Equities could break records if investors diversify, says Goldman

Equities could break records if investors diversify, says Goldman
Broadening the focus beyond the Magnificent Seven tech stocks is the key, according to strategists.
FEB 26, 2024

Stock markets have room to extend gains beyond record highs if the economic outlook remains upbeat and investors pour money into recent laggards, according to Goldman Sachs Group Inc. strategists.

The S&P 500’s run to an all-time peak has left investor positioning “extremely” concentrated in the so-called Magnificent Seven technology stocks, the team led by Cecilia Mariotti wrote in a note. 

While that does create the risk of a pullback, there’s also “space for bullish sentiment and positioning to be further supported, especially if we start seeing a more meaningful rotation out of cash and into risky assets and laggards within equities,” the strategists wrote.

US and European stocks have hit record highs this year as investors bet that central banks would start cutting interest rates even though the economy remains resilient. Most of those gains have been driven by technology behemoths. In the US, the performance of the benchmark S&P 500 is hovering near 2009-highs relative to the equal-weighted index, which dilutes the impact of the tech megacaps.

Other strategists including Michael Hartnett at Bank of America Corp. also see more support for equity markets from the buzz around artificial intelligence and confidence about economic growth. JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s Marko Kolanovic is an outlier, warning about the risks to stocks from 1970s-style stagflation.

 Overall, strategists tracked by Bloomberg expect the S&P 500 to end the year around 4,897 points on average — implying a drop of about 4% from the current level.

Latest News

Captrust adds $1.25B Pennsylvania firm in latest push into private wealth
Captrust adds $1.25B Pennsylvania firm in latest push into private wealth

The top-ranked RIA by total AUM continues to scale its wealth management arm, bringing its Pennsylvania presence to five offices.

WallStreetBets takes on the SEC — and makes a surprisingly sharp case
WallStreetBets takes on the SEC — and makes a surprisingly sharp case

The Reddit trading community's formal comment letter against the proposal is drawing widespread attention across finance and tech circles.

Frustrated former advisor launches AI-powered CRM with $8B RIA client
Frustrated former advisor launches AI-powered CRM with $8B RIA client

Chicago Partners Wealth Advisors is helping shape the platform's product roadmap after switching from a legacy system.

Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale
Stratos Wealth Holdings closes 11 acquisitions in push for advisory scale

RIA aggregator adds $4.8 billion in client assets across seven states as demand grows for alternatives to traditional succession models.

Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human
Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline