Developed Countries
Developments in US multi-family housing are particularly relevant for the inflation outlook since they inform the future direction of shelter inflation – an important component of CPI inflation. Indeed, the Zillow multi-family rent index leads moves in the…
The US Energy sector has shifted from a capex and growth obsessed industry to one that is more focused on shareholder returns. ESG as well as the collapse in oil prices during the 2010s were the main culprits. Divesture due to ESG mandates on portfolios…
In this note, we preview the Q1-2024 earnings season, give our take on expectations and share what we will be watching.
Unlike most advanced economies that are flirting with recession due to weak demand, the ‘inverted’ US economy is motoring along due to strong supply, from a combination of surging labour participation and surging immigration. We go through the implications for stocks, bonds, interest rates, and the dollar. Plus: IXJ, PEP, and MCD are good tactical outperformance candidates.
UK stocks posted one of the largest positive abnormal returns (z-score) among the major financial markets we tracked in March. The MSCI UK index has gained 2% relative to Eurozone stocks since late February. However, the relative performance of UK equities…
Optimism about the future continues to boost investor confidence in the Euro Area. The ZEW Expectations series for the Eurozone (+10.4 to 43.9) and Germany (+11.2 to 42.9) surged and are now both at their highest in 26 months. Although investors’…
One of the most important factors for the success of tech stocks over the 2010s was monopoly power. Companies like Google, Facebook, Apple and Microsoft managed to develop entrenched moats in their own niches. This monopoly power enabled them to maintain…
According to BCA Research’s US Equity Strategy service while Telecoms are not attractive on a strategic investment horizon, as a low-beta defensive sector they offer excellent downside protection for a portfolio. The Telecom industry is incredibly…
In the near term, favor oil and oil producers outside the Gulf Arab states. Over a 12-month horizon, favor US and North American equities, defensive sectors over cyclicals, and safe-assets. Within cyclicals, stick to energy and defense.
Advanced estimates for retail sales in the US grew by 0.7% m/m in March, down from an upwardly revised 0.9% m/m in February, but meaningfully outperforming expectations of 0.3% m/m. Retail sales ex autos also surprised to the upside, coming in at 1.1% m/m…