Citi strategists warn of possible tech stocks sell-off

Citi strategists warn of possible tech stocks sell-off
And that could trigger a wider impact for equities.
FEB 06, 2024

Investor positioning in US technology stocks is so bullish that any sell-off could trigger a wider rout, according to Citigroup Inc. strategists.

Wagers on declines in tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 futures have been completely erased, leaving investors overwhelmingly expecting further gains. “The large consensus positioning is a risk that could amplify a turn in the market,” strategists led by Chris Montagu wrote in a note dated Feb. 5.

US stocks have rallied this year, with the S&P 500 hitting a record high for the first time since 2022, on optimism around a stronger-than-expected economy. Upbeat fourth-quarter earnings from tech mega-caps have also lifted sentiment.

Still, investors are turning more cautious after signals from policymakers that the Federal Reserve may not cut interest rates as early as March. JPMorgan Chase & Co. strategist Marko Kolanovic said on Monday he doesn’t expect monetary easing to begin until mid-year.

Bullish trends in S&P 500 futures stalled last week, although positioning remains net-long, Montagu said.

Latest News

BMO adds three advisors in Dallas amid Y'all Street wealth boom
BMO adds three advisors in Dallas amid Y'all Street wealth boom

The bank has swiped three private banking veterans from BNY as the city climbs the ranks of America's fastest-growing wealth hubs.

UBS moves toward full-service US bank as plans to extend wealth business
UBS moves toward full-service US bank as plans to extend wealth business

Employee accounts, crypto trials and job cuts frame a pivotal year for the Swiss lender.

$5B broker-dealer NBC Securities has a new name after almost 30 years
$5B broker-dealer NBC Securities has a new name after almost 30 years

New name draws on founder's family history as consolidation reshapes the broker-dealer landscape.

Cerity Partners enters new market with Cordant Wealth Partners merger
Cerity Partners enters new market with Cordant Wealth Partners merger

Deal brings tech-focused planning expertise, expanded Pacific Northwest presence to national RIA platform.

Treasury unveils Trump Accounts fund lineup led by BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street
Treasury unveils Trump Accounts fund lineup led by BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street

Five low-cost index ETFs to anchor Trump Accounts as advisors weigh options against 529 and UTMA plans for clients

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income

SPONSORED Why direct indexing stopped being optional

Direct indexing is on pace to outgrow ETFs and mutual funds. Northern Trust's Ken Lassner explains why the advisors who get it wish they had started sooner.