• We expect growth to improve in the second half of the year. Nevertheless, the level of
growth is too low and valuations too high to expect outsized asset returns, even though
economic and market risks are more balanced than earlier in the year.
• This is reflected by taking a quality bias in all assets. We remain neutral on stocks,
duration and commodities; we maintain our credit overweight but diversify further from
high yield into investment grade. Our conviction on U.S. stocks outperforming other
global equities is firming, and we prefer developed markets to emerging markets.
• The path of U.S. rates and tone of Federal Reserve comments are critical drivers of
sentiment for the rest of 2016. A stable U.S. dollar and easier financial conditions are
supportive, but even then, asset returns are likely to be uninspiring: 6% really is the new
8%, and carry, diversification and an active approach remain key portfolio goals.