economy

Bank of America says bullishness highest since 2021. So it's time to bail on 'risk assets'

The high level of investor bullishness is a signal to retreat from risk assets and rotate towards less vulnerable investments, the bank said.

Bank of America says bullishness highest since 2021. So it's time to bail on 'risk assets'

TL;DR

  • Investor bullishness has reached its highest level in nearly five years, according to Bank of America.
  • This sentiment reading, above 8, is considered a sell signal by the bank.
  • The bank advises investors to retreat from risk assets and rotate into defensives like consumer staples, REITs, small cap, biotech stocks, and the U.S. dollar.
  • Record cash is pouring into markets, with significant inflows into stocks, bonds, and cash.
  • Despite outflows from tech and semiconductor funds, tech inflows remain at a record annualized pace.
  • Potential warning signs for a shift from stocks to bonds include higher bond yields and a weaker dollar, or rising bond yields alongside falling bank stocks.