Thoughts on the Market

Commodities prices have seen big moves over the last several months, but could a potentially stronger dollar and the mechanics of supply and demand cool the rally?

Although the Biden administration has been slightly less vocal with respect to China, investors shouldn’t sleep on the possibly of renewed U.S.-China tensions.

Why China’s ambitious blueprint to shape tech standards may have significant impact on the future of tech. Insight from Shawn Kim, Head of Asia Technology Research.

Despite some inflation and labor market risks, the outlook for the rest of the year anticipates strong growth in the U.S. economy. Chief U.S. Economist Ellen Zentner discusses with Andrew Sheets. 

Concern has been rising that potentially higher inflation could make Congress lose its nerve on a multi-trillion dollar "Build Back Better" plan. Here’s our analysis.

Where and how consumers buy their groceries may be forever changed post-pandemic. We deliver some key takeaways on the food retail industry.

Fresh off of last week’s mid-year outlook, Chief Investment Officer Mike Wilson details investor reaction to some of the more out-of-consensus views.

Consumer spending should drive strong business investment in the months ahead, driving global GDP above its pre-COVID-19 path. But inflation may be a risk to watch.

While robust global growth is a positive for markets, it may also bring higher prices, tighter policy and higher interest rates. A look at some possible twists and turns ahead.

All indications suggest that Congress is serious about passing an infrastructure bill, but here’s why investors may want to consider all possible outcomes.

Graham Secker, Head of Morgan Stanley's European and UK equity strategy team, shares why Europe may be set to outperform global equity markets this year.

Chief Investment Officer Mike Wilson explains why sector and style preferences—along with selective stock picking—may be the key to success for the rest of 2021.

The debate over inflation was center stage this week and although the current environment is a far cry from the 1970s, rising prices could mean complications for both companies and central banks.

Labor shortages and inventory constraints are weighing on U.S. manufacturing and shipping. How severe could the impact be to U.S. GDP and multi-industry revenues?

Differing U.S. infrastructure policy approaches highlight the ongoing difficulties of bipartisanship in Washington. Here’s one possible outcome.

Original release April 16th, 2021: Keeping tabs on how other investors are trading can do more than just satisfy curiosity. It can provide a window into trends and current market debates.

Amid pricey valuations and growing evidence of labor and supply chain issues investors may want to adjust focus as we exit the early stages of the recovery.

With U.S. labor market numbers coming in below expectations, Andrew Sheets assesses how jobs data feeds into market and policy maker thinking about the road to recovery.

Amid declining rates of vaccinations in the U.S, virus mutations and a crisis in India, is herd immunity from COVID-19 still achievable? The latest insights from Biotech equity analyst, Matthew Harrison.

The Supreme Court is expected to deliver a decision soon on this key case for the future of the Affordable Care Act and the 20 million Americans who have acquired coverage under it. The outcome could have significant impacts for investor too.

The red-hot U.S. housing market brings to mind some unhappy memories of the 2006 bubble, but there are some key differences this time around.

The reality of reopening is anything but cut and dry. And how the market is pricing, or failing to price, nuances should continue to be a key theme.

Plans to introduce digital currencies are gaining momentum among the world’s central banks. But what level of disruption will it bring to the financial system?

Last night, President Biden laid out his vision to rebuild the existing U.S. infrastructure. Here are three takeaways and sectors to watch as negotiations unfold.

Summer months have historically seen lower, more volatile returns, but strong year-to-date gains and potentially higher inflation could intensify that trend.

Europe's 'unloved' quality among global investors is not the only reason to feel optimistic about the potential for outperformance among European equities. Chief European Equity Analyst Graham Secker explains.

High expectations around reopening may already be substantially priced into markets, pointing to new risks around how the reopening actually plays out.

Stresses on the electrical grid, climate policy, and national security are only a few of the issues we will confront as we transition to EVs.

Price, charging infrastructure and dirty battery production are limiting the impact of EVs, but look to fleet operations to lead the way to broader adoption.

With a sizable infrastructure bill moving through the U.S. Congress, support from coal producing states, often considered unlikely, may be a factor that ultimately ensures its passage.

Green investment is on investors' minds this Earth Week: Today, a look at key investment themes across carbon capture, plastics and agri-food developments.

Earnings season is well underway and some stocks are selling-off despite strong economic data. Is the recovery now completely discounted?

Keeping tabs on how other investors are trading can do more than just satisfy curiosity. It can provide a window into trends and current market debates.

Why the pet care industry—which was already growing pre-pandemic—may emerge as one of the fastest growing sectors over the next decade.

What stock sectors could fundamentally benefit from infrastructure spending? To answer this question, it’s important to follow the money.

Original release on March 25th, 2021: Amid a generally conservative outlook for emerging markets, key differentiators are their scope for policy action, pace of vaccine rollout and equity valuations.

How are oil & gas companies and U.S. utilities tackling the complex transition to a lower carbon future? Expect a lot of divergence in approach.

Since last year, bonds of all stripes have seen so-so returns and high stock market correlation. Is it time to question their value as a portfolio diversifier?

In a time of extraordinary policy response to the pandemic, will bond markets move towards the Fed or will the Fed shift its reaction function towards markets?

U.S. home buyers are now facing both higher mortgage rates and steadily climbing home prices. What does this mean for housing and mortgage markets?

Consumer spending trends are finally accelerating in service sectors such as dining and travel. A look at what this means for GDP, the jobs market and inflation.

Although the S&P 500 has continued to make new highs, underneath the surface, a shift in market leadership may be sending a signal about the hard work of reopening.

Over the last 30 years, April has been one of the best months of the entire year—and this year, the rainy month could have some extra advantages.

As the Biden administration unveils the Build Back Better plan, investors are asking: how will it be paid for? The answer is likely important for the economy and markets.

As China moves to make good on carbon targets, it will turn increasingly toward a large scale green investment strategy across its economy.

A look at why investors may want to position for a shift from early cycle conditions to more mid-cycle characteristics as the economy heads toward re-opening.

The expectation of increased inflation is stirring concerns among investors, but the actual market for expected inflation suggests the Fed is on the right track.

Amid a generally conservative outlook for emerging markets, key differentiators are their scope for policy action, pace of vaccine rollout and equity valuations.

Most Trump era barriers remain in place and new ones may even be implemented by the current administration. Markets should pay attention.

The Internet sector is more essential than ever. Our analyst looks at where pandemic habits will be stickiest and where the return to ‘normal’ may limit it.