Investment Rating - The report maintains a neutral rating on equities for both 3-month and 12-month asset allocations [2]. Core Insights - The US fiscal concerns are expected to increase the deficit by approximately $275 billion, or 0.8% of GDP, next year, primarily due to more generous individual tax cuts [1]. - Revenue from tariff increases is projected to offset the net increase in the deficit, with expectations of around $400 billion, or 1.25% of GDP, in revenue next year [1]. - Federal debt as a share of GDP is anticipated to rise to about 120% by 2035 from roughly 100% today, indicating a need for close monitoring of the US fiscal outlook [1]. - The report highlights a potential sharp decline in the US trade deficit with China, driven by a decrease in imports following frontloading ahead of tariffs [8]. - Global population aging is viewed as less concerning than previously thought, with healthier aging populations expected to work longer and mitigate economic drawbacks [9]. Summary by Sections US Fiscal Concerns - The House Republican reconciliation package is expected to increase the US deficit by around $275 billion next year [1]. - Tariff revenue is projected to be around $400 billion, which will likely offset the deficit increase [1]. - Federal debt is expected to reach approximately 120% of GDP by 2035 [1]. Trade Dynamics - The report anticipates a decline in the US trade deficit with China, with real goods imports increasing by 3% in April but declining by 4% in May [8]. - The annualized goods trade deficit was around $1.6 trillion in April, decreasing to $1.5 trillion in May [8]. Population Aging - Concerns about global population aging are considered overblown, as healthier aging populations are expected to work longer [9]. - The fertility rate required for long-term population stability is believed to be lower than the current global rate of 2.1, supporting continued population growth [9]. Hedge Fund and Mutual Fund Trends - The average US long/short equity hedge fund has maintained a return of 1% year-to-date, despite a challenging environment [11]. - Mutual funds have shown strong performance, with 50% of large-cap funds outperforming their benchmarks [11].