Latest from BCA Research

A look at how US bond yields responded to yesterday’s strong economic data and this morning’s soft inflation print.

Special Report

We build a four-stage business cycle framework based on economic growth and capacity utilization, and then analyze historical returns for most major asset allocation decisions for each stage. Given that we are in the early recession stage (negative growth coupled and an overheated economy), our framework recommends a defensive positioning across all asset classes.

In this Strategy Outlook, we present the major investment themes and views we see playing out for the rest of 2023 and beyond.

Bank Credit Analyst

Bank Credit Analyst

In Section I, we reiterate why a soft economic landing remains improbable in the US. Some reasonable estimates of the level of excess savings point to their depletion in a year’s time, but other estimates indicate a much earlier end point. We interpret this evidence, as well as other indicators, as pointing to an earlier rather than later US recession if the current stance of monetary policy is maintained or tightened further. In Section II, we provide an update on the US housing market. We acknowledge that permanent site residential structures investment may begin to contribute positively to US real GDP growth if the recent pickup in housing starts is sustained. But the recent housing market data is symptomatic of a negative housing supply shock that is far more consistent with the “no landing” economic scenario than the “soft landing” scenario that stocks are betting on. We continue to recommend that investors position their portfolios conservatively.

The combination of a global manufacturing recession and tight/tightening policy is raising a red flag for global non-TMT stocks. In China, households are entering a liquidity trap, and deflationary pressures are heightening. Authorities need to reduce interest rates considerably and allow the currency to depreciate. By doing so, China will export its deflation to the rest of the world.

China’s economic and diplomatic interests in the GCC region will expand, as will its military presence. Whether or not this stabilizes the region is yet to be determined, particularly if tensions in the South China Sea and other international waters traversed by both the US and China escalate. Underlying risk in energy markets will remain elevated. We remain bullish energy generally, and continue to favor equity ETF exposure to energy (XOP and XME), and commodity exposure via the COMT ETF.

The market does not grasp the implied depths of recessions that will be needed to prevent inflation expectations from un-anchoring. Among the major economies, the most vulnerable to a deep recession is the UK. We explain why, and some investment implications. Plus: the yen is a rebound candidate, while Japanese equities are a reversal candidate.

Special Report

This week’s Special Report updates our US default rate forecast and considers whether corporate bond spreads offer value given the trend in credit fundamentals. We also consider the relative value proposition between investment grade and high-yield credit and between European and US corporate bonds.

Momentum, high cash balances, FOMO, and expectations of soft landing drive the market higher. This rally may continue for a while, but macroeconomic headwinds are intensifying and will eventually derail the rally. It is too early to celebrate victory.