Citigroup hires veteran investment banker Akira Kiyota from Nomura, the latest sign of competition for talent among global financial firms as they seek to benefit from Japan’s dealmaking boom https://t.co/jaSA8hLJiL ...

Core Insights - CBHH focuses on sourcing and executing infrastructure financing and M&A opportunities across the UK and continental Europe, particularly in next-generation infrastructure businesses [1][2] - The firm operates in the "core+ or value-add infrastructure" space, which includes sectors like data centers, EV charging, energy generation, and smart city technologies [1][2] Core+ Infrastructure - CBHH targets "next-generation infrastructure" assets that are too small for large-cap investors but too capital-intensive for early-stage funds, emphasizing their importance in driving mission-critical infrastructure [2] Operational Insights - Companies in this sector are described as capital-hungry and operationally intense, but understanding unit economics allows for effective growth underwriting [3] Market Dynamics - The merger with Herbst Hilgenfeldt Partners enhances CBHH's coverage in two active European infrastructure markets, aligning with public priorities of decarbonization and digital infrastructure [4] Advisory Approach - CBHH maintains strong relationships with clients, advising them from early institutional rounds to large-scale exits, and has co-invested in past clients, blending traditional banking principles with modern M&A execution [5][6] Competitive Positioning - Despite being a boutique firm, CBHH competes effectively with global investment banks due to the senior team's banking heritage, deep sector knowledge, and agility in complex transactions [6] Institutional Knowledge - CBHH utilizes Navatar's CRM platform to enhance firmwide institutional knowledge, allowing for better relationship management and deal execution [7][8][9] Team Background - The firm is composed of former bankers from major institutions like Goldman Sachs and UBS, bringing a distinct discipline and empathy to client relationships [10][11]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for US equities, with expectations for net buying in various scenarios over the next month [2][5]. Core Insights - The report highlights that professional investors have driven equities higher, with macro investor optimism significantly influenced by Fed policy [80]. - Global equities experienced the largest net buying in five weeks, primarily driven by long buys and some short covering [38]. - The report notes that 6 out of 11 global sectors were net bought, with Financials, Info Tech, and Industrials leading, while Energy, Comm Svcs, and Real Estate saw the most net selling [40]. Summary by Relevant Sections CTA Corner - CTAs are long $67 billion in global equities, with a significant portion in the US, and are expected to shift from selling to buying in the coming month [2][5]. - In the past week, there was a net selling of $9.2 billion, but future estimates suggest a reversal in buying trends [2]. Market Flows - The report details expected flows in different market scenarios, indicating a potential for significant buying in flat and up scenarios over the next month [7]. - Notably, the S&P 500 E-mini is projected to see varied flows, with net buying expected in flat and up scenarios [7]. Sector Performance - The report indicates that the Financial sector saw the largest net buying since December 2016, driven by hedge funds [40]. - Energy stocks faced the largest net selling since September 2024, attributed to increased short positions amid geopolitical tensions and declining oil prices [41]. Trading Activity - Trading volumes were light due to corporate blackout periods ahead of earnings, with a significant portion of trading focused on Financials, Tech, and Health Care [54]. - The report anticipates a slow trading week ahead due to the Independence Day holiday in the US [54].

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook for the S&P 500, suggesting a continuation of the recent rally in the short term, with expectations of a peak around mid-July before a potential decline in August [2][11]. Core Insights - The S&P 500 has experienced a 10% increase since the end of March, marking the fastest recovery from a sell-off exceeding 15% in history [2]. - The report highlights that July is historically the strongest month for the S&P, with an average return of 1.67% since 1928, and the first half of July is projected to yield an even higher average return of 2.43% [6][11]. - The Russell 2000 index is noted to be trading 11.5% below its high, indicating a divergence in performance compared to the S&P and NDX [5]. - Systematic positioning in equity demand is expected to increase, with an estimated $80 billion of global equity demand over the next month, including $44 billion from U.S. markets [26]. Summary by Sections Market Performance - The S&P 500 reached another all-time high last week, the first since February 19, indicating strong market performance despite narrow market breadth [47]. Volatility - The report discusses a decrease in market panic as indicated by lower volatility levels, with a shift in investor preference towards "wingier" options for exposure to extreme risks [20][21]. Liquidity - S&P top of book liquidity stands at $12.48 million, up 21% from the one-year average, indicating improved trading conditions [41]. Retail Sector - Dips in retail demand have been correlated with declines in the S&P, suggesting that retail performance is a significant factor to monitor [54].

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly provide an investment rating for the industry or specific companies covered. Core Insights - The timing of tariff impacts on the economy will depend on the actual application of tariffs and the outcomes of ongoing negotiations [4] - Trade negotiations typically take years rather than months, indicating that any near-term outcomes may be limited to framework agreements or narrow deals [8] - The interaction between country-specific tariffs and sector-based tariffs remains uncertain, with upcoming deadlines in July and August expected to provide clarity [9][11] Summary by Sections Trade Negotiations and Tariffs - A series of tariff deadlines are approaching, with significant negotiations involving the US, Japan, India, Mexico, and Canada in July, followed by China in August [9] - Historical experiences suggest that trade negotiations can span several years, with the UK-US trade agreement serving as a reference point for future deals [12][22] - The report anticipates that the administration may seek to extend the July 9 deadline, citing progress in trade discussions [11] Economic Implications - Opinion polling indicates that voters do not currently perceive a negative impact from tariffs, which may reduce political risks associated with tariff escalations [13] - The economic effects of tariffs have not yet manifested in hard data, with delays expected in the transmission of price changes due to tariffs [30][31] - The report highlights that the effective tariff rate is expected to stabilize around mid-teens percentages, with ongoing legal challenges and negotiations influencing final levels [11][33] Sector and Country Tariffs - The report discusses the complexity of how country and sector tariffs will interact, particularly in the context of the USMCA and ongoing bilateral negotiations [15][16] - The categorization of trade with Canada and Mexico will significantly affect tariff levels, with a mix of Most Favored Nation (MFN) and USMCA compliance currently in place [20] - The transition from country to sector tariffs is a key focus, with implications for supply chains and revenue generation from tariffs [21][34]

Key takeaways from our recent client conversations around the world. June 30, 2025 04:01 AM GMT Global Economic Briefing | North America M Idea The Weekly Worldview: The Hardest Questions: From Beijing to Berlin M A good friend of mine likes to say that the main reason that he forecasts is to find out why he was wrong. Our view of a meaningful deceleration in the US and the global economy from tariffs and other policies has yet to play out. We find ourselves waiting. So, while we wait, we take stock of the ...

Investment Rating - The report maintains a bullish outlook on U.S. Treasuries (USTs) and a bearish stance on the U.S. Dollar (USD) [1] Core Insights - Tariffs are significant, with U.S. government revenue from tariffs annualizing over 1% of U.S. GDP, indicating that they do not represent a zero-sum game [1] - U.S. importers paid tariffs equivalent to 65% of corporate income taxes in 2024, and these tariffs represented 15% of non-financial corporate profits after tax in Q1 2025 [10][11] - If corporations absorbed all tariff expenses, profit margins would have fallen to 11.7% from 13.8%, below the 15-year moving average of 12.2% [10][26] Summary by Sections Tariff Impact - U.S. importers' tariff payments in June annualized to $327 billion, or 1.1% of Q1 2025 nominal GDP [12][16] - The analysis suggests that tariffs act as a significant tax burden on corporations, impacting profit margins and overall economic growth [11][29] Corporate Profit Margins - In Q1 2025, non-financial corporations reported $2.127 trillion in profit after tax, with profit margins sitting at 13.8% [22] - The report highlights that if tariffs were fully absorbed, profit margins would drop significantly, indicating potential economic stress [26][34] Economic Outlook - The report suggests that the economic backdrop is skewed to the downside, with airline passenger traffic slowing and potential impacts from tariffs expected to manifest in inflation data [30] - The recommendation is to stay long U.S. Treasuries and short the USD, reflecting a cautious economic outlook [1][30]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The manufacturing PMI for June increased by 0.2 percentage points month-on-month to 49.7, slightly surpassing consensus expectations of 49.6, driven by strong fiscal front-loading [7] - Export momentum is weakening, with the new export order index rising only 0.2 percentage points month-on-month, remaining significantly below pre-tariff levels, indicating a potential end to strong US-bound shipping [3][4] - Real GDP growth is expected to decline from 5% year-on-year in Q2 to 4.5% in Q3 due to fading export front-loading and muted stimulus measures anticipated from the government [4][7] Summary by Sections Manufacturing Sector - The June manufacturing PMI rose to 49.7, supported by stronger new orders and production, particularly in consumer goods and base materials [2][7] - The construction PMI also saw a notable increase of 1.8 percentage points month-on-month to 52.8, reflecting ongoing fiscal support for infrastructure spending [2] Export Dynamics - The new export orders index showed a slight increase but remains low compared to historical levels, suggesting a slowdown in export activities [3][4] - Container throughput has weakened, indicating a broader decline in export volumes to various destinations [3] Economic Outlook - The report anticipates a decrease in real GDP growth to 4.5% year-on-year in Q3, influenced by the diminishing impact of export front-loading and a lack of significant new fiscal stimulus [4][7] - A modest supplementary fiscal stimulus of Rmb0.5-1 trillion is expected to be introduced by the government in late Q3 or early Q4 if economic data continues to show weakness [4]

Investment Rating - The report indicates a solid investment outlook for the China economy, with expectations of a supplementary budget of Rmb0.5-1 trillion in response to weaker data in the coming months [3]. Core Insights - The report highlights a robust performance in Q2 2025, but notes a softening momentum, suggesting that a fall stimulus is likely to be implemented [2][3]. - Structural reforms are deemed essential for sustained economic reflation, with a focus on social welfare reform, debt restructuring, and improving fiscal governance [3]. - Retail sales have remained strong, particularly in the auto and home appliance sectors, although there are concerns about subdued sales in other consumer goods categories [5][7]. - Exports are expected to slow further, despite a rebound in US-bound shipping, indicating potential challenges in international trade [10][12]. - The housing market is experiencing a downturn, with secondary home sales weakening and local government financing pressures increasing [15][20]. Summary by Sections Economic Performance - Q2 2025 data shows solid economic performance, but momentum is softening, leading to expectations of a fall stimulus [2][3]. - Retail sales in June were strong, driven by front-loaded demand in the auto and home appliance sectors [5]. Policy Outlook - The report anticipates a supplementary budget of Rmb0.5-1 trillion to address weaker economic data in the upcoming months [3]. - Structural reforms are necessary for sustained reflation, focusing on social welfare, debt restructuring, and fiscal governance [3]. Trade and Exports - Exports are likely to slow further, with June showing a decline despite a rebound in US-bound shipping [10][12]. - Container throughput at major ports has slipped sharply, indicating challenges in trade logistics [11]. Housing Market - The housing market is under pressure, with secondary home sales weakening and local government financing facing challenges [15][20]. - Major tax revenues and land sales have underperformed, contributing to fiscal pressures [20]. Construction Activity - Weak construction activities are indicated by subdued demand for rebar and cement, suggesting a slowdown in overall construction [21][23]. RMB Internationalization - The report discusses the roadmap for RMB cross-border settlement and highlights the importance of stablecoins in reinforcing dollar dominance in the near term [27][28].

Investment Rating - The report recommends an overweight position in US equities, suggesting they remain attractive compared to the rest of the world [9]. Core Insights - There is a narrative questioning whether foreign investors are fleeing US assets, driven by uncertainties in trade and tariff policies. However, data indicates that while foreign investors have slowed their pace of buying US stocks, they have not significantly reallocated away from them [2][4]. - US risky and risk-free assets are viewed as attractive, with a recommendation for an equal-weight position in global equities while overweighting US equities due to better earnings revision breadth in the US compared to other regions [9]. - The report highlights persistent weakness in the US dollar over the next 12 months, driven by a convergence of US rates and growth to peers, alongside elevated policy uncertainty [10]. Summary by Sections - **Investment Flows**: International investors have been net buyers of US equities post-Liberation Day, but the buying pace has slowed compared to 2024, although it remains higher than in 2021-2023. US investors, in contrast, have been net sellers, reallocating away from US equities [3][4]. - **Bond Funds**: Net inflows to US bond funds have been positive but slower than the previous year. Foreign investors have remained net buyers of US bonds, indicating no significant outflows from US bonds [5][8]. - **Regional Allocation**: The weight of US equities in global equity funds has decreased, reflecting a market correction rather than net outflows. This change aligns with the overall market cap of US equities shrinking as a share of the global equity benchmark index [4].