Global investors turn most bullish since February, BofA survey shows

Global investor sentiment rose to its highest level since February, driven by optimism about economic growth, AI-related spending, and expectations for a dovish Federal Reserve, according to Bank of America's latest Global Fund Manager Survey. Cash allocations fell to 3.6%, triggering a contrarian sell signal, while a record 54% of respondents expect a 'no landing' for the global economy.

MILAN, July 14 Reuters - Global investor sentiment has climbed to its strongest level since February, with fund managers growing more optimistic on the economic outlook, artificial intelligence-linked spending and the prospect of a dovish Federal Reserve, Bank of America's latest Global Fund Manager Survey showed. Cash allocations fell to an "uber-low" of 3.6% from 4.1% in June, level that triggered BofA's contrarian sell signal, while a record share of respondents said they expect a "no landing" for the global economy. The survey was carried out between July 2 and July 9, after the interim deal to end the U.S.-Iran war and largely before hostilities resumed. Key findings from the July survey in more detail: • Investor sentiment rose to its highest level since February, reflecting optimism about economic growth, AI-related capital expenditure and expectations for easier monetary policy. • A record 54% of respondents expect a "no landing" scenario for the global economy, while only 2% anticipate a hard landing. • U.S. equity allocations were raised to the highest overweight position since December 2024. • Long global semiconductor stocks remained the market's most crowded trade for a third consecutive month, cited by 82% of investors. • While some investors trimmed technology positions in July, none reported being short the sector. • 61% of respondents say hyperscalers are unlikely to cut capital expenditure this year, versus 28% expecting reductions. • AI bubble risks rose to the top spot among largest tail risk facing markets, pointed to by 45% of respondents. • 83% do not expect the Fed to raise interest rates before the U.S. midterm elections in November. • Investors cut their end-2026 oil price forecast to $71 a barrel from $86 in June. Reporting by Danilo Masoni