Executive summary
Two major forces are presently dominating the macroeconomic landscape: the ongoing global energy shock versus the rapid advancement and great promise of artificial intelligence (AI). To the extent that the former should prove temporary but the latter should endure, we expect stocks to outperform bonds but recognize that considerable optimism is priced into the equity outlook, particularly in regions with higher exposure to AI.
Economy
Economic outlook remains reasonably constructive given tailwinds including support from last year’s interest-rate cuts, fiscal support, and AI-related capital expenditures and productivity gains.
Fixed Income
We forecast low-single digit returns with yields little changed, as the energy-price shock and ballooning government deficits counterbalance our modelled assumptions for declining inflation and lower real (after-inflation) yields.
Equities
Robust earnings growth is expected almost everywhere over the next two years, but indexes outside the U.S. large-cap space may offer access to that earnings growth at a cheaper price.
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Canada
We see good evidence that Prime Minister Mark Carney and his cabinet are making efforts to grow the Canadian economy and increase economic resilience through supportive policy and infrastructure development.
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United States
The market has reached new highs, driven primarily by an unusually strong earnings revision cycle and continued artificial intelligence (AI) capital expenditures by major technology companies.
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Europe
Despite the macroeconomic uncertainties, the near-term earnings environment for European equities remains surprisingly robust.
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Asia
Asia's macroeconomic outlook for the next 12 months reflects a transition toward moderate growth amid persistent energy shocks. Regional GDP growth is expected to be anchored by a sustained global tech upcycle and AI-related demand.
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Emerging markets
After decades of playing supporting roles, emerging economies are learning to fly independently, powered by rising domestic demand, deepening economic integration, and growing financial autonomy.