Asset Allocation

The global economy approaches the final stretch of 2025 at an inflection point. Financial markets, unsettled for much of the year by tariff escalations and a slowing US economy, now find comfort in an accommodative monetary policy path, less uncertainty in trade negotiations and a potential major political shift in the making at the Federal Reserve.

From January through the end of May, European equities reclaimed leadership. In local currency, the MSCI EMU beat the MSCI World by roughly six to seven percentage points, and the quality of that advance was unmistakably value-tilted: banks and insurers led from the front, with telecom services, utilities and industrials providing consistent breadth.

Market Matters Podcast is an essential audio source for expert analysis, financial insight, and timely market updates from New York Life Investments.

An irresistible momentum is shaping global markets, as investors face a paradox of rising risk perception alongside rallying assets. Economic data releases, trade tariffs and geopolitical signals remain noisy – yet financial markets continue to advance.

As we write these lines, the US market is approaching its historical peak, last reached in February 2025, and most asset classes have posted positive returns in local currency since the start of the year.

Despite rising geopolitical tensions, the global economy showed surprising resilience in early 2025, and inflation continued to normalise.

The global economy remains in a delicate state of balance. The US and China have agreed to a 90-day tariff rollback but uncertainty remains high, especially with the US still imposing significant duties.

Although navigating by the stars can seem brave and adventurous, we would not recommend it on financial markets. Better be equipped with a solid compass !

The global economic cycle is not ending yet – it is reshaping. Following a volatile first quarter and trade escalation at the start of April, May 2025 shows de-escalation amid numerous trade tariff headlines.

The election of Donald Trump, coupled with the Republican Party's control of both houses of Congress, has resulted in a new political landscape in the United States. What key decisions must the new administration make? What impact will these decisions have on the macroeconomic environment, financial markets and investors?

April 2025 marks a turning point in the global economic narrative. In the wake of the United States’ sharp tariff escalation – dubbed “Liberation Day” – investors are confronting the ripple effects of a protectionist revival.

Since his return to the White House, Trump has announced a series of country or sectoral tariff increases. If we combine all the measures announced before 2 April (20% on China, 25% on Canada and Mexico with exemption for goods that comply with the USMCA , 25% on steel and aluminum and 25% on automobiles and parts), the average tariff rate on US imports was on course to reach 11% from 2.5% end of 2024.

Released last September, former ECB President Mario Draghi’s report urged the EU to revive and boost its competitiveness. At the end of January, the European Commission presented the Competitiveness Compass to allow Europe to revive economic growth and secure prosperity.

As economic uncertainties intensify in the United States, European fiscal policies are emerging as a beacon of hope.

For the past decade, US stock markets have largely dominated the rest of the world, thanks to strong momentum in the technology sector and a favorable macroeconomic environment. Paradoxically, since the election of Donald Trump, this trend has reversed and the US market seems to have temporarily lost this leadership role.

We maintain an overweight stance on global equities, adopting a more balanced approach across sectors and regions. Notably, we have a renewed interest in Europe and China, as the catch-up trade in these regions still has potential upside: a range of macroeconomic, geopolitical and technological factors have introduced notable shifts that investors must carefully assess.

Donald Trump’s return to the White House will likely bring a clearer picture of how dominant his policy plans will be. Undoubtedly, his rhetoric and his policy decisions will shape and shake the economy and financial markets.

The US election results were a significant market driver, with Donald Trump’s victory and the Republican majority in Congress boosting expectations of tax cuts, deregulation, expansionary fiscal policy and a stricter trade policy.

The results of the US elections are quickly being absorbed by financial markets, propelling US equity indices to new highs.

Donald Trump heads back to the White House as the 47th President, with an increased likelihood of a Republican sweep. Yesterday (6 November), market reactions were strong, with US stocks hitting all-time highs, 10Y bond yields jumping to 4.5%, and the dollar surging against most currencies.

All of a sudden, the US is in a sweet spot as growth accelerates, inflation falls, the Fed eases and both presidential candidates are ready to spend massively.

The steady rise in massive deficits and debt-to-GDP ratios has made public debt a staple of the financial press. However, in the wake of European elections and the opening of excessive deficit procedures, this topic - neglected by previous governments - is once again becoming a political issue. By 2025, there will be no getting around the issue of fiscal rebalancing in developed countries.

Before the measures recently announced, China was confronted with significant deflationary forces and was struggling to meet its 5% GDP growth target. Youth unemployment rate reached 24%, consumer confidence has been at rock bottom levels for years, household consumption has remained well below pre-pandemic trends and the real estate market has been falling for four years.

We maintain a constructive outlook on equities but proceed cautiously in the short term.

The MSCI World (developed countries index) hit an all-time high in mid-July, following an almost uninterrupted 33% rise since its low point at the end of October 2023. Only a correction of around 5% in April 2024 enabled some reactive investors to jump on the bandwagon if they hadn't done so since the last quarter of last year.