BofA strategist warns that US stocks are showing bubble signs

BofA strategist warns that US stocks are showing bubble signs
Investors pulled $22B from US equity funds ahead of Fed.
MAR 22, 2024
By  Bloomberg

US stocks saw hefty outflows in the run-up to the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting that took the S&P 500 Index to fresh all-time highs.

US equity funds suffered redemptions of about $22 billion in the week through Wednesday — the biggest since December 2022, according to a note from Bank of America Corp., citing EPFR Global data. That’s alongside a 1.2% advance in the S&P 500 over that period, with the rally building steam following signals that the Fed was on course for three rate cuts this year.

The trend was also a sharp turnaround from the previous week, when US stocks had attracted record inflows. The S&P 500 has now notched an all-time peak 20 times this year, and market strategists including Manish Kabra at Societe Generale said the rally had scope to run further amid an upbeat corporate earnings outlook.

Bank of America strategist Michael Hartnett, on the other hand, has warned that the gains are indicative of a bubble. The strategist had remained bearish on stocks last year despite a sharp rally in the S&P 500.

Among other highlights from the note, cash funds posted outflows of over $61 billion, the most since October. Global bond funds registered inflows of $5.4 billion.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.