Equities

Special Report

With the Fed looming larger on investors’ radar screens, we revisit our fed funds rate cycle analysis. We expect that the current easing-while-already-easy phase will be less rewarding than normal for the S&P 500 because multiples have already expanded to very elevated levels.

Special Report

After 250 years, the USA is still the biggest thing happening in the world. But it faces huge challenges in the coming decades from socioeconomic imbalances and strategic competition.

Special Report

Our outlook for Fed policy in 2026.

Special Report

We are constructive on equities in 2026, as monetary easing, fiscal support, GenAI-related capex, and strong earnings growth are unequivocally positive for the asset class. Valuations are extended, but concerns about a bubble are overstated. Despite the favorable backdrop, we expect the S&P 500 to return only 5–10%, ending 2026 between 7,200 and 7,500.

The outperformance of the S&P 500 relative to the S&P 500 EW index is likely to continue over the next year, supported by stronger earnings growth. However, extreme levels of market concentration will ultimately halt the outperformance of the mega-caps.

Q3 results were strong but failed to impress investors, and Q4 will likely prove more challenging. Beneath the surface, earnings diverged sharply: Firms catering to affluent consumers maintained solid momentum, while those reliant on the mass market lagged. We remain equal weight Consumer Services and underweight Consumer Staples.

Tariffs are fading in importance as companies successfully mitigate cost pressures and preserve profitability. The recent wave of high-profile layoffs is more concerning, but there does not appear to be a systemic reason behind the announcements. However, emerging labor market softness could pose a major risk for equities. We remain vigilant.

Special Report

As hyperscalers expand global data center capacity, they are igniting a powerful industrial cycle. Capital Goods and Materials companies supplying turbines, grid components, cooling systems, and advanced connectivity materials for data center and energy infrastructure are emerging as key beneficiaries, positioned to capture structural growth as GenAI demand reshapes the economy.

Investor reaction to Meta’s GenAI is an admonition against overspending, rather than a sign of a fraying GenAI rally. Other hyperscalers’ investments are driven by buoyant demand and remain profitable. With valuations stretched and many of the positives priced in, market consolidation is likely. We are decreasing portfolio beta.

Special Report

US-China decoupling and rare-earth supply disruptions created a unique opportunity for non-Chinese miners and refiners to scale production and achieve profitability. The build-out will be lengthy, costly, and fraught with challenges, but government support materially improves the odds. Rare-earth production outside China is a nascent investment theme; we are structurally bullish and recommend building a position by buying on dips by investing in a diversified basket of miners, presented in the report.