Bulls hoping for a year-end rally in US stocks are taking heart that the market looks a lot less frothy than it did the last time the S&P 500 set a record https://t.co/vC9PG4MuEF ...

Markets kicking off December with losses though, even after last week's big rebound. Historically, December has been a seasonally strong month without much volatility. Will this December prove to be the same.Well, joining us now is Max Kentner. He is chief multi-asset strategist at HSBC. Max, it's great to have you back on the show.And let's start right there because historically December tends to be one to remember for all the right reasons. How do you see this market shaping up right now into year end. >> ...

A year-end rally in US stocks seemed like a lock a few weeks ago. Now Wall Street isn’t so sure https://t.co/MlnrsCPKVf ...

The selloff in US stocks may have run its course, setting the stage for a year-end rally, according to UBS Securities’ trading desk https://t.co/h4wbMv06bR ...

Market Trend & Year-End Rally - Seasonality suggests a strong year-end rally, potentially pulling forward gains from 2026 into 2025 [2] - Tech sector is expected to continue leading the market, maintaining a concentrated rally [3][4] - Market needs to broaden out for the rally to continue into 2026 [4] Consumer & Economic Concerns - Concerns exist regarding the impact on middle and lower-income consumers, particularly with potential increases in Affordable Care Act payments, which could rise as much as 114% for approximately 22 million people [5] - A K-shaped economy is evident, with investors and those holding real estate and equities experiencing a positive year, while the lower economy faces challenges [6][7] Investment Opportunities - For the value-seeking consumer, Amazon and Costco are highlighted as potential investments between now and year-end [8] - Costco demonstrates resilience with its profitable membership model, private label growth, and a 15% increase in online sales year-over-year [9] - Amazon's blockbuster earnings, AI investments, and cloud growth (AWS) present substantial opportunities [10][11] - Apple is considered approximately 18% undervalued based on a discounted cash flow model, with ongoing AI integration and a 2 billion install base [12]

Market Outlook - City maintains a year-end target of 6,600, set in early August, and currently sees the market at 6,700 plus [1] - The firm anticipates volatility into the Q3 reporting period but expects a year-end rally as Fed rate cuts become more apparent [2] - Expectations for index EPS growth are around 8%, and while achievable, the market's pricing in of continued "beat and raise" is considered aggressive [3][4] Sector Analysis - Communication services have been downgraded to market weight after a 25-year overweight position, reflecting concerns that positive catalysts are already priced in [5] - Tech and semiconductors remain overweight, and financials, particularly banks, are still viewed favorably, needing only to meet or slightly exceed expectations [6] - The market is viewed as split, with roughly half affected by AI and the other half not, with greater concern about the AI-affected portion due to heightened expectations [7][8] Risk Factors - Labor conditions and valuation are key concerns discussed with clients [10] - A government shutdown is currently viewed as temporary, but its impact will increase the longer it persists [14][15] Investment Strategy - The firm is leaning into the cyclical part of the market, including banks and certain retailers, contingent on continued rate cuts [11] - The upper half of the income distribution is expected to drive retail sales through the holiday season [12] - Gold and crypto are seen as hedging opportunities in a strong but highly valued, momentum-driven equity market, especially with central bank buying [13][14]