Latest from BCA Research

The MacroQuant model is no longer bullish on stocks but is not yet prepared to turn underweight. Subjectively, the Global Investment Strategy team is more bearish on equities than the model.

Core PCE inflation was tame this morning, but with large tariffs looming we anticipate loftier inflation readings in the months ahead.

Bank Credit Analyst

In Section II, Jonathan presents a checklist that investors can use to confirm whether AI’s purported productivity gains are real. The checklist does not currently suggest that artificial intelligence is meaningfully boosting productivity growth. US equity valuation reflects very significant optimism about AI, underscoring the profound risk facing equity investors if the narrative about AI shifts in a pessimistic direction.

Bank Credit Analyst

In Section I, Doug notes that the chaos of the new administration, including bellicose tariff threats and DOGE’s abrasive and indiscriminate approach, are sowing uncertainty and fortifying economic headwinds. Lowered guidance of prominent retailers, alongside weakening services PMIs, bode poorly for economic activity considering that improving manufacturing PMIs likely reflect tariff frontrunning. A recession remains our base case, suggesting that investors should be underweight stocks within multi-asset portfolios. In Section II, Jonathan presents a checklist that investors can use to confirm whether AI’s purported productivity gains are real. The checklist does not currently suggest that artificial intelligence is meaningfully boosting productivity growth. US equity valuation reflects very significant optimism about AI, underscoring the profound risk facing equity investors if the narrative about AI shifts in a pessimistic direction.

The US (and the UK) is staring down the barrel of a ‘mini-stagflation’ until a deflationary shock arrives to neutralise it. We describe a likely source for the deflationary shock and list three investment conclusions that are valid irrespective of how long it takes for the deflationary shock to arrive. Plus: RCI.B is deeply oversold and ripe for a rebound.

Despite the broad market being expensive and overbought, value plays across US equity sectors exist. Real Estate, Communication Services, and Consumer Staples offer cheaper valuations with higher quality attributes relative to history.

Interest rates will decline if the disinflationary trend continues, deficits are reduced, or economic growth falters. Oil prices are likely to spike over the short term, but the long-term outlook is unfavorable. Not all GenAI investments will pay off, and GenAI-induced productivity improvements do not justify current valuations.

Trump’s ceasefire talks are positive for Germany – and so was the German election result. But Trump’s tariffs will hit Germany soon. Investors should use near-term volatility to increase exposure to Germany.

US growth has slowed in recent weeks. This can be seen in the weaker data on retail sales, consumer confidence, services PMIs, and a swath of housing releases (notably starts, existing home sales, homebuilder confidence, and stock prices). It can also be seen in the decline in GDP tracking estimates. The Atlanta Fed's GDPNow model projects growth of 2.3% in Q1, down from a peak of 3.9% on February 3. The Citi US Economic Surprise Index has also dipped into negative territory.

This week’s report discusses the questions we were asked most frequently when we met with investors in the Midwest two weeks ago. We reiterate our pessimistic fundamental take and our neutral asset allocation recommendations.