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Market Outlook and Positioning

The expectation of fewer rate cuts and trade-policy uncertainty defined a volatile first half of the year. Recently, sentiment improved on the prospect of government agreements with its main partners. 

Key Market Highlights: 

  • Market Performance: 
    The S&P 500 and Nasdaq have reversed their April declines and now show year-to-date gains of approximately 3% and 2%, respectively. 
  • Monetary Policy & Valuation: 
    The Fed has held rates steady, reiterating that there’s no rush to resume cuts. The S&P 500’s forward P/E remains elevated at roughly 23×, versus a long-term average of 17×. 
  • Strategy & Positioning: 
    While the corporate backdrop could improve over the coming years, we have adjusted our tactical stance from positive to neutral on Large-Cap equities. 

Upcoming Events to Watch: 

  • Trade and fiscal policies under the new Trump administration 
  • Employment data releases and the potential timing of any rate cuts 

Market Outlook and Strategy 

March 2025 

The beginning of 2025 has been marked by market volatility, driven by expectations of smaller benchmark rate cuts and the economic impact of the trade war under President Trump’s new administration. 

We share a summary of the key movements: 

Market performance 

In the U.S., the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are down 4% and 9% year-to-date (YTD), respectively, affected by monetary and tariff uncertainty. In contrast, the Euro Stoxx 50 has risen 12% amid the potential for a peace agreement in Europe, while China has rebounded by 24% due to stimulus measures and improved outlooks. 

Monetary policy and valuation 

In terms of monetary policy, U.S. inflation remains above the Fed’s target, prompting the market to adjust expectations, with between one and two 25 basis point (bps) rate cuts anticipated in 2025. Additionally, the S&P 500 valuation remains high, with a forward P/E of approximately 20.7x. 

Strategy and positioning 

We maintain our positive tactical stance on large-cap equities, although we anticipate episodes of volatility due to market sensitivity to tariffs and high valuations. 

Key events to watch: 

  • Tariff policies under Donald Trump’s new administration. 
  • Inflation trends and potential benchmark rate cuts ahead. 

2025 Perspectives: Analysis of global markets and economic landscape

Discover our annual report ‘2025 Perspectives’ and the key insights for the upcoming year.

The final stretch of 2024 continues to reflect an outstanding performance in the markets, maintaining the positive trend that has prevailed throughout most of the year. This growth has been driven by several key factors that have strengthened global stability:

  • Disappearance of political uncertainty: The resounding victory of Donald Trump and the Republican wave in both chambers have paved the way for a more predictable political environment.
  • Interest rate reductions: The Federal Reserve has initiated a cycle of benchmark rate cuts, creating a favorable environment for investments.
  • Strong earnings performance: Corporate financial results have exceeded expectations, generating a positive balance for the year.

Looking ahead to 2025, the new political agenda is expected to focus on potential tax cuts, reduced regulation, and policies to stimulate the domestic economy. However, the implementation of these measures could present challenges, such as:

  • Trade tensions.
  • A higher public deficit.
  • Rising inflation and higher interest rates.

These factors may pose a challenge for the Federal Reserve, particularly in a context where inflation has slowed to levels more comfortable for the institution.

In this highly dynamic environment, we are pleased to present our annual report, ‘2025 Outlook’. In it, you will find:

  • The perspective of our Investment Committee on this economic scenario.
  • Expectations for each asset class and region.

We are confident this report will provide valuable insights into the next steps to take and how to optimize your investment strategies.

To access the full report, click on the next button or contact us for more details.

Week from the 22nd to the 26th of July

Most Outstanding Points of the Week

  • Joe Biden drops out of the race: Endorsing Kamala Harris, who secures her nomination.
  • Ethereum ETFs approved: SEC marks a milestone in cryptocurrencies.
  • 2Q24 economic growth: The economy grew 2.8% annualized.
  • S&P 500: 77% of the companies reported better profits.
  • Mexico: Economic activity grows 0.7% in May reserves reach US$222 billion.

Important Events in the Coming Week

  • In the U.S., there will be a FED monetary policy announcement 07/31
  • In the U.S., employment figures will be released 08/02

Monitor

Week from the 15th to the 19th of July

Most Outstanding Points of the Week

  • U.S. Retail Sales: Retail sales were flat in June, defying expectations of a 0.4% decline. Excluding autos, sales rose 0.4%, beating forecasts.
  • IMF: The IMF has adjusted upward the U.S. growth forecast to 2.6%, highlighting, however, the continued risks of inflation and trade protectionism that could impact the global economy.
  • Mexico: IMF adjusts growth downward to 2.2% by 2024; Fitch maintains rating at “BBB-” with stable perspective, noting concerns about long-term growth and risks associated with Pemex.
  • United Kingdom: Inflation in the United Kingdom stood at 2% annually in June, exceeding expectations. This data reduces the likelihood of a rate cut at the Bank of England’s next meeting in August.
  • China: China’s economic growth in the second quarter was 4.7%, below expectations of 5.1%, reflecting a slowdown compared to the previous quarter.

Next week’s important events:

07-26: First estimate of U.S. 2Q24 GDP to be released

07-26: U.S. Personal Consumer Expenditure (PCE) inflation to be released

Monitor

Week from the 8th to the 12th of July

Most Outstanding Points of the Week

  • In the United States, June inflation fell 0.1% on a monthly basis, bringing the annual figure to 3% (vs. 3.3% in May), its lowest level in about 3 years.
  • In the U.S., the yield on the 10-year Treasury note declined to ~4.19% from 4.28% last week and the odds of a September reference rate cut rose to 86% from 47% a month ago. 
  • In China, inflation barely rose 0.2% annually in June, resulting below expectations.
  • Most recent surveys indicate that analysts’ consensus estimates that the Bank of Mexico could cut its reference rate by 25 basis points to 10.75% from 11% at its next meeting. 

Important Events in the Coming Weeks

  • In China, 2Q24 GDP to be announced 07/15
  • In the United States, Beige Book and industrial production to be released 07/17

Monitor

Week from the 1st to the 5th of July

Most Outstanding Points of the Week

  • In the United States, it was a short week for the markets, with manufacturing activity (ISM) contracting for the third consecutive month in June.
  • In the United States, June nonfarm payrolls rose by 206,000 jobs, slightly above the expectation of 200,000.
  • In China, services expanded at their slowest pace in eight months due to a decline in new orders.
  • In Mexico, the consensus of analysts consulted by the Bank of Mexico estimated that this year’s GDP could grow 2%, slightly below the 2.1% estimated in May.

Important Events in the Coming Weeks

  • In the United States, Jerome Powell will make a speech 07/09
  • In the U.S., inflation figure to be released 07/11

Monitor

Week from the 24th to the 28th of June

Most Outstanding Points of the Week

  • In the United States, the stress tests applied by the FED to different financial institutions showed that they could face the scenario of a severe recession.
  • In the United States, the latest revision of the 1Q24 GDP showed that the economy grew 1.4% annualized, slightly better than the previous estimate.
  • In China, industrial company profits barely managed to grow 0.7% on a monthly basis in May, mainly due to the benefit of higher raw material prices.
  • In line with expectations, the Bank of Mexico left the reference rate unchanged at 11%.

Important Events in the Coming Weeks

  • In the United States, there will be FED minutes and jobs data 07/03 – 05
  • In the U.S., there will be a holiday for the celebration of Independence Day 07/04

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Week from the 17th to the 21st of June

Most Outstanding Points of the Week

  • In the United States, it was a short week for the markets, where the main economic standout was that retail sales for May grew marginally by 0.1%.
  • In the U.S., several FED officials emphasized the need for more evidence of a decline in inflation before lowering interest rates.
  • In China, the People’s Bank of China left its reference rates unchanged.
  • In Mexico, the private sector announced the development of new investments for US$42bn during Claudia Sheinbaum’s six-year term. 

Important Events in the Coming Weeks

  • In the United States, consumer confidence will be published 06/25
  • In the U.S., final revision of the 1Q24 GDP to be released 06/27

Monitor

Week from the 10th to the 14th of June

Most Outstanding Points of the Week

  • In the US, the FED kept the reference rate range unchanged at 5.25 – 5.5%. On the other hand, it shared its macroeconomic expectations, where it highlighted that now only one 25bp cut could be seen for the remainder of the year, which contrasts with the three cuts expected in March.
  • In the United States, May inflation slowed to 3.3% annually from 3.4% expected and from the previous month.
  • In China, inflation advanced 0.3% annually in May, in line with April’s figure.
  • In Mexico, the virtual president-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum, agreed with President López Obrador to immediately open a broad dialogue related to the reform of the Judiciary.

Important Events in the Coming Weeks

  • In China, retail sales and industrial production will be published. 06/17
  • In the U.S., we will know the retail sales and FED members will speak 06/18

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