INSIGHTS

Rising margin expectations continue to support equities, underscoring the resilience of corporate profitability in the face of last year’s tariffs and this year’s Middle East war. The U.S. remains especially strong compared to peers, though first quarter earnings will be an important test.

Technology valuations have meaningfully declined over the past year, but the sector continues to stand out for its strong earnings growth and relative resilience. While near-term uncertainty remains, tech still appears well positioned as a key driver of broader market growth.

Recent jobless claims data point to a resilient U.S. labor market, with both initial and continuing claims remaining low and signaling that unemployment is still contained. Although job growth has softened and remains subdued, March’s job growth of 178,000, the highest since 2024, is encouraging. Our constructive outlook still holds despite continued uncertainty related to the war in the Middle East.

Fixed income investors are dealing with a choppy, data driven market with rate volatility, inflation uncertainty and mixed growth signals. These dynamics make traditional bonds more sensitive to duration and credit spreads, while tighter lending and sector specific risks continue to add pressure.

Murdo MacLean shares Walter Scott’s perspective on three headwinds facing equity markets.

Walter Scott identifies quality companies using three key factors. Client investment manager Murdo MacLean explains why each matters.

Tech’s shine is fading, making way for differentiated portfolios to flourish, says BNY Investments Newton global equity income portfolio manager, Jon Bell.

Walter Scott has been taking a close look at software companies. Client investment manager George Dent explains why.

Checkpoints is a comprehensive monthly chartbook highlighting major top-of-mind themes that could shape financial markets in the near term. In addition to the broader macroeconomic discussion, Checkpoints delivers detailed views on major asset classes, including global equities, fixed income and real assets.

Welcome to another edition of Vantage Point, the quarterly economic and markets outlook from the BNY Investment Strategy & Research Group.

The U.S.’ extraction of President Maduro from Caracas on January 4 could alter the trajectory of geopolitics in the Americas.

BNY's commitment to insight and perspectives comes to life through our investment and market leaders who gather quarterly to debate the key issues shaping markets today.