Buy In May Thesis Intact (Core Strategy Rebalance)
Short-term Outlook Recap
Our short-term market outlook over the past few weeks has been one of caution and patience, particularly in anticipation of yesterday's events—the Treasury's quarterly refunding announcement and the FOMC meeting. During this period, we observed a weakening market characterized by declining flows, surging rates, and a strengthening dollar, compounded by negative fiscal flows during tax season.
We viewed yesterday as a potential turning point for risk assets due to the Quarterly Refunding Announcement (QRA) from the Treasury and the FOMC meeting. Since we entered an era that many call “fiscal dominance,” QRAs have preceded shifts in the direction of interest rates, hence our adoption of the theme "Buy in May and Go Away"—a twist on the traditional "Sell in May and Go Away."
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CORE STRATEGY Most of the risks that prompted us to turn cautious in early February still persist, so we believe it’s right to remain patient. However, the near-term (2–4 weeks) setup is starting to look compelling for a tactical rally as sentiment is miserable, liquidity conditions are improving on the margin, a lot of risk has already been priced in, and we’ve seen serious capitulation and deleveraging. All eyes will...
MSTR Reloading Presents Opportunity for Bounce, But Broader Picture Remains the Same
CORE STRATEGY There is a chance that MSTR flows spark a short-term bounce here, but assets further out on the risk curve continue to face headwinds from ongoing uncertainty surrounding trade and monetary policy. Although the current administration takes a pro-crypto stance, there appears to be no immediate catalyst to revive market enthusiasm. We still anticipate that crypto will outperform this year, but until we see further progress on trade/monetary...
CORE STRATEGY With lingering trade war talks and robust economic data dissuading a dovish Fed pivot, we think the potential for downside volatility remains elevated. While regulatory developments and institutional adoption continue to bolster the medium- to long-term outlook, no immediate “good news” seems likely. Nevertheless, we still expect crypto to outperform this year. Until we see flows return to crypto, raising cash/trimming altcoin positions appears prudent (BTC dominance higher)....
CORE STRATEGY With the looming threat of an escalating trade war and economic data robust enough to discourage a more dovish Fed stance, we believe the upside risk for the DXY and yields has increased in Q1. Moreover, the market remains highly volatile and headline-driven, inhibiting the crypto market from gaining meaningful momentum. While regulatory developments are a key medium- to a long-term tailwind for crypto, it is unlikely that...