Factors
This screener report builds on the US Equity Strategy and Equity Analyzer collaboration published on 23 February 2026, where we introduced our latest framework for assessing the US business cycle. Here, we apply the framework to our screener to identify how bottom-up equity positioning should adapt as the cycle evolves.
The US economy is in the Slowdown phase of the business cycle, according to our measure of aggregate US economic activity; growth remains positive but acceleration is negative. Historically, this phase more often resolves in reacceleration than recession. Recent market price action, from the index, to sectors, to relative industry performance, broadly reflects typical Slowdown phase dynamics.
The US High Quality portfolio underperformed its benchmark through December, returning 0.14%, while its SPY benchmark returned 0.78%. On a trailing three-month basis, the USHQ portfolio’s performance was weaker than the benchmark, with USHQ underperforming by approx. 545bps.
The US High Quality (USHQ) portfolio underperformed its benchmark through September, returning 3.01%, whilst its SPY benchmark returned 3.91%. However, our US High Quality SMID (USHQ SMID) portfolio continues to show strength, with another solid month of performance. The portfolio returned 2.69%, outperforming its MSCI US Mid Cap benchmark by 169bps.
The US High Quality (USHQ) portfolio outperformed its benchmark through August, returning 5.39%, whilst its SPY benchmark returned 3.75%. On a trailing three-month basis, the USHQ portfolio’s performance was weaker than the benchmark, but the gap narrowed, with USHQ underperforming by approximately 450bps.
Commercial indices’ limitations have made Value a fertile ground for stock pickers. Our Composite Value model has shown promise in circumventing these flaws and capturing alpha.
This week we develop two ideas with three screeners. The first identifies deep cyclical sectors that continue to outperform post Liberation Day in the US. We provide two screens to identify equity opportunities for this. Our final screener identifies momentum stocks that are cheap and trending and will benefit from a soft landing.
The US High Quality (USHQ) portfolio underperformed its benchmark through July, returning -1.5%, whilst its SPY benchmark returned 0.2%. On a trailing three-month basis, performance was notably weak vs. benchmark, with USHQ underperforming by approx. 750bps.
Despite macro headwinds, the OBBBA clearly favors Industrials, Financials, and Consumer Discretionary equity sectors. A carefully constructed, factor-aware basket in these sectors is well positioned to outperform in a fiscal-driven, uncertain environment.
The US High Quality (USHQ) portfolio outperformed on the margin through April, returning -0.6%, whilst its SPY benchmark returned -1.2%. On a trailing three-month basis, performance remains robust vs. benchmark, with USHQ generating +230bps of excess return. Volatility and drawdown are lower too.