Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry discussed [2][3]. Core Insights - The NBS Manufacturing PMI for China is expected to decline to 49.6 in April from 50.5 in March, indicating a contraction in manufacturing due to US tariffs and trade uncertainties [3][7]. - Private sector credit in Australia is projected to increase by 0.6% month-on-month in March, leading to an annual growth rate of 6.6% year-on-year [7]. - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Australia is anticipated to rise by 0.9% quarter-on-quarter in Q1, maintaining an annual rate of 2.4% year-on-year [7]. - House prices in Australia are expected to see a slight increase in April, supported by expectations of further rate cuts [7]. - Korea's exports are forecasted to decline by 3.6% year-on-year in April, reflecting the impact of steel and auto tariffs [8]. - Taiwan's GDP is projected to rebound to 3.1% year-on-year in Q1, driven by pre-tariff export orders, although a slowdown is expected in Q2 [9]. Summary by Sections Australia - The report anticipates a trade surplus of A$3.8 billion in March, with exports partially rebounding [7]. - Retail sales are expected to increase by 0.1% month-on-month and 4.0% year-on-year in March, marking the strongest annual rate since December 2024 [7]. China - The NBS Manufacturing PMI is expected to soften to 49.6 in April, indicating challenges in production and new orders due to external trade pressures [3][7]. Korea - Exports are expected to show a significant slowdown, with a year-on-year decline of 3.6% in April due to tariff impacts [8]. Taiwan - GDP growth is forecasted to rebound to 3.1% year-on-year in Q1, driven by strong export orders ahead of tariffs [9]. Japan - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is expected to maintain its current monetary policy stance, with labor market conditions remaining tight [11].

Investment Rating - The report indicates a downward adjustment in GDP growth forecast for China, expecting a decline from 5.4% in Q1 to below 4.5% in Q2 2025 due to tariff impacts and reduced trade volume with the US [2][9]. Core Insights - The report highlights that the high tariffs imposed have significantly affected trade, with a 64% month-on-month decrease in container bookings from China to the US in April 2025 [2][3]. - Consumer confidence in real estate and overall spending is weakening, with survey data showing increased concerns about income and employment among consumers [3][20]. - The report anticipates a potential reduction in tariffs in the coming months, with expectations of a 60% average reduction by the end of June 2025, and a further 34% reduction by the end of the year, although achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution remains challenging [4][9]. Summary by Sections Economic Impact - The report projects a significant economic downturn in Q2 2025, with the GDP growth rate expected to drop below 4.5% due to the adverse effects of tariffs and declining domestic demand [9][2]. - It notes that the high tariffs have led to a contraction in trade volume, particularly with the US, impacting various sectors including consumer electronics and automotive [2][3]. Consumer Sentiment - Consumer confidence has been notably affected, with a marked decline in sentiment regarding real estate and consumer spending, as evidenced by survey results indicating fears of job loss and reduced income [3][20]. - The report mentions that the sales growth of online appliances and passenger vehicles has slowed, reflecting the broader economic concerns [3][25]. Trade Relations - The report discusses the complexities of US-China trade relations, indicating that while there is a window for tariff reductions, the path to a comprehensive agreement is fraught with difficulties [4][9]. - It emphasizes that a significant portion of Chinese exports to the US (30-40%) are less elastic to tariffs, particularly in sectors where the US has a high dependency on Chinese imports [3][15].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a cautious outlook on the industry, with GDP growth tracking below 4.5% year-on-year for 2Q 2025, down from 5.4% in 1Q 2025, primarily due to escalating tariffs impacting trade with the US [1][10]. Core Insights - The report highlights significant trade impacts from the 125% reciprocal US tariffs on China, leading to a sharp decline in shipments to the US and a notable drop in China's container throughput and freight shipping prices [2][10]. - Consumer sentiment is weakening, with rising household concerns over jobs and salaries, resulting in reduced consumption appetite and a cooling property market [3][10]. - The report suggests that while tariff de-escalation may occur in the next 1-2 months, achieving a durable resolution remains challenging due to the complexity of bilateral issues [5][8]. Summary by Sections Economic Impact - 2Q GDP growth is projected to slow significantly, with a forecast below 4.5% year-on-year, attributed to the adverse effects of US tariffs [1][10]. - The logistics data indicates a 64% week-on-week decline in ocean container bookings from China to the US in early April 2025 [2]. Consumer Sentiment - The AlphaWise Consumer Pulse Survey indicates initial signs of a secondary hit from US tariffs, with increased household concerns over job security and reduced consumption [3][19]. - Year-on-year sales of online home appliances and passenger cars have softened, and secondary housing sales have moderated more than seasonal trends would suggest [3][27]. Tariff Analysis - The report identifies low tariff elasticity for 30-40% of China's export products to the US, particularly in consumer electronics, which constitute 22% of China's exports to the US [4][21]. - The expectation is that US tariffs on China could be reduced to 60% by the end of June 2025, contingent on successful trade negotiations [5][8]. Policy Response - The report anticipates that Beijing will implement a front-loaded Rmb2 trillion stimulus package in 2Q 2025, with an additional Rmb1-1.5 trillion supplementary fiscal package expected in the second half of the year [10][32]. - As of April 2025, 36% of this year's government bond quota has been utilized, compared to an average of 20% in the past five years, indicating a proactive policy approach [10][29].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Viewpoints - Shifting business operations away from China is nearly impossible for other Asian economies due to China's central role as a market, supplier, and source of foreign direct investment [1][6][12] - Any trade restrictions imposed on China by other Asian economies would likely lead to retaliatory measures from China, severely impacting trade, capital flows, and growth prospects in the region [6][12][13] Summary by Sections Trade Restrictions and Challenges - The report analyzes which economies might be pressured to impose trade restrictions on China and concludes that most Asian economies outside of China would find it very difficult to implement such measures [3][6] - Economies like Vietnam, Thailand, and India, which have significant trade surpluses with the US and deficits with China, would struggle to impose tariffs on China due to their reliance on Chinese inputs [8][12] Economic Dependencies - China is a crucial source of final demand, inputs, and equipment for many Asian economies, particularly ASEAN countries, making it challenging for these economies to decouple from China [12][34] - Approximately 17% of exports from Asia (excluding China and Hong Kong) go to the US, while 16.6% go to China, highlighting the significant trade relationships within the region [12][26] Investment Flows - China accounts for 7.9% of foreign direct investment inflows into Asia (excluding China), with ASEAN economies being particularly reliant on Chinese investment [12][34] - The share of ASEAN in China's outward foreign direct investment has increased from 15% in 2018 to 20% in 2023, indicating growing economic ties [34][38] Supply Chain Implications - The report emphasizes that imposing tariffs on Chinese goods would disrupt the cross-border production networks in Asia, leading to inflation in consumer goods prices [12][30] - China holds a significant share in global exports of key products, such as mobile phones (37%) and computers (37%), meaning tariffs would likely lead to increased prices for these goods in other Asian economies [30][31] Conclusion - The report concludes that Asian economies are unlikely to impose trade and investment barriers against China, as it would severely disrupt their existing business models and economic growth [13][34]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or US equities Core Insights - Recent declines in US stocks, bonds, and the dollar have raised concerns about foreign investor selling, with an estimated $60 billion in US stocks sold since March 2025 [2][3] - Foreign investors held a record 18% ($17 trillion) of US equities at the start of 2025, indicating a significant potential for further selling [4][5] - Historical data shows that previous episodes of foreign selling have lasted an average of 11 months and accounted for approximately 0.6% of US equity market cap, translating to about $300 billion today [2][15] Summary by Sections Foreign Investor Activity - High-frequency fund flow data indicates that European investors have primarily driven the recent selling of US equities, while other regions have continued to buy [11][21] - The recent episode of foreign selling is shorter and shallower compared to historical averages, with only $63 billion sold over the last two months [15][21] Market Performance - Since early April 2025, the S&P 500 has declined by 4%, the trade-weighted US dollar has fallen by 3%, and the 30-year US Treasury yield has increased by 18 basis points [3][9] - In contrast to past episodes of foreign selling, where US stock prices generally continued to rise, the current situation has seen a decline in both stock prices and the dollar [16][21] Historical Context - The report highlights that in previous instances of foreign selling, the S&P 500 rose in 7 out of 10 episodes, while the dollar typically appreciated by an average of 5% [16][21] - The most recent significant foreign selling occurred from mid-2023 to early 2024, totaling $260 billion, which contrasts with the current estimated selling of $63 billion [15][21]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry [2]. Core Insights - The report highlights that China achieved a growth target of "around 5%" in 2024, with 70% of this growth driven by exports and export-related manufacturing investment [7]. - For 2025, the report anticipates a decline in real GDP growth to 4.0%, influenced by elevated US tariffs on Chinese goods, which are expected to impose a 2.2 percentage point drag on GDP growth [10][20]. - The report expresses caution regarding medium- to long-term GDP growth in China due to challenges related to demographics, debt, and de-risking, although there are moderate upside risks from faster AI adoption [9]. Summary by Sections Economic Forecasts - The report provides a detailed forecast for China's GDP growth, projecting 5.0% for 2024 and 4.0% for 2025, with a further decline to 3.5% in 2026 [15]. - It notes that domestic demand is expected to contribute positively, with consumption growth projected at 5.3% in 2025 [11]. Tariff Impact - The report indicates that the effective US tariff rate on China has reached 107%, significantly affecting trade dynamics and economic growth [20]. - It emphasizes that the ongoing policy easing in China may not fully offset the negative impacts of these tariffs [12]. Policy Measures - The report outlines expected policy measures, including further monetary easing and fiscal stimulus, to support economic growth amid external pressures [31]. - It anticipates an increase in the augmented fiscal deficit to 14.5% of GDP in 2025, up from 10.4% in 2024 [33]. Sectoral Insights - The report discusses the property sector, noting that construction activity has sharply contracted compared to previous peaks, raising questions about the sustainability of any recovery [52][56]. - It also highlights that high-tech manufacturing has been a stable growth driver over the past decade, with expectations that these sectors will continue to outperform broader manufacturing [80][84].

Business Overview - Moelis is a leading global advisory-focused independent investment bank[6] - The firm has a global reach, advising clients in over 45 countries[7] - Moelis has deep knowledge in over 85 industries/sectors[7] Financial Performance - LTM 1Q 2025 Revenue is $1284 million[7] - Approximately $28 billion of capital has been returned to shareholders since IPO[7, 64] - Total shareholder return is approximately 400%[7] - Revenue growth from FY 2014 to LTM 1Q 2025 is 147%[7] Talent and Culture - The firm has 168 Managing Directors[7] - Approximately 45% of MDs are internally promoted[7] - The company has 1300 employees[7] Capital Structure Advisory - Moelis has restructured approximately $1 trillion of liabilities since IPO in 2014[26] - Approximately 60% of engagements are company-side and 40% are creditor side[26] - Approximately 50% of engagements have been completed out of court[30] Capital Markets - The firm has raised approximately $200 billion in capital since IPO[34] Private Funds Advisory - The firm has advised on over $75 billion in private capital[37]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The average tariff imposed by the US has surged from 3% to over 20%, marking the highest level in nearly a century, which has led to significant declines in stock and commodity prices, reminiscent of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of the 1930s [1][2] - High tariffs disrupt global supply chains, forcing companies to adjust production layouts, which reduces global production efficiency and raises the US policy uncertainty index to its second-highest level in decades [1][5] - The imposition of tariffs is expected to push inflation higher, slow down economic growth in exporting countries, and suppress overall production, leading to a lasting negative impact on the macroeconomy [1][6] - The report predicts a potential recession or stagflation in the US economy, with GDP expected to drop sharply and both consumption and investment slowing down, contrasting with the prevailing belief in the resilience of the US economy [1][8] - Economic data in the US shows significant divergence, with soft data (like consumer confidence) not aligning with hard data (like sales figures), necessitating careful differentiation between core and auxiliary data to avoid reliance on distorted information [1][12] Summary by Sections Tariff Impact - The US government has announced a significant increase in tariffs, raising basic tariffs by 10% and imposing tariffs of 30% to 50% on countries with large trade deficits with the US, resulting in an average tariff increase to over 20% [2][3] - This tariff increase has led to a notable decline in US stock markets and commodity prices, indicating a substantial negative impact on the economy [4][5] Economic Outlook - The report suggests that the US economy may face a challenging future, with a high likelihood of recession or stagflation due to the adverse effects of tariffs and other policies [7][8] - The analysis indicates that the most resilient sectors, such as consumption and investment, are also showing signs of slowing down, confirming the overall downward trend in the economy [17][18] Global Economic Context - China's economy showed a GDP growth of 5.4% in the first quarter, but is expected to face challenges in the second and third quarters due to tariff impacts, with potential government measures to stabilize recovery [19][20] - The report emphasizes the importance of considering the contrasting policy environments between the US and China, with China having more room for counter-cyclical stimulus due to lower inflation [20][21] Asset Allocation Recommendations - In the current environment, the report recommends allocating to safe assets like gold and Chinese bonds, while advising caution regarding traditional safe assets like US dollars and bonds due to their diminished safety and resilience [44][38] - The report suggests that investors should maintain a cautious stance towards US equities, given the potential for recession or stagflation, and consider structural adjustments in their portfolios [39][42]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a 45% probability of a US recession over the next 12 months, suggesting a cautious investment stance in the current macroeconomic environment [1]. Core Insights - The report highlights a significant tariff-induced impact on US growth, with expectations of a slowdown in hard data by mid-to-late summer, following initial signs of weakness in soft data [1][2]. - Despite recent market reassurances from political figures regarding tariffs, the report suggests that markets are underpricing recession risks, which could lead to vulnerabilities if recession signs emerge [2]. - The report emphasizes the need for investors to seek alternative hedges against recession risks, recommending traditional safe havens such as the Yen, Swiss Franc, and gold [3][6]. Summary by Sections US Economic Outlook - The report anticipates a sizable tariff-induced hit to US growth, with a notable risk of recession [1]. - It notes that while soft data shows early signs of slowdown, hard data remains solid for now, likely due to front-loading of purchases ahead of tariffs [1]. - A full-blown recession could push the S&P 500 to around 4,600 and significantly impact the commercial real estate market [2]. China Economic Outlook - The report discusses China's economic performance, indicating that Q1 GDP growth may reflect frontloading in anticipation of US tariffs, with expectations of a significant drag from higher tariffs going forward [9]. - It predicts that Chinese policymakers will intensify easing measures, but the magnitude may not fully offset the tariff drag, leading to a sharp slowdown in GDP growth in Q2 [9]. Commodity and Market Insights - The report highlights the potential for a 25% tariff on US copper imports by mid-2025, which the market is not currently pricing in [9]. - It suggests that despite reduced attractiveness of bonds as hedges, shorter-maturity USTs and curve steepeners could provide protection in a recession scenario [6].

Core Viewpoint - Moelis & Company reported better-than-expected first-quarter 2025 results, with adjusted earnings of 64 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 57 cents, and significantly improving from 22 cents per share in the prior-year quarter [1][2] Financial Performance - Net income on a GAAP basis was $50.3 million, compared to $16.6 million in the prior-year quarter [2] - Total revenues on a GAAP basis grew 41% year over year to $306.6 million, driven by increases in M&A and capital markets revenues, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $289.8 million [3] - Total operating expenses on a GAAP basis rose 27.4% to $269.9 million, attributed to increases in compensation and benefits costs as well as non-compensation expenses, with estimates for total operating expenses at $252.9 million [3] Other Income and Liquidity - Other income on a GAAP basis was $6.1 million, up 45.2%, surpassing projections of $5.5 million [4] - As of March 31, 2025, the company held cash and liquid investments of $336.3 million, with no debt or goodwill [4] Strategic Outlook - The company's hiring spree and rising revenue-related compensation may negatively impact bottom-line growth, alongside concerns regarding a delayed rebound in global deal-making [5] - However, global expansion initiatives and diverse operations across various sectors are seen as positive factors for future growth [5] Peer Performance - Morgan Stanley reported first-quarter 2025 earnings of $2.60 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.23, with a 28.7% increase from the prior-year quarter [6] - Goldman Sachs achieved first-quarter 2025 adjusted earnings per share of $14.12, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $12.71, and showing growth from $11.58 in the year-ago quarter [7]