Buy stocks over bonds in 2025, Bank of America says

  • December 11, 2024

Investing.com -- ocks are likely to remain in vogue over bonds next year, supported by a risk-on cocktail of broader profits, deregulation, and rate cuts, analysts from BofA said in a recent note.

"We favor an allocation to equities > credit > bonds in 2025 on broader profits, higher productivity, deregulation & rate cuts," BofA analysts said.

The bullish call on equities marks a shift from 2024, when BofA favored credit.

The macroeconomic backdrop is expected to support equities, the analysts said, forecasting faster global economic growth of 3.2% and lower inflation of 2.6% in 2025, with central banks likely to cut interest rates. This environment is expected to deliver strong returns in many equity markets, ranging from 8% to 14%, they added.

Equity sectors tied to the real economy are likely to flourish, the analysts said, touting what they describe as a "great reversion" from the digital economy to the real economy.

"Position for a great reversion in the US via: defense, industrial renaissance, liberated banks, CLO ETFs, natural gas for today, and nuclear for tomorrow," they said.

Globally, the bank recommends owning "reformist Japan, quality India, EM debt, and gold."

The analysts also stressed the importance of a dynamic asset allocation approach in the current market environment, noting that it can boost returns without increasing volatility.
This contrasts with consensus allocation methods like "buy the whole market" and target date funds, which they suggest may underperform.
This pales in contrast with consensus allocation methods like "buy the whole market" and target date funds, which they suggest may fare worse.