uncertainty [4]. Economic Outlook - In the US, real GDP growth showed a recovery in Q2 2025, but domestic demand has slowed, averaging 1.9% quarter-on-quarter in the first half of the year [8]. - The Euro area experienced stable GDP growth in the first half of 2025, with PMIs indicating continued firmness [9]. - Japan's nominal growth remains positive, supported by resilient manufacturing sentiment, while China's GDP growth is expected to soften in the second half of the year due to reduced stimulus [9]. Sector Recommendations - In the US, the report favors quality cyclical stocks and those with high operational efficiency, while in Japan, it recommends companies benefiting from domestic reflation and defense spending [6]. - Key sectors in Europe include defense, banks, software, telecoms, and diversified financials, with a focus on resilient market pockets [6]. - Emerging markets are favored towards financials and domestic-focused businesses over exporters [6]. Earnings Forecasts - The S&P 500 is projected to have an EPS of 259 for 2025, increasing to 283 in 2026, reflecting a 7% and 9% year-on-year growth respectively [7]. - The MSCI Europe index is expected to see a slight decline in EPS for 2025, with a forecast of 138, but a modest increase to 141 in 2026 [7]. - Emerging markets are projected to have an EPS growth of 6% in 2025 and 10% in 2026, with a forecast of 84 and 92 respectively [7].