Equities
In this screener report, we explore opportunities in Inflation risk, supply-constrained Information Technology stocks, and old-economy cyclicals.
The investment cycle remains firmly intact, driving equity prices and fundamentals, as confirmed by both Q1 data and corporate commentary. Upside surprises, expanding margins, and rising capex expectations point to resilient demand. Companies confirm that AI-related demand is broad and visible, while geopolitical and credit risks remain contained and not yet systemic.
The US High Quality (USHQ) portfolio underperformed its benchmark through April, returning 7.02%, while its SPY benchmark returned 11.55%. On a trailing three-month basis, the USHQ portfolio’s performance was weaker than the benchmark as well, with USHQ underperforming by approx. 338bps.
The global economy has weathered the oil shock reasonably well so far. However, the risk of a recession will increase meaningfully if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed into June.
Leadership has rotated toward investment-driven sectors, reflected in both EPS growth and price performance. Expanding margins suggest the cycle may have longer to run, as productivity gains start to work their way through fundamentals. We continue to see upside for the S&P 500, with no change to our sector outlook.
The Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Even if the Strait were to open tomorrow, global consumers will be squeezed for the rest of the year. However, AI capex is accelerating, and signs of ROI are emerging. This capex boom will keep the world from an economic downturn. Upgrade equities to overweight and downgrade cash to underweight. Upgrade the US and downgrade Europe and Australia. Upgrade Communication Services.
MacroQuant recommends an underweight position in equities, favors a below-benchmark duration stance in fixed-income portfolios, is neutral-to-slightly positive on the US dollar, remains neutral on gold, upgrades copper to neutral, and is very bullish on oil.
Global trade has held up despite US non-AI import volumes contracting by 25% over the past 12 months. The strength in global trade has concentrated in two areas: (1) imports of AI-related hardware and (2) developing countries’ imports, especially from China. Will these continue?
Based on our previous work on margins, three aspects of margins may matter to investors: their level, their variability, and their likely trend. We add two margin-themed baskets: a stock-level High & Stable vs. Low & Volatile basket and an industry-level AI-Supported vs. AI-Insulated basket.
Based on our previous work on margins, three aspects of margins may matter to investors: their level, their variability, and their likely trend. We add two margin-themed baskets: a stock-level High & Stable vs. Low & Volatile basket and an industry-level AI-Supported vs. AI-Insulated basket.