Market Updates

May 23, 2022
We believe we are “starting our initial descent" toward a landing for the labor market and the overall business cycle. Plus the U.S. has been the target zone for inflows measured by foreigner flows into U.S. securities and foreign direct investment, and the secular bull case for commodities.
May 16, 2022
Much of the adjustment to limited energy supply will likely continue to take place on the demand side, creating headwinds to global economic growth. Plus the markets are captive to a toxic trifecta, and market weakness is common ahead of midterm elections and post-election rebounds.
May 9, 2022
Global growth is weakening fast, and the Fed is on track to make matters worse. Plus we outline a three-pronged approach to manage through volatility, and the decline in equity markets has shown that it's driven by a compression in valuation even as forward earnings are expected to grow.
May 2, 2022
We expect the economic expansion to continue, and view monetary policy as still highly accommodative. Plus: tapping more, not fewer, external resources to ease supply chain issues; and FAANG stocks have been undergoing some of the most pronounced market rotations in recent history.
April 25, 2022
Stagflation ahead—the markets are revaluing across sectors and asset classes to better align with the structural shift. Plus: Remain vigilant, but it may be too early to become cautious, and the ability to reinvest cash flows at higher yields is a welcome outcome of a transparent Fed.
April 18, 2022
In our view, the possibility of aggressive quantitative tightening is now the biggest downside risk to the outlook. Plus globalization is under strain but will most likely bend not break, and the surge in coronavirus cases has added another headwind to China's growth outlook.
April 11, 2022
Shifting supply-side shocks are creating persistent inflation, we would broadly categorize macro financial conditions as “flashing yellow," and we believe the divergence of yield curves is simply a glaring sign of how far behind the curve the Federal Reserve is at the moment.
Important Disclosures
Opinions and data are as of the date of this report and are subject to change.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
This information should not be construed as investment advice and is subject to change. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be either a specific offer by Bank of America, Merrill or any affiliate to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service that may be available.
The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America") and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S" or “Merrill"), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.").
All recommendations must be considered in the context of an individual investor’s goals, time horizon, liquidity needs and risk tolerance. Not all recommendations will be in the best interest of all investors.
Asset allocation, diversification and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
Investments have varying degrees of risk. Some of the risks involved with equity securities include the possibility that the value of the stocks may fluctuate in response to events specific to the companies or markets, as well as economic, political or social events in the U.S. or abroad. Bonds are subject to interest rate, inflation and credit risks. Treasury bills are less volatile than longer-term fixed income securities and are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by the U.S. government. Investments in foreign securities (including ADRs) involve special risks, including foreign currency risk and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. These risks are magnified for investments made in emerging markets. Investments in a certain industry or sector may pose additional risk due to lack of diversification and sector concentration.