Macro Views

Our long-term return expectations for capital markets serve as key inputs into our strategic asset allocation process for multi-asset portfolios and provide context for shorter-term forecasting.

The lower outlook by Moody’s, just months after Fitch's downgrade, reflects the rating agency’s concerns over the United States' long-term fiscal stability, but the impact on bonds should be near zero.

The horrific violence that has erupted between Israel and Hamas is likely to reverberate across the Middle East and the world for years to come.

Capital markets have responded positively to better-than-expected economic outcomes so far this year. While the United States has managed to avoid an official recession, growth is almost certain to slow and increases in profits will be challenged. Given this backdrop, we see equities trading sideways to slightly higher in the near term and we continue to favor the U.S. over the rest of the world.

The ratings cut on U.S. Treasuries presents an uncomfortable reality about the United States’ long-term fiscal stability, but it’s not a doomsday scenario.

Watch Barbara Reinhard, CFA, Head of Asset Allocation and new Portfolio Manager for the Voya Global Perspectives Strategies, as she shares our outlook on U.S. markets, inflation, employment and corporate earnings in the coming quarter.

We believe the risk of a technical default remains extremely low, but the consequences would be swift and painful, likely compelling elected officials to find common ground for a resolution.

Another regional bank falls, but the markets are seeing the forest from the trees as challenges appear contained.

An unexpected shock in the banking sector has stress-tested the economy and policymakers. Both initially passed. But the impact on lending and credit conditions remains unclear and increases the likelihood of a mistake by the Fed going forward.

Moving away from an abnormal regime of crisis-era stimulus won’t be a smooth process. But the volatility should be easier to stomach knowing that the destination is likely to be a healthier, more balanced economy.