Goldman upgrades global equities on earnings optimism

Goldman Sachs on Monday upgraded its three-month view on global equities to "overweight" from "neutral", saying earnings growth remains supportive for equities and valuations have become more attractive ahead of the earnings season.

Here are some details:

* Middle East supply concerns have boosted oil prices, driving inflation and higher-for-longer rate fears, while mounting corporate and sovereign debt has fueled a global bond selloff that rattled markets in recent weeks

* Despite those headwinds, Goldman said the recent pullback has created a more attractive entry point for equities heading into third-quarter earnings, bringing its three-month outlook in line with its bullish 12-month stance

* The bank remains "overweight" on Asia and the US and "underweight" on Europe, while flagging that higher rates and energy prices remain the main near-term risks to equities

* It added that US midterm election uncertainty could potentially increase market volatility from current low levels

* Goldman prefers a "barbell strategy," with tech stocks at one end and bond-like equities on the other - both poised to benefit from rate relief, while also providing a hedge should tech sell off or growth concerns intensify

* It also upgraded its 12-month stance on government bonds to an "overweight" rating, adding, "We believe bonds should gradually move from portfolio headwind to hedge"
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