The latest survey from BofA’s monthly fund manager has revealed that owning big U.S. tech stocks is once again the most popular trade among investors. This comes as upbeat earnings and a positive sentiment towards the global economy are driving investors back into the stock market.
According to the survey, 45% of the 169 participants, who collectively manage $413 billion in assets, believe that the most crowded trade is “long Magnificent 7”, a group of large U.S. tech stocks that includes companies like Nvidia and Microsoft. This marks a significant shift from earlier in the year when these stocks were seen as the most crowded trade back in March.
The resurgence of big tech stocks can be attributed to strong earnings that have helped them bounce back from a selloff induced by tariffs earlier in the year. This positive momentum has once again made these stocks a favorite among investors.
In addition to the popularity of big tech stocks, the survey also revealed that broad investor sentiment has improved in August. Only 5% of asset managers are now positioning for a hard landing, which is characterized by a sharp slowdown in economic growth. This indicates a more optimistic outlook for the global economy.
Furthermore, a net 14% of survey participants are overweight global equities, marking the highest level since February. However, this is still a significant decrease from the net 49% overweight in December, highlighting a more cautious approach to investing.
Overall, the survey results suggest that investors are feeling more confident in the market, with a renewed interest in big U.S. tech stocks and a more positive outlook for the global economy. As investors continue to navigate the ever-changing market landscape, staying informed and making strategic investment decisions will be key to success.
(Reporting by Alun John; Editing by Amanda Cooper)