“Uncertainty on policy and tariffs, and weakening US economic growth call for a continued rotation towards regions such as Europe and selective emerging markets that may offer strong long-term opportunities.”
Market weakness started in late February, primarily driven by a valuation correction in the US tech sector and a de-concentration of most crowded stocks. This was amplified by declining sentiment amongst households, corporations, and investors.
Over the past week, markets have experienced extreme uncertainty caused by US policy gyrations on tariffs. This uncertainty has started to weigh on US assets, including the dollar and US Treasuries. Despite the 90-day pause announced on 9 April, the US average tariff rate remains at a 100-year high, with rising US tariffs on China triggering retaliation from the latter.