Global Fund Managers Reduce Cash Holdings: What It Means for Markets

Key Takeaways

✔ Global fund manager cash levels hit 3.5%—lowest since 2010
✔ Investors remain bullish, overweight equities, underweight bonds & cash
✔ EuroStoxx, Nasdaq & Hang Seng ranked top indices for 2025
✔ Tech sector sees biggest decline in long positions since 2022
✔ Recession fears drop to a 3-year low

1. Fund Managers Cut Cash to 14-Year Lows

💰 Global cash allocations fell to 3.5% in February, the lowest level since 2010, per Bank of America's (BofA) Fund Manager Survey.

🔹 A drop in cash levels signals higher risk appetite, as investors rotate into equities and other riskier assets.

📊 Market Sentiment Indicator:

• February's overall sentiment rose to 6.4 from 6.1, indicating a bullish outlook despite concerns over valuation.
• However, optimism remains below December 2024's peak levels.

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2. Where Are Investors Allocating Capital?

📈 Overweight Positions:
✔ Equities (+35%) - Highest exposure, signaling a risk-on mood.
✔ Euro-area stocks - Reached an 8-month high.
✔ Defensive sectors - Utilities, pharmaceuticals, and REITs saw increased interest.

📉 Underweight Positions:
❌ Bonds (-11%) - Investors prefer equities over fixed income.
❌ Cash holdings - Lowest allocation since 2010.

📊 Top Equity Indices for 2025 (Investor Preferences):

• EuroStoxx (22%)
• Nasdaq (18%)
• Hang Seng (18%)

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3. Tech Sector Faces a Sell-Off

🔻 Tech saw its largest month-over-month decline in long positions since September 2022.

📉 Sectors with Lower Exposure:

• Tech
• Banks
• Materials

💡 What's Driving the Rotation?

• Overvaluation concerns - 89% of fund managers believe US stocks are overvalued.
• Sector rotation to bond-sensitive industries as rate expectations shift.

4. Recession Fears at a 3-Year Low

📊 82% of fund managers no longer expect a recession.

🔹 This marks a major sentiment shift compared to 2023 when recession fears dominated outlooks.
🔹 China's growth optimism remains, but emerging markets (EMs) haven't gained traction in fund flows.

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Final Thoughts: What's Next for Markets?

✅ Bullish signals:

• Cash levels at record lows → More money flowing into stocks.
• Equities remain the top choice among fund managers.
• Recession fears fading → Investors betting on economic stability.

🚨 Risks to watch:

• US stocks seen as overvalued → Potential for correction.
• Sector rotation out of tech → Can AI-driven growth sustain interest?
• Rate cut expectations vs. inflation concerns → Will central banks shift policy?

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