SUMMARY OF ASSET ALLOCATION THEMES
Equities
• We expect global equities to generate a total return of 9% in 2015.
• We forecast earnings growth of 12%, thus modest multiple contraction. Valuations are in line with historic norms, while bond yields should end the year higher.
• We calculate the long-term growth rate for earnings implied by current prices to be 1.5%, low by historical standards and below the run rate for global growth.
• We think earnings growth will be strongest in Japan and Continental Europe, as both regions benefit from currency weakness..
• We think cyclical sectors are underpriced and should benefit from stronger discretionary consumption and capex. Financials should do well as bond yields turn higher.
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