CoreMacro
BCA’s flagship global macro and investment strategy platform, helping investors anticipate regime shifts, connect signals across regions and asset classes, and navigate the world’s most difficult macro questions.
Like the economy, banks show no major imbalances. But the "glide path" for credit is slower than in previous cycles.
The reflation trade will continue for a few more months on Chinese fiscal/monetary stimulus and a more dovish Fed. Despite a slightly better-than-expected start to the earnings season, Q1 S&P 500 profits are set to fall for a fourth consecutive yoy decline. Ex-energy, things aren't so bleak. Domestically-focused companies will experience flat earnings and modestly-positive revenue growth in Q1. Although margins have almost certainly peaked, their decline will be drawn-out. Remain overweight Europe/Japan/China versus the S&P 500 (currency-hedged).
The euro area's nominal GDP and wage bill are growing at 3%, suggesting that fears of deflation are overdone. But a higher wage bill has implications for profits growth.
EM/China growth improvements and the associated rally will falter on their own without tightening by policymakers. The short duration of these mini-cycles and a lack of observable catalysts make it impossible to precisely time selling out of EM positions. This makes us reluctant to chase the rally. Regardless how the impeachment process proceeds, Brazil is heading into a fiscal/public debt crisis.
The equity bear case is obvious. Prices are approaching overhead resistance and face fundamental headwinds.
A stronger yen is hampering efforts to revive the Japanese economy and the BoJ's failed NIRP experiment leaves open the option of direct currency intervention. Probability is also high that the April 2017 sales tax hike will be postponed, perhaps indefinitely. A major stimulus package, "helicopter drops" of money, and a 4% inflation target may be the only way to permanently overcome deflation. Near-term, further yen strength is likely, but the long-term path is down.
