Citi strategists see higher equities after 'orderly' sell-off

Citi strategists see higher equities after 'orderly' sell-off
Chris Montague says last week's pullback has reduced positioning risk.
AUG 08, 2023
By  Bloomberg

The “orderly” pullback in US stocks last week has reduced the risk of a chaotic selloff and set the stage for further gains in the S&P 500, Citigroup Inc. strategists say.

Bullish positions in S&P 500 futures fell to $70 billion from $77 billion last week, while short positions remained largely unchanged at $2.5 billion, according to a note from the bank dated Aug. 7. 

“This orderly position trimming has reduced some of the short-term positioning risk that has been a worry for investors in recent weeks,” strategist Chris Montagu said. “This puts markets in a good set-up to make new gains or weather negative news/shocks in the coming weeks.”

US stocks suffered their biggest decline since March last week as bond yields rose following a downgrade of US government debt by Fitch Ratings. They bounced back slightly on Monday, although investors remain cautious ahead of key inflation data, which is due Thursday and is likely to provide clues on the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook.

Some of Wall Street’s most bearish voices — such as JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s Marko Kolanovic and Morgan Stanley’s Michael Wilson — have continued to warn that stocks could come under pressure from a slowdown in economic growth, even as economists have broadly pared back projections of a US recession.

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.