The stock market feels strange.
The S&P 500 is setting new all-time highs almost every week, but investor sentiment remains relatively subdued.
It is true there is plenty of uncertainty in the air. The US presidential election could result in a Trump win, which could increase interest rates and put pressure on stocks.
https://x.com/Geo_papic/status/1844362622457741322
Alternatively, the war in the Middle East could escalate, leading to a closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This would cause a spike in oil prices, inflation, interest rates and a sharp stock market sell-off.
oilprice.com/Energy/Oil-Prices/Wild-Oil-Price-Forecasts-Some-Predict-350-if-Strait-of-Hormuz-Is-Blocked.html
Then there is China. Chinese stocks ($MCHI) rallied more than 30% in the past month, but uncertainties remain about the future of the Chinese economy. The balanced take is that China will do just enough to make sure its economy and stock market stay afloat. The government is, however, keen to prevent market sentiment from turning too euphoric.
www.ft.com/content/008443cd-bb44-4b4f-b60e-17894fdba221
Why are stocks rallying with all this uncertainty around? A big part of the explanation is that inflation has been tamed for now, central banks are reducing interest rates, and the lower rates should support the economy in 2025-26.
seekingalpha.com/article/4725549-wall-of-liquidity-coming
I would also argue that because the US stock market has enjoyed such a smooth ride for the past 10 years, with any losses quickly recovered, investors may be starting to become more comfortable putting a higher share of their assets into equities. A gradual psychological shift of this type could make stocks go higher.
en.macromicro.me/charts/23218/aaii-asset-allocation-survey
In the short term, there is a chance of turbulence, given upcoming political events over the next month. However, I maintain a bullish view for the next few months due to central bank rate cuts, and so remain invested in stocks that should benefit from a stronger economy.
macro-ops.com/blog/lit-is-lit
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