Top of main content

Investment Monthly: A more positive outlook for UK equities further broadens our equity exposure

8 Jul 2024

Willem Sels

Global Chief Investment Officer

HSBC Global Private Banking and Wealth

Lucia Ku

Global Head of Wealth Insights

HSBC Wealth and Personal Banking

Key takeaways

  • While fundamentals remain resilient in the US, the slowdown from excessively strong to more average growth levels should help the Fed decide on a rate cut in September. We remain overweight on US stocks but have moved to a more balanced sector stance by upgrading Utilities and downgrading Industrials.
  • With an improved UK economic outlook, falling inflation supporting an August rate cut, cheap valuations and attractive dividend yields, we upgrade UK stocks to overweight. While the UK elections do not seem to concern markets, the French snap elections have increased political uncertainty. We remain neutral on Europe ex-UK stocks but see opportunities in global leaders in the IT, Consumer Discretionary, Energy and Healthcare sectors.
  • Following the rate cut by the ECB in June, we expect the Bank of England and the Fed to act in August and September, respectively. As bond yields have likely peaked, we focus on locking in current attractive yields from US Treasuries and UK gilts with medium-to-long duration, and investment grade (IG) credit with medium duration. Any sizeable widening in European IG bond spreads is seen as a buying opportunity. The rate differentials and a strong USD make USD investment grade relatively more attractive.

Talking Points

Each month, we discuss 3 key issues facing investors

Asset Class Views

Our latest house view on various asset classes

Sector Views

Global and regional sector views based on a 6-month horizon

Start your financial health check

Take your financial health check and that will help you to understand your needs, make and achieve your financial plan.

Wealth Management

Your goals are unique to you. We’ll help you reach them – first by assessing your situation, then by helping you put a plan in place

Related Insights
April’s improved US inflation data and a less hawkish Fed tone suggest that a Fed rate... [26 Jun]
For its seventh consecutive meeting, the FOMC voted unanimously to leave the benchmark... [18 Jun]
The ECB delivered its first rate cut in almost five years, and did not wait for the Fed to... [18 Jun]