Bullish indicating open at $55-$60, IPO prices at $37
Investing.com-- Investor sentiment toward Asian equities remains resilient despite growing concerns over a global economic slowdown, according to Bank of America’s (BofA) August Fund Manager Survey.
A net 41% of respondents expect a weaker global economy, up from 31% last month, driven by fears of a cooling U.S. labor market and weakening consumption. For Asia ex-Japan, a net 31% foresee weaker growth, a slight deterioration from June, BofA said.
However, 90% of investors still anticipate higher equity levels in the region a year ahead, citing room for earnings upgrades, analysts added.
China’s outlook improved, with only a net 3% predicting weaker growth, down from 10% in July, amid hopes for further policy easing to combat deflation, according to the survey.
Households are expected to shift savings toward discretionary spending and investments, though investors remain wary of long-term structural challenges for Chinese equities, analysts said.
Japan retained its top spot as the most favored market, buoyed by corporate reforms and expectations of a Bank of Japan rate hike by early 2026.
China leapfrogged to second place, followed by Taiwan and Korea, while India tumbled to the bottom due to U.S. tariff concerns.
Sector preferences in Asia, excluding Japan, favored tech hardware, semiconductors, and financial services, while materials and autos lagged. In Japan, banks and semiconductors led investor picks, according to the survey.
"Market returns expectations remain resilient," BofA analysts wrote, noting that consensus earnings estimates are not seen as stretched.
The survey polled 197 investors managing $475 billion in assets.