Savita Subramanian, Bank of America Securities Head of US Equity & Quantitative Strategy, discusses the 'Magnificent Seven' tech rally and biggest market risks for 2024. She suggests investing in individual stocks instead of the entire index. They also talk about recent market trends, dividend initiations, equity income for retirees, analysis of large cap banks and the energy sector, and low conviction in stocks outperforming bonds.
Investors can potentially make more money by picking individual stocks from the 'Magnificent Seven' tech rally, rather than buying the entire index.
Initiating dividends by big growth companies is seen as an important signal for the next leg higher in equities, with equity income becoming attractive, especially during periods of inflation.
Deep dives
Stocks behaving differently within the magnificent Seven
Within the group of stocks known as the magnificent Seven, there is a surprising increase in stock-specific risks. This means that investors can potentially make more money by picking individual stocks rather than buying the entire index. While these stocks are priced for perfection and considered expensive, they have been performing exceptionally well. However, there is a need for a broadening pattern to emerge in the market, with other areas of the market offering less risky opportunities.
Equity yield as a value proposition
Initiating dividends by big growth companies is seen as an important signal for the next leg higher in equities. With the expectation of retirees moving out of cash and seeking riskier sources of yield, equity income becomes attractive, especially if interest rates start to decline. Equity income has historically performed well during periods of inflation. Although it may take time for the market to fully recognize this, financials are considered a good source of inflation-protected yield. Energy, with its disciplined production and focus on cash return, also offers a healthy yield and is seen as a potential sector for net zero goals.
Bank of America Securities Head of US Equity & Quantitative Strategy Savita Subramanian speaks on the "Maginificent Seven" tech rally and biggest market risks for 2024 with Bloomberg's Jonathan Ferro and Lisa Abramowicz