📖 Your Q2 Earnings Guide: Discover the Stocks ProPicks AI Highlights to Jump Post-EarningsRead more

A 5-10% pullback in S&P 500 'entirely possible' says BofA's Subramanian

Published 2024-07-17, 11:58 a/m
© Reuters

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC)'s research team said that the increased election uncertainty could definitely contribute to a market pullback over the next few months.

Along these lines, the bank anticipates increased market volatility and acknowledges the possibility of a "5-10%" pullback in U.S. equities.

However, Savita Subramanian, the Head of U.S. Equity Strategy and U.S. Quantitative Strategy at Bank of America, argues that the impact of politics on markets may be overestimated by investors.

Answering a question from Investing.com during the bank's media roundtable, Subramanian pointed out that certain sectors could face pressure due to the potential change in the White House leadership. She also expects a spike up in VIX during the election campaign.

Healthcare, for instance, is seen as vulnerable from both political sides given its exposure to government contracts, while the green energy is likely to be affected in case Republicans take over.

Moreover, the technology sector could face additional regulatory risks if Democrats stay in charge, while smaller regional banks are also at risk due to higher regulatory scrutiny.

Despite these concerns, Bank of America maintains a positive outlook on the U.S. economy, which, although cooling, is still perceived as strong. 

Unlike some of its peers, the bank has chosen not to alter its S&P 500 price target at this stage. Instead, Subramanian would like to get over the election uncertainty and then review its S&P 500 price target, especially if the mega-cap strength persists. 

During the presentation, Bank of America said that current positioning favors anti-cyclical, pro-growth, and pro-tech investments. Hence, there is plenty of room for ongoing sector rotation to continue.

The bank also highlighted that not all technology stocks are overvalued, with some of the 'Magnificent 7' companies being considered as value stocks due to their ability to return capital while at the same time they continue to grow.

Finally, the banking giant expects that income investors are likely to become the next significant buyers of stocks.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.
© 2007-2024 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.