Hedge funds cut NFLX, keep big bets on MSFT, AMZN, add NVDA
Investing.com - South African fund managers have shifted to a strongly bullish stance on equities while becoming increasingly bearish on cash holdings, according to Bank of America’s latest South Africa Fund Manager Survey released Monday.
A net 72% of managers surveyed expressed bullish views on equities, up from 67% previously, while a similarly high net 72% reported bearish positions on cash, up from 60% in the prior survey. This cash bearishness marks the fourth highest reading in the survey’s history, which typically signals supportive equity returns over the next 12 months.
Fund managers are increasingly optimistic about economic growth, with a net 61% expecting the economy to strengthen slightly over the next year, nearly double the previous reading of 33%. Simultaneously, a net 78% anticipate slightly higher inflation, up dramatically from 33% in the previous survey, while 89% of respondents expect an interest rate cut, likely in the fourth quarter.
Positioning data shows significant overweighting in software (1.8 standard deviations above normal), gold (1.6sd), and equities broadly (1.3sd), with substantial underweighting in healthcare (-2.5sd), cash (-1.8sd), and offshore investments (-1.5sd). The banking sector remains the most favored sector, followed by software and metals & mining.
The survey indicates managers are preparing for lower interest rates, with a notable shift toward property and banks over apparel retail, though they remain concerned about potential leftward policy shifts and weak corporate earnings. Managers project the All-Share index to reach 112,000 in 12 months, with expected total returns of 16% for equities, 11% for the R2035 bond, and 7% for cash.
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