The RIC Report

In search of a good deal

Authored By
Analyst Name Research Investment Committee
Analyst Region BofAS
Analyst Name Jared Woodard
Analyst Email jared.woodard@bofa.com
Analyst Designation Investment & ETF Strategist
Analyst Region BofAS
Analyst Phone +1 646 855 2600
Analyst Name John Glascock
Analyst Email john.glascock@bofa.com
Analyst Designation Investment & ETF Strategist
Analyst Region BofAS
Analyst Phone +1 646 855 3402
Analyst Name Phoebe Block
Analyst Email phoebe.block@bofa.com
Analyst Designation Investment & ETF Strategist
Analyst Region BofAS
Analyst Phone +1 646 241 5941
Report Details
14 May 2025 Investment Strategy Global

The RIC Report

In search of a good deal

Authored By
Analyst Name Research Investment Committee
Analyst Region BofAS
Analyst Name Jared Woodard
Analyst Email jared.woodard@bofa.com
Analyst Designation Investment & ETF Strategist
Analyst Region BofAS
Analyst Phone +1 646 855 2600
Analyst Name John Glascock
Analyst Email john.glascock@bofa.com
Analyst Designation Investment & ETF Strategist
Analyst Region BofAS
Analyst Phone +1 646 855 3402
Analyst Name Phoebe Block
Analyst Email phoebe.block@bofa.com
Analyst Designation Investment & ETF Strategist
Analyst Region BofAS
Analyst Phone +1 646 241 5941
Report Details
14 May 2025 Investment Strategy Global
Glossary
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Trading ideas and investment strategies discussed herein may give rise to significant risk and are not suitable for all investors. Investors should have experience in relevant markets and the financial resources to absorb any losses arising from applying these ideas or strategies.

BofA Securities does and seeks to do business with issuers covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a conflict of interest that could affect the objectivity of this report. Investors should consider this report as only a single factor in making their investment decision.

 

 

Key takeaways
  • It's a record gap between bearish surveys & bullish facts. History says: a soft-data panic + no recession = 17% market upside
  • $7tn in negative-yielding cash after spring bear market; likely to be unwound by trade peace, tax cut, deregulation catalysts
  • 13 lucky relative value ideas: in equities, EM divs, MLPs, pure value; also fallen angels, loans, dynamic commodities & gold.

In search of a good deal Video

In search of a good deal Video


The RIC Report

Investors in search of a good deal

During this year's spring bear market, US households raised money market assets to a record $7tn. But cash returns may be negative after sticky inflation & taxes. Where else to go? We scan for relative value opportunities: in equities, EM dividends, MLPs, US pure value & quality, India and others offer 6-10% earnings yield. In fixed income: senior loans, fallen angels, EM debt & more yield 6-8% (Exhibit 1). It's worth keeping gold and dynamic commodity strategies for stagflation insurance. For ETF ideas on these, see pages 6-9.

Markets primed for a new deal

"Hard" data are still coming in strong and the key market thresholds flagged last month have held. Tighter credit spreads (HY @ 315bps), low jobless claims (230k), a stabilizing dollar (DXY @ 101), and 4.1% Main St. wage growth (vs. 2.5% inflation) signal economic health. Summer upside is plausible on trade peace, nimble supply chains, onshoring from EMs, and a DC pivot to tax cuts and deregulation. Tactical ideas are inside.

Soft-data panic + no recession has been a bullish signal

In the past 70 years, when the ISM manufacturing & consumer surveys plunged but no recession followed, US stocks gained 17% and US credit 8% over the subsequent twelve months, outrunning long-term averages (Exhibit 6). Today's hard vs. soft data gap is one of the largest on record, and our economists expect no recession (see interview).

Exhibit 1: Relative value opportunities across equities and fixed income

Equity earnings yield, fixed income yield to worst relative value comparison

Exhibit 1: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Global Research, Bloomberg; HY Munis tax adjusted yield (20%) shown

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

The RIC Report

 

 Trust the numbers, not the narrative

The RIC Outlook: Unless the hard data cracks, we suggest investors take advantage of relative value trades in each asset class. We remain bullish equities and credit, cautious on government bonds, and opportunistic on commodities.

Last month, we highlighted several key thresholds to watch, and those levels have held:

  1. High yield credit spreads remained <550bps and have tightened to 315bps now;
  2. The labor market is intact, with four-week jobless claims averaging less than 300k (230k today), and an upside surprise for April payrolls;
  3. Equity market technicals held and the S&P 500 has recovered more than half of the drop from its February peak.

One of the widest hard vs. soft data gaps on record

Nevertheless, the gap between survey-based "soft data" measures and "hard" economic and market data is among the widest on record (Exhibit 2).

Forward-looking surveys have often been a good predictor of future economic results, but the relationship seems to have broken since 2022. Divergences abound (Exhibit 3):

  • Credit managers say they are not lending, but credit spreads have tightened and IG bond upgrades in April were well above historical averages (April IG ratings: Still strong);
  • Investor sentiment surveys are weak and earnings revisions ratios for 2025 EPS are at historical lows, but bottom up S&P 500 EPS has only been trimmed by 1.5% in April (Ready, set, pause);
  • Manufacturing new orders are weak, but some proprietary BofA indicators, like Andrew Obin's Fluid Power Survey, suggest improvement in the industrials sector; Obin's global outlook indicator rose from 69.4 to 74.0 (Industrial macro is improving?!).

 

  Exhibit 2:  Hard vs. soft data gap is the among the widest in 25 years

Simple average of standardized hard data, standardized soft data inputs

Exhibit 2: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee; Hard data = average of standardized values since 1990 or start date of 10Y/Fed funds spread, HY spread, Jobless claims, S&P 500 EPS, building permits, US industrial production, average manufacturing workweek; Soft data = average of standardized values since 1990 or start date of NACM Credit Manager index, Conference Board Consumer Confidence, AAII Bullish less Bearish readings, ISM Manufacturing New Orders

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

  Exhibit 3:  "Hard" economic and market data is holding up better than "soft" survey measures

Standardized values of different hard & soft data inputs

Exhibit 3: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, Bloomberg; Standardized monthly data since June 1990 or history start date for series. Asterisk implies lower is better. See Appendix for more details.

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

  • Consumers say they are doubtful, but spending remains strong: Bank of America aggregated credit and debit card data rose 1% in April vs. a year ago, continuing strength from 1.1% growth in March (Hunkered down, but healthy) The wealthiest consumers had the strongest year over year spending growth at 3% in April (Retail sales preview: spring showers);
  • Main Street is winning, too: 2018-2025 has been the best period of real wage growth for regular workers since the late 90s (Exhibit 4). Earnings for non-supervisory workers rose 4.1% from one year ago, outpacing sticky inflation (see Jobs in bloom in April). $100 of wages in January 2018 has risen on average to $138 today, while $100 of the CPI basket costs $129.

We acknowledge that sentiment is powerful, and sometimes investors can be startled into reflexive, self-destructive cycles of bearishness.

 

  Exhibit 4:  Main St. wages (4.1%) are outpacing inflation (2.5%)

US Avg Hourly Earnings Private NFP Prod & Non Supervisory

Exhibit 4: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, Bloomberg

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

Hard data also often lag sentiment, and the data could falter as empty shipping containers and sparse store shelves make for agitated headlines this spring. Even so, economic resilience this year and the scope for big policy pivots makes this an environment in which investors should trust the numbers, not the narratives.

Soft data panic + no recession = bullish market setup

In the past 70 years, when the two longest-running soft data measures - ISM manufacturing PMI & the Conference Board consumer survey - weakened sharply but no recession followed, it was typically a great time to invest (Exhibit 5 & Exhibit 6):

  • US equities rose 17% on average in the 12-months following a decline in sentiment outside of a recession, compared to 11% average all time returns since 1951;
  • US high yield and IG corporates outperformed US Treasuries by 3% on average when soft data stalled. Commodities also outperformed Treasuries by 1%;
  • Equities can rally even without Fed cuts. In poor sentiment periods where the Fed hiked or maintained rates, US equities averaged 14% the next 12 months.

  Exhibit 5:  Beware "soft data macro"…poor sentiment often a buy signal

Simple average of standardized ISM PMI and consumer confidence

Exhibit 5: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee; data = average of standardized ISM Manufacturing PMI since 1950, Consumer Board Consumer Confidence since 1967

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

  Exhibit 6:  Weak soft data + no recession = better stock & credit returns

Years with below-average sentiment and next 12-month asset class returns

For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

  

 

Equity

FICC

 

Fed Policy

S&P 500

Global ex US

US Tsy

Credit

Commodity

5/31/1951 - 1952

Hike

18%

0.1%

4%

4%

-17%

5/31/1962 - 1963

Hike

23%

-0.3%

4%

8%

9%

12/31/1966 - 1967

Cut

24%

13%

-3%

-2%

0.4%

9/30/1984 - 1985

Cut

14%

41%

27%

30%

-4%

5/31/1995 - 1996

Cut

28%

11%

2%

10%

31%

12/31/1998 - 1999

Hike

21%

31%

-8%

3%

32%

5/31/2011 - 2012

No change

-0.4%

-20%

15%

3%

-10%

8/31/2015 - 2016

Hike

13%

4%

8%

9%

6%

10/31/2022 - 2023

Hike

10%

13%

-2%

6%

4%

Soft data ex recession

Average

17%

10%

5%

8%

6%

All time

Average

11%

12%

6%

7%

8%

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, Bloomberg, Global Financial Data (GFD); See appendix for more detail.

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

 

 Markets in search of a good deal

Investors this year have been focused on the ways in which things could go poorly… a sensible posture when asset prices are at record highs. Today, we see a more two-sided market, and review some scenarios below that could spark fresh upside.

  1. Trade peace

As discussed in our interview, Aditya Bhave and the economics team do not expect the US to fall into recession this year even under the "unpaused" slate of trade restrictions. They highlight stability in final domestic sales, which rose 1.5% quarter over quarter (see: Don't judge an economy by its cover), and raise their 2Q GDP forecast to 2% (The curious case of missing imports). Bhave notes that negotiations are progressing across a spectrum of trade partners from longtime allies (UK) and geopolitical challengers (China).

A win-win game

Frictions from trade restrictions may be more benign than markets are pricing in. In a conversation with Candace Browning and Claudio Irigoyen, Emily Kilcrease, Senior Fellow at CNAS, describes the trade war simulation that CNAS conducted with a group of international trade negotiators. They found a surprising amount of potential for trade liberalization and openness that could result from the process (How the trade war could go right).

Companies may also prove nimbler than expected, even in the event of prolonged higher tariffs. In a survey of BofA equity analysts, Savita Subramanian found that 60% expect higher costs from trade barriers will be offset by automation (Big beat overshadowed by fears of slump).

 

A simulated trade war game

"What we found at the end of the game was that if the United States remained open to deal-making, other countries would come to the US to find those deals… The deals that could be struck could result in a surprising amount of trade liberalization and openness… The US could chart a path forward towards what would essentially be a democratic trading bloc that was more integrated, that actually did address some of the long-standing trade irritants that the US has identified, while also aligning on common barriers and de-risking from the China market."

  • Emily Kilcrease, Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS)
  1. Deregulation

Michael Hartnett anticipates markets will appreciate the administration's policy pivot in the "second 100 days". Potential tariff negotiations, lower rates, lower taxes and AI resilience could offset bearish sentiment (Soft Macro meets Micro Soft).

Our economists point out that deregulation could be pro-growth and disinflationary, with a likely focus on energy and finance sectors (Supply-side economics, for better or worse and Dealing with uncertainty).

 

  Exhibit 7:  Critical sectors for US dynamism face the most regulation

NAICS (4-digit code) regulations, organized as GICS level 1 sectors

Exhibit 7: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Global Research, Bloomberg, Patrick McLaughlin & Nita Ghei; NAICS 4 digit codes and associated restrictions assigned to GICS sectors using Wilshire 5000 companies; As of 2024

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

  • In a major turn after nearly two decades of increasing regulations, BofA banks analyst Ebrahim Poonawala calculates that decreased regulation on banking sector could increase balance sheet capacity by 1.7x on average (see: Outlook for bank regulation: Expert call takeaways).
  1. Taxes

Pressure is mounting. In the event Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) extensions aren't passed, it could represent the largest tax hike in history. The administration can take several routes to extend the TCJA. One route, extending the TCJA for 10 years would amount to $4.5tn of tax cuts (Exhibit 8). Another option could extend the TCJA for seven years, and pave way for $1.5tn additional cuts for domestic manufacturers (Reconciliation: smooth takeoff, bumpy landing?).

On the other hand, the risk from unfunded tax cuts could be a sustained budget deficit of more than 7% of GDP (as Bhave notes in our interview), and a related disorderly rise in long-term bond yields. We highlighted the risk of US household "bond recusants", volatile auction tails, or a failed Treasury auction in our 2025 "surprises" report (Ten surprises for 2025).

The debt ceiling dance

By increasing the debt limit in summer 2025, BofA Rates Strategist Mark Cabana expects that the US will avoid a technical default (see: Debt limit FAQ). Even in a resolution, rates on shorter-dated assets could fall in the wake of increasing US Treasury supply. We prefer credit to US Treasuries. See page 6 for more.

 

  Exhibit 8:  TCJA expiration would be the largest tax rise in history

Projected change in receipts, sum of first 5 years, chained 2012 USD ($bn)

Exhibit 8: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, Bloomberg, Tempalski 2013, CBO, Penn Wharton

ATRA = American Taxpayer Relief Act (2012) ; TEFRA = Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (1982); TCJA = Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ; Omnibus = Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (1993)

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

 Investors in search of a good deal

During the spring bear market, US households raised money market fund assets to a record $7tn (Exhibit 9). But cash is almost never king. After taxes and inflation, the returns on cash this year (e.g. T-bills) will probably be negative (Exhibit 10).

Where to go instead? In the section below we scan for relative values across asset classes and note the themes, yield measure, and tickers for some relevant ETFs in our coverage for each theme.

  Exhibit 9:  Investors raised record cash in the spring flash bear market

ICI money market fund assets, $bn

Exhibit 9: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, Bloomberg

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

  Exhibit 10:  Cash is almost never king

3-month T-bill yield, minus 37% income tax, minus core PCE inflation

Exhibit 10: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, Bloomberg

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

  Exhibit 11:  Relative value opportunities across equities and fixed income

Earnings yield across equity regions, industries, factors; fixed income yield to worst

Exhibit 11: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, Bloomberg. MSCI indices in net USD total returns; see Appendix for details. Data as of 05/12/2005.

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 Equities

In 2025, we favor equity given upside potential from broader earnings growth, higher productivity, and deregulation (Year Ahead 2025: The asymmetric upside for allocators).

Savita Subramanian updated her S&P 500 target to 5600, but sees upside risk to 7000 if post-"Liberation Day" rallies are even a fraction of COVID or GFC comebacks (New S&P 500 target 5600, wide range (4-7k).). Equity market technicals also look positive: four bullish signals from the last two months imply an S&P 500 range of 5885-6175 into year end, according Paul Ciana (Bullish breadth thrust favors bottom).

Below we look at a number of relative value opportunities across our equity and fixed income universe (as illustrated in Exhibit 11). We also highlight their current yield and suggest a few of our preferred ETFs that have exposure to the theme.

Equity factors
  • " Pure Value" (8.9%; RPV, SPVU ETFs): Value strategies using stricter criteria have outperformed the past five years, even amid a hostile macro environment, and value outpaced growth by 11ppt during the bear market this spring (Exhibit 13; see Value is being vindicated).
  • Free cash flow quality (8.5%; VFLO, COWG ETFs): equity strategies focused on free cash flow as a measure of quality have outperformed practically every other investment factor in recent decades, returning 14%/year vs. 5-8% for other familiar factors and indexes  (Exhibit 12; see Quality time,).

  Exhibit 12:  Quality has outperformed even multifactor benchmarks

Time series of outperformance of quality ETFs vs multifactor benchmarks

Exhibit 12: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Global Research, Bloomberg; Quality value = COWZ; Quality growth = COWG; COWZ is compared to Russell 1000 value. COWG is compared to S&P 500 growth. Intended to be an example of two quality indexes with diverse construction compared to a relevant benchmark with similar single factor tilts.

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

  Exhibit 13:  Stocks are still priced for growth

Total index weight of value and growth stocks

Exhibit 13: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, Factset. Note = we screen for top 1000 US stocks by market cap.

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

Equity sectors & industries
  • MLPs (8.6%; TPYP, MLPX):  Over the last five years, MLPs have had the lowest sensitivity to oil and the best risk adjusted returns relative to other parts of the energy value chain (Exhibit 14). Jean Ann Salisbury thinks that gas-linked MLP free cash flows could rise 50% in the next two years (Naturally, gas).
  • Financials (5.6%; XLF, RSPF): Global financials have rallied in 2025 relative to US financials. Regulatory relief for US banks could become a policy priority in the coming months, and higher for longer interest rates are constructive for the sector (Fighting negative impulses).
  • US industrial renaissance (5.6%; AIRR): It's hard to capture a renewed focus on domestic industry through familiar sector funds (Exhibit 15). The AIRR fund invests in areas like manufacturing, infrastructure, natural resources, utilities, and associated suppliers & technology; the universe consists of small and mid-cap industrials but only profitable stocks. AIRR has led the Russell 2000 by 30% since 2020, and large cap industrials by 8% (ETFs for the revival of American industry).

  Exhibit 14:  MLPs have the lowest sensitivity to energy commodities, insulating returns in a soft commodity environment

5Y weekly beta to commodities, average for covered energy ETFs

Exhibit 14: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Global Research, Bloomberg

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

  Exhibit 15:  When US capacity grows, infrastructure names get a lift

US manufacturing capacity, comparison of "Industrial Renaissance" strategy (AIRR) and large cap, growth ETFs

Exhibit 15: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Global Research, Bloomberg.

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

Equity regions:
  • Quality India (5.8%; EPI): India is well-positioned to benefit from complex relations between China and the US (Exhibit 16). Screening Indian equities for profitability and quality earnings has contributed to 6% annual outperformance relative to other India benchmarks since 2020 (ETFs for the rise and rise of India).
  • Emerging market dividend (10.5%; EDIV):  Prioritizing dividend payers in emerging markets can act as an insurance policy when markets renounce risk. An emerging market dividend strategy has outperformed broad emerging markets by 7% since the pandemic, ameliorating drawdowns in 2022, but also participating in the recent rest-of-world equity rally (All the global growth you don't own).

 

  Exhibit 16:  India-US: Goods trade has doubled

In the past decade, India-US total goods trade has doubled in value

Exhibit 16: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Global Research, Ministry of Commerce

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

This relative value screen is offered as a way to find undervalued opportunities in the market today. We still like growth-oriented themes that have appeared in this report in recent months, such as defense tech (SHLD), nuclear power & uranium (URA).

Fixed Income

Credit shines when growth slows. Chris Flanagan sees upside potential for lower-rated fixed income sectors that have been battered by poor sentiment (Good week to fade fear, buy the dip). Note that all of the "Prudent Yield" sectors screen as more attractive than the widely-followed US Bond Aggregate index; we highlight a few of them below.

  • CLOs (5.8%; JAAA): CLOs have achieved some of the best risk-adjusted returns across all asset classes over the past decade. Securitization allows investors to choose the level of risk they want to take (see CLOsing in on the most Prudent Yield). CLO ETF AUM is approaching $30bn, and AAA CLO ETFs withstood their first month of outflows without cracks to fundamentals (Loan Downgrades, CLO Impairments, NAIC Updates & Apr Equity Payments).
  • Fallen Angels (7.0%; ANGL): historically, "fallen angel" corporate bonds have achieved some of the best risk-adjusted returns in the US bond market. Corporate credit exposure performs well in periods of modest economic growth (Credit performance in a volatile world- a scenario analysis).
  • EM debt (6.4%; HYEM, VWOB):  the balance sheets of many emerging market corporate and sovereign bond issuers have improved over the past decade, and tariff-induced selloffs have created an opportunity to own a bond sector that could benefit from a Ukraine peace deal and/or weaker US dollar (Exhibit 17; see Uncertainty is high, but EM debt yields are higher) .
  • High yield munis (6.7%; HYMB, HYD): Macroeconomic resilience, favorable supply/ demand, and recent spread widening creates a tactical opportunity (Constructive on muni credit spreads); high yield munis are even more attractive on a tax-adjusted basis as coupons are tax free on the federal level (Own HY munis for more yield, less default, Exhibit 18).

  Exhibit 17:  EM fiscal positions have improved since 2013

Reserve adequacy as % of GDP

Exhibit 17: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Global Research, IMF, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Reserve adequacy equals central bank foreign exchange reserves minus short-term foreign-currency-denominated debt plus the current account, all as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP). Fragile five = Brazil, India, Indonesia, Türkiye, South Africa.

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

  Exhibit 18:  High yield munis have similar default risk to IG corporates

Muni vs corporate cumulative default rates, by rating (1970 to 2024)

Exhibit 18: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: Moody's Investors Service

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

Commodities

Francisco Blanch notes that trade disputes and an oil price war could drive down energy commodities in the near term (A slow grind oil price war). Many commodity benchmarks have large, static overweight exposure to energy, and in recent decades those static benchmarks have not rewarded investors. However, there are worthwhile stagflation hedges to be found in commodity markets:

  Exhibit 19:  Central banks are buying gold at the fastest pace on record

Net official annual gold purchases and ETF flows vs spot gold price

Exhibit 19: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, LSEG Data & Analytics GFMS, Metals Focus, Bloomberg, WGC

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

  Exhibit 20: Dynamic commodity strategy HGER has outperformed traditional commodities by ~20% in two years

Total returns HGER (dynamic) and DBC (traditional)

Exhibit 20: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, Bloomberg

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

 

     RIC Themes Watch

In this section, we highlight updates to investment themes that have been featured frequently in prior RIC Reports.

Uranium trading volumes tick up, reversal from '24

 BofA Metals and Mining Analysts hosted a conference call to examine nuclear fuel markets from a trading perspective. Following uranium spot drawdowns in 2024, trading volumes are now rising and positive pressure on uranium pricing is growing (see: Highlights from our nuclear fuel markets from a trader's perspective).

BofA Analysts remain bullish on nuclear-exposed equities following 1Q25 earnings:

  • Constellation's management signaled a large future announcement. BofA Utilities analysts believe that it is related to a long-term power purchase agreement related to Constellation's nuclear fleet (see: Deals Coming: Full Steam Ahead).
  • BWX Technologies is well positioned within the nuclear sector and growth is reinforced by the company's exposure to shipbuilding. BWXT has a competitive moat as the only supplier of nuclear power plants for submarines and carriers (see: Commercial and government opportunities clicking along).
Palantir poised for accelerating growth

Palantir posted a strong quarter, with earnings matching consensus estimates while revenue beat. Customer count grew 39% YoY, and the company is optimistic on adoption growth. Palantir is a top holding in defense technology ETFs; our top pick in this sector is SHLD (see: Palantir Technologies: Beat and raise - growth continues to accelerate).

High beta gold miners among top asset classes to 1Q25

Gold has risen 23% to start 2025. Gold miner stocks, known for their high beta to gold prices, are up 37%. In line with BofA Metals and Mining analysts, we have long held the conviction that single stocks offer better exposure than ETFs (see: Gold's glass ceiling & gilded floor).

Two major gold miners, Gold Fields and Gold Roads, are joining forces. Our equity analysts note that Gold Fields' acquisition of Gold Roads could support upside from mine exploration and tax synergies (see: A Gold Road to Gold Fields).

 

  Exhibit 21:   Beta to gold of selected mining stocks versus ETFs

1-year beta to spot gold price

Exhibit 21: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Global Research, Bloomberg

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

Unlocking value in SMID: Own quality, value, and strong margins

As BofA Equity Strategy's regime indicator flirts with downturn, BofA SMID Strategist Jill Hall recommends owning small cap equities with quality value features and strong margins (What to own right now in small caps). We recently added small and mid-cap factor ETFs to our coverage, with top rated funds boasting strong earnings and other quality features. See Sizing up small caps: Initiating on 39 ETFs and Money in the Middle: initiating on 28 midcap ETFs for more.

 

 Dynamic Prudent Yield

For May, the BofA Dynamic Prudent Yield allocation to convertibles returns to 16.6%. Preferreds, Fallen Angels, and HY munis are replaced with cash. Historically, rotations like these have improved risk adjusted returns compared to fixed income benchmarks.

Over the last 12 months, the Prudent Yield strategy returned 6.5%, US Aggregate Bond Index 8.0%, Global Fixed Income Markets Index 9.0%, and iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF 5.6%. Today, Prudent Yield ETFs have an average yield of 5.5%. We highlight returns for the Dynamic Prudent Yield Strategy, relevant benchmarks, and 1-rated ETFs on page 4. We highlight returns for the Dynamic Prudent Yield Strategy, relevant benchmarks in the most recent report: May 2025 Dynamic Prudent Yield Update

For details on the Dynamic Prudent Yield Strategy including the full Appendix see: The RIC Report: A new bond strategy for the end of 60/40. Monthly updates can be received via email immediately after publishing by subscribing to "The ETF Angle".

 Exhibit 22: Dynamic Prudent makes four changes

Historical allocation of backtested Dynamic Prudent Yield Strategy, 2022-2025

Exhibit 22: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA Global Research, Bloomberg, ICE Data Services LLC. Note: weights rounded from 16.7%.  Allocation is hypothetical through July 2023. See linked report above for more details

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 ETF Valuation

May median P/E now in line with historical average

  • The median equity ETF in our coverage fell to 15x, in line with the historical average. Valuations fell to 14x on average in mid-April, then rebounded in May.

 

  • Categories like growth and large-cap market cap weighted ETFs have fallen from record-high valuations (+2sd). Financials is also below this threshold at 1.9x.

 

  • 16/51 subcategories trade at a discount to long term averages, decrease from 18 subcategories in April.

 

  • "Old economy" cyclical multiples continue to rise: materials, industrials, utilities, and financials trade above historical averages.

 

  • Dividend, quality, and value valuations were more resilient than growth factors in April drawdowns.

 

  • All international regions trade cheaper than large cap US market cap weighted indexes.

 

 

  Exhibit 23:  Equity ETF valuations are in line vs history

Median 12-month forward P/E ratio across BofA equity ETF coverage

Exhibit 23: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: BofA ETF Research, Factset. Note: Median calculated using12m fwd P/E ratios for all equity ETFs in our coverage.

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

Exhibit 24: Equity ETF valuations by category

ETF valuation ratios and composite score (lower is better)

Note: ETFs are quantitatively ranked using a relative scoring methodology. Please review fund rating and ETF reports for full investment rationales.

For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

       

 Sub-category

Composite Valuation (stdev)

12m fwd P/E

12m fwd P/B

12m fwd EV/EBITDA

12m fwd P/FCF

 

Top-rated fund

Bottom-rated fund

Link

US Equity Sector

Communication Services

-0.21

17.92

2.72

9.44

17.21

 

XLC

IYZ

Getting so defensive

Energy

0.04

14.29

1.81

6.55

13.45

 

XLE

PXI

 Naturally, gas

Real Estate

0.14

16.57

2.48

17.91

na

 

XLRE

SCHH

 Getting so defensive

Health Care

0.66

18.04

3.98

13.95

17.94

 

XLV

PTH

Getting so defensive

Consumer Staples

0.85

19.73

4.73

12.83

23.44

 

IYK

RSPS

Getting so defensive

Consumer Discretionary

0.89

23.24

6.46

13.46

26.30

 

VCR

IYC

ETFs for the cyclical extremes

Materials

0.92

18.68

2.37

10.07

24.02

 

FXZ

IYM

ETFs for the cyclical extremes

Utilities

1.01

17.87

2.08

11.57

n.a.

 

XLU

RSPU

Getting so defensive

Information Technology

1.19

24.10

6.63

16.44

26.89

 

XLK

QTEC

ETFs for the cyclical extremes

Industrials

1.52

21.53

5.09

14.05

23.38

 

XLI

FXR

ETFs for the cyclical extremes

Financials

1.96

15.45

2.01

na

na

 

XLF

FXO

ETFs for the cyclical extremes

Single Factor

International Dividend

-0.28

11.08

1.44

7.17

15.01

 

VYMI

PID

Going global: markets to rent & markets to own

Buybacks

-0.20

13.17

2.24

9.13

14.60

 

DIVB

IPKW

Banking on buybacks

Dividend

0.60

16.08

3.25

11.58

20.29

 

SCHD

LVHD

A deep dive on dividend funds

Value

1.19

15.59

2.56

10.79

19.56

 

MOAT

SPYV

Value is being vindicated

Quality

1.40

19.67

5.66

13.71

21.92

 

VFLO

QUS

One factor to rule them all

Growth

1.42

26.23

8.30

17.65

30.39

 

SCHG

IVW

Growth for contrarians

Mutli Factor

Small Cap Value

-0.49

12.52

1.02

7.06

15.61

 

SVAL

RZV

Sizing up small caps

Small Cap Growth

0.00

27.82

3.01

12.30

22.46

 

VIOG

RZG

Sizing up small caps

Mid Cap Value

0.37

13.60

1.88

9.70

17.68

 

IMCV

RFV

Money in the Middle

Mid Cap Growth

0.61

24.00

5.54

15.24

25.05

 

IMCG

RFG

Money in the Middle

US Size

Small Cap Equity

-0.23

17.62

1.74

9.91

19.63

 

JSML

IWC

Sizing up small caps

Mid Cap

0.12

16.32

2.35

10.89

19.35

 

FLQM

IJH

Money in the Middle

Large Cap Non Market Cap

0.74

17.27

3.33

12.15

21.17

 

FNDX

LRGF

The Sweet Middle

Large Cap Market Cap

1.51

20.85

4.48

14.14

25.48

 

IVV

OEF

The Sweet Middle

Thematic

Clean Energy

-0.26

15.41

1.40

9.16

na

 

ICLN

PBW

Valuations up, catalysts down: Neutral clean energy

Artificial Intelligence

-0.04

24.81

3.50

14.57

30.11

 

AIQ

DTEC

Some AI ETFs are smarter than others

Water

0.51

20.37

3.43

13.35

na

 

FIW

PIO

A cheap call on scarcity: just add water

ESG Broad

0.63

17.71

3.26

12.36

23.21

 

VOTE

ESGE

ESG ETFs get a better model and a VOTE

Int'l Equity

Latin America

-0.82

9.23

1.45

5.10

12.53

 

EWW

ECH

All the global growth you don't own

China

-0.12

10.83

1.25

9.62

16.53

 

KBA

EWH

Going global: markets to rent & markets to own

Japan

0.09

13.27

1.29

9.63

22.04

 

DXJ

JPXN

Going global: markets to rent & markets to own

Emerging Markets

0.34

12.41

1.62

8.44

18.89

 

EMGF

DBEM

Going global: markets to rent & markets to own

Developed Markets ex-US

0.35

13.74

1.63

8.91

19.70

 

HEFA

RODM

All the global growth you don't own

Global ex-US

0.40

13.34

1.64

8.82

19.62

 

VEU

ACWX

All the global growth you don't own

Canada

0.68

15.40

1.98

10.21

24.05

 

FLCA

EWC

Going global: markets to rent & markets to own

Europe

0.71

13.98

1.86

9.10

19.38

 

FEZ

FDD

Going global: markets to rent & markets to own

EM ex China

0.71

12.59

1.75

7.59

19.67

 

EMXC

 

Going global: markets to rent & markets to own

India

1.20

21.80

3.25

13.92

33.76

 

EPI

INDY

The rise and rise of India

Industry

Oil & Gas Equipment & Services

-0.56

12.19

1.07

5.08

9.80

 

OIH

XES

Naturally, gas

Oil & Gas Exploration & Production

-0.52

11.22

1.07

4.34

9.53

 

IEO

PXE

Naturally, gas

Biotechnology

-0.50

28.81

3.00

16.83

20.67

 

BBH

PBE

Identifying value in US industry ETFs

Pharmaceuticals

-0.45

12.66

2.68

9.99

12.50

 

PPH

PJP

Identifying value in US industry ETFs

Homebuilders

-0.05

12.11

1.93

8.82

15.43

 

ITB

XHB

Identifying value in US industry ETFs

Retail

-0.04

16.45

3.37

8.77

17.39

 

XRT

PEJ

Identifying value in US industry ETFs

Gold Miners

-0.02

12.71

2.13

6.34

16.63

 

RING

GDXJ

Identifying value in US industry ETFs

Banks

0.00

11.25

1.29

na

na

 

KBE

IAT

Identifying value in US industry ETFs

Metals & Mining

0.12

20.89

1.32

7.75

31.66

 

XME

REMX

Identifying value in US industry ETFs

MLP

0.27

13.18

2.60

9.37

16.13

 

TPYP

AMLP

Naturally, gas

Software & Services

0.56

30.45

6.49

19.91

28.65

 

IGV

IGPT

Identifying value in US industry ETFs

Health Care Equipment & Services

0.66

26.60

4.08

18.09

28.04

 

IHI

XHE

Identifying value in US industry ETFs

Semiconductor

0.72

20.66

4.18

13.67

28.26

 

SMH

XSD

Identifying value in US industry ETFs

Nuclear

0.84

33.05

1.87

14.47

na

 

URA

 

The world is realizing the nuclear necessity

Insurance

1.34

12.11

1.59

na

na

 

KIE

KBWP

Identifying value in US industry ETFs

Aerospace & Defense

1.88

29.85

5.21

17.46

33.40

 

SHLD

XAR

The new era of defense tech

Source: BofA ETF Research, Factset. Note: All valuation metrics are based on next twelve month (NTM) I/B/E/S estimates. "Composite Valuation" is the market-cap weighted average standard deviation of each fund's P/E, P/B, EV/EBITDA, and P/FCF ratios. A higher number indicates that funds are more expensive relative to history.

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

  Macro & Econ Highlights

China eases in attempt to assuage tariff shocks

The Chinese government is implementing growth-supportive policies in the face of potential tariff shocks. These measures include moderate monetary easing, support for small business and consumption, capital market stabilization, and property support. While plentiful, these measures are not a major stimulus overhaul. Rather, the policies are designed to preemptively bolster the economy as tariff impacts arise (see: Preemptive measures against tariffs and coming macro data).

BofA China economist Xiaoqing Pi expects industrial production and export growth to moderate in April. At the same time, China is contending with the potential for 0% CPI inflation, and PPI deflation (see: April preview: tariff shock starts to kick in). BofA China economist Helen Qiao also notes that China's domestic demand is likely to remain subdued. But proposed policies could potentially stimulate demand and help avoid a deflationary environment (see: Dispatch from DC: Dealing with uncertainty).

67% of A-share companies cut 2025 earnings. China Equity Strategist Winnie Wu remains cautious in the near-term given geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Long term, the team is bullish on Chinese equities. Taking a more granular look into 1Q25 earnings, Private-Owned Enterprises (POEs) had stronger earnings growth than State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Non-financials broadly continue to post record-low return on equity, staying at 5.9% last quarter (see: Better earnings on non-financials and POEs in 1Q25; 2024 dividend up >5% YoY).

 

Exhibit 25: Non-financials' capex growth: SOEs vs POEs

In 1Q25, capex growth dropped -3.4% YoY. Both SOEs (-1.8% YoY) and POEs' (-6% YoY) recorded negative capex growth

Exhibit 25: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: Wind

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

150 facts for a changing world

BofA Thematic Research Analyst Haim Israel recently compiled 150 must-know facts for a changing world. In his view, positive changes often come in tandem with negative ones. For example, humans have been able to develop highly advanced quantum chips that that reduce computing time by almost 100%. But the amount of accumulated plastic on Earth currently surpasses the weight of all animals combines. We highlight 5 standout facts from the report (see Thematic Investing: Did you know? for more):

  1. In February 2025, an artificial sun was created: WEST, a nuclear fusion experiment in France created stable plasma which was 3x hotter and denser than the sun…and it was stable for 22 minutes;
  2. Today we use approx. 110 million barrels of oil a day to power our planet. If the world were powered entirely by nuclear fusion energy, we would only need 6 liters of water;
  3. In Taiwan, there are now more domestic pets in households than children under the age of 14;
  4. Two-thirds of the world's population, around 5bn people- face severe water scarcity for at least 1 month every year…and the US loses 18% of all its freshwater supply due to aging water infrastructure and leaky pipes;
  5. Sophia was the world's first AI humanoid robot to get a passport and citizenship.

 

Disruption weakens USD today, strengthens it tomorrow.

US equity and Treasury markets have recovered, but the dollar is finding its footing below recent levels. BofA G10 FX Strategist Alex Cohen points to structural factors weighing on USD recovery, including de-globalization and stagflation risks ( Sentiment is sour, but structural reasons to expect USD weakness to continue). Similarly, BofA Rates Strategist Mark Cabana attributes rising debt sustainability concerns to a structurally weaker dollar. De-dollarization also remains a relevant trend as investors shift from large overweights in US asset positions to marketweight exposures.

In Cohen's view, the USD's position remains secure for now. He notes that it may take years or decades to tell if the USD's status as a "safe haven" currency has truly eroded. While the dollar's reserve share has been declining for some time, gold assets have been the beneficiary as opposed to other G10 currencies like JPY and CHF (Bent but not broken: FAQ on the USD's "safe haven" status).

Taking a more bullish stature, Paul Ciana identifies signals for a seasonal bounce in the USD, with support into the summer (FX Technical Advantage: The USD's bounce back 08 May 2025).

Looking beyond market forces, technological developments in stablecoins could also provide bullish catalysts for the US dollar. As a link between digital currency and fiat currency, USD-linked stablecoins are backed by low risk and liquid reserves like US Treasuries and money market instruments. Stablecoin regulation could force existing stable coin reserves into USD denominated assets (e.g. US Treasuries) and/or increase consumer demand for stablecoin products with USD denominated reserves.

Disruption to the traditional banking system, where stablecoins are more integrated into payments, could turn less-liquid assets like US Treasuries into "spendable assets", thereby increasing demand for US assets linked to the US dollar (Stablecoins & USTs: demand & disruption).

 

 

Exhibit 26: USD correlation to "risk" becoming less negative, while EUR, CAD have declined notably

Currency correlation to changes in the S&P: Current and 20y average

Exhibit 26: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: Bloomberg; BofA Global Research

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

From trade war to price war: OPEC adds 411k b/d

Cyclical energy sectors and commodity prices were among the worst causalities of "Liberation Day." Natural gas liquids have high exposure to China, with half of US exports going to the region. A shock to exports for NGL are particularly harmful: NGL is hard to store, potentially leading to bottlenecks that could negatively impact other energy commodities like crude oil (Victims of the trade war).

In conjunction with trade war impacts, OPEC+ has accelerated its oil production and supply to the market. This increase in output may lead other suppliers to pull back, but still results in net growing supply of oil (A slow grind oil price war). Motivations to increase supply, even as oil prices fall, include gaining market share and helping limit inflation impact from tariffs in the US economy. BofA's global commodity research team expects a long oil price war, with the potential for Brent prices to drop below $60/bbl.

In equities, BofA oil and gas analyst Jean Ann Salisbury expects a 5-6% hit to EBITDA for NGL integrateds in her coverage (What happens if China stops taking US ethane?). Paul Ciana notes that oil ETFs are showing signals of a top, with potential weakness going forward, however breadths and rotation in US equities could be supportive (Oil's slide favors XLE and XOM top).

 

 Equity Highlights

Industrials brush off tariffs so far

 In the second week of earnings, BofA industrials analyst Andrew Obin finds that companies in his coverage have yet to be materially impacted by tariffs. The median organic growth in his coverage is +1.5%, above expectations of +1%. Just 3 of 21 reporting companies have missed on earnings so far, which Andrew views positively despite some growth deceleration from last quarter. Management commentary suggests that Obin's coverage should be able to offset tariff price impacts with pricing, increasing productivity, cost containment, and negotiating with suppliers (see: 1Q25 Earnings Week 2: solid results, still seeing little or no tariff impact).

Honeywell beat on earnings and raised guidance in 1Q25, signs of stabilizing earnings after a period of negative earnings revisions. Obin raised his rating on HON to Buy from Neutral, citing attractive valuation and defensive characteristics relative to peers (see: Upgrade to Buy: returning to positive earnings revisions).

Exhibit 27: Tariff as a % of revenues

We look at announced tariff impact for those who have reported in 1Q so far

Exhibit 27: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: Company files, BofA Global Research

*Represents BofA estimates

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

AppLovin is defensive, discounted, and dynamic

BofA US internet analyst Omar Dessouky reiterates his Buy rating on AppLovin. AppLovin started the year with volatile swings, but prices are at December 2024 levels. Dessouky sees upside risk to APP for three reasons. First, the name is defensively positioned in the event of a consumer spending slowdown. APP could be a beneficiary in a recession as mobile advertisers consolidate the number of intermediaries they use, which would result in market share gain for APP (see: March Mobile AdTech: platform scale & perf. drive resilience in potential recession). Second, APP trades as discounted valuations, even when considering broad equity market multiple compression in April. Third, catalysts are not fully appreciated by the market. New platforms and global growth potential are absent from estimates despite strong commentary around these initiatives (see: Catalyst rich CY25 amid discounted valuation offers excellent setup). Overall, Dessouky is raising his estimates on APP and has an above consensus call.

 

Alphabet's AI gameplan: defense today, offense tomorrow

Alphabet and Apple are roiled in an antitrust trial that could determine the future of their Google search partnership (see: Apple commentary reflects changing search landscape; queries are still growing). Commentary from the trial suggests that Apple management sees AI as a growing challenger to search, putting both Apple and Alphabet in the crosshairs of a nascent but growing AI-search industry. These comments caused Alphabet to fall 8%, underperforming the S&P.

BofA Internet Analysts think Alphabet is oversold, suggesting a tactical opportunity. First, Alphabet has seen search growth outside of Apple's Safari browser. Second, Alphabet launched AI Max, the first step in maintaining a competitive advantage over new AI-entrants (see: Search advertising gets another AI infusion with AI Max). Third, testimony from Apple management suggests that their partnership with Alphabet has not blocked competition. Potentially overcoming the antitrust overhang would be beneficial to both Apple and Alphabet, particularly as Google could remain the default search engine, and Apple could protect a main source of services revenues (see: Thoughts around Apple's comments in the DOJ antitrust trial against Alphabet).

Regs & rates support US banks; investors own Europe

Tariffs and recession risk have weighed on US banks, in contrast to Europe where planned industrial and defense spending could bolster cyclical growth. Feedback from European investors affirms consensus preference for European banks, even without a major deterioration of hard data in the US (See: Earnings & beyond: Peak chaos?).

While investors wait for evidence of a US policy-pivot or diminished calls for a recession, two tailwinds for US banks stand out: deregulation and rates. BofA Economists are calling for no rate cuts in 2025, suggesting limited risk to rapidly falling yields, supportive of net investment income. Further, management teams are expressing confidence of regulatory relief in the coming months.

While bank stocks may be range bound in the coming months, BofA banks analyst Ebrahim Poonawala recommends owning "best-of-breed" large cap banks that would benefit the most from a constructive rates and policy backdrop. See Fighting negative impulses for top picks.

 

Exhibit 28: US/UK yields higher across the curve than EU peers

US/Europe bond yields; 3M-30Y tenors at 5/1/2025

Exhibit 28: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: Bloomberg

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

Exhibit 29: US/UK yields historically higher than EU peers since GFC

Historical US/Europe 10yr government bond yield

Exhibit 29: For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Source: Bloomberg

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

 

BofA Global Research house view

 Exhibit 30: BofA Global Research House View

Near-term outlook of our BofA macro & market strategists across key regions and asset classes

For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

Core view

(3-6 months)

Rationale

Investment Strategy

 

Bearish

 

 

 

 

Our playbook: DeepSeek + DOGE + "Liberation Day" = new secular bear market in US$ + end of US equity market leadership…long BIG (Bonds, International Stocks, Gold); end of US big government & hedge against recession…long US Treasuries; "peak US exceptionalism" & Europe/Asia policy panic…long RoW > US stocks; inflation surprises to upside…long gold.

Economics

 

Bearish

 

 

 

 

Republicans in Congress are currently working on a fiscal bill that will likely be used to offset some of the drag from tariffs. It includes new tax cuts of $1.5tn that we expect to be front-loaded and partially deficit-financed given resistance to large spending cuts to welfare programs. We expect the bill to be passed in 3Q and to provide a positive impulse to growth, particularly in investment. However, while it may be good for growth in the near-term, we expect the bill to put the US on a more unsustainable fiscal path resulting in more significant crowding out effects over time.

Rates & FX

 

Neutral

 

 

 

The rates market is pricing increased stagflation risks & building expectations for future Fed rate cuts. The rates market prices 90bps of rate cuts in '25 & nearly 125bps through '26. The market believes the Fed will overweight downside risks to growth vs upside risks to inflation in justifying a relatively brisk path of rate cuts especially in 2H '25 & 1H '26. The cutting cycle trough is near 3.1%. We have long thought a trough of 3% is "not controversial" given the Fed LR median & could extend <3% if recession. The tariff news & Fed cutting risks pose downside risks to our recently revised US rate forecasts.

 

Region

 

 

Rationale

Equities

 

Neutral

 

North America

 

Bullish

Savita Subramanian targets 5600 on the S&P 500 by YE25 but sees a wide range of possible outcomes from here (4000-7000). Two important risks have emerged: US sovereign stability and global stagflation. Sovereign risk manifested in a recent weaker USD, but T-Bonds may be next - US Debt to GDP argues for higher yields today. If stagflation is the enemy, companies helped by inflation with less global exposure, stable EPS/dividends are more attractive as evidenced by value equities outperforming bonds during that period. Our favorite size and style box remains large cap Value, and we maintain our preference for the equal-weighted S&P 500 over the cap-weighted benchmark. If we do see a recession, EPS typically falls by 20% peak-to-trough, but just 12% during stagflationary recessions. However, don't underestimate corporate creativity - S&P 500 companies have a variety of options available to manage margin risk (e.g., automation efforts already underway, sourcing shifts, capacity expansion in the US).

Eurozone

 

Bearish

Sebastian Raedler expects slowing global growth momentum to lead to further EPS downgrades in Europe and a renewed rise in risk premia, with the resulting drag on equities only partly offset by falling real bond yields (i.e. lower discount rate for equities) on the back of more dovish central banks. As a consequence, he retains his negative stance on European equities, with his macro projections implying around 15% renewed downside for the Stoxx 600 to 460 by Q3, before a recovery to 500 by year-end.

UK

 

Bearish

Sebastian Raedler is marketweight the UK relative to European equities, given limited further downside implied by European energy's relative performance, the performance of cyclicals versus defensives and moves in the GBP. His projection for the UK's price relative together with his European market expectations imply 13% renewed downside for the FTSE 100 to 7,425 by Q3, before a recovery to 8,050 by year-end.

Japan

 

Bullish

Masashi Akutsu maintains "cautiously bullish" stance on Japan equities. He believes Japan equities could slow post their V-shaped recovery, but positive catalysts are emerging on both the macro and micro fronts. Especially, he believes corporate reforms, that are gathering pace despite external headwinds, are both inevitable and structural. He highlights selected domestic-demand sectors and quality cyclical stocks.

Fixed Income

 

Neutral

 

Government

 

Neutral

An uptick in inflation may also bring better flows to the market and help to richen belly TIPS. 2021 saw strong inflation fund inflows in addition to a Fed that was buying a disproportionate amount of TIPS vs nominal supply. Together these flows helped richen cash TIPS relative to inflation swaps. We see a decent trend between pace of inflation flows and the 5y basis (Exhibit 6, front-end and belly of is where the WAM of many of these TIPS funds are concentrated). Pace of inflation fund flows tend to mirror realized inflation (Exhibit 7); if inflation does pick up meaningfully these fund flows could too.

Investment Grade

 

Neutral

We are constructive on spreads given that we avoid a recession in the base case, the direct impact of tariffs on IG is small, stagflation means not much impact on nominal US GDP growth. Supply volumes should be elevated due to heavy maturities in April through June and same backlog from April. On the flip side, less M&A and more conservative balance sheet management should subtract from supply. IG credit quality continues to improve based on ratings. We expect IG spreads to trade in 90 - 130ps range for the remainder of 2025.

High Yield

 

Neutral

As if April was just a bad dream. After making a ~200bps round trip, HY and Loan spreads are nearly back to their pre-"Liberation Day" levels. That said, while spreads are unchanged, underlying dispersion has jumped to 78% from 72% pre-tariffs. The same trends hold down to the sector and rating levels- with nearly half the sectors at or above ~80%. Primary market has also not reverted back to complete health, with no low quality issuer access, and abysmal deal flow in HY and Loan markets. Finally, the Q1 earnings season, along with the forward guidance, is also not doing much to ward off concerns. We consider today's grinding spreads a result of low supply rather than expanding demand, and leave our spread targets unchanged - 420bps for HY and 520bps for loans with +/- 50bps range around it.

EM debt

 

Neutral

EM Corporates: Our sentiment is cautions, but we see three underlying factors to support EM corporates amidst rising global volatility and trade risk. The case is: 1) strong credit fundamentals, 2) rating upgrade momentum and 3) existing export infrastructure. Sov: We stay positive on EM as we continue to think that global tariffs are USD negative. LatAm and EMEA should benefit more, as Asian countries are especially targeted by the tariffs.

Securitized Products

 

Neutral

Worst case scenario on tariffs arrives; prepare for recession, hope for just a growth slowdown. Head of US Mortgage and Structured Finance Research Chris Flanagan turns underweight SP credit and neutral agency MBS

Commodities

 

Bullish

 

Energy

 

Neutral

For the second consecutive month, OPEC+ has accelerated the return of oil production to market, delivering another 411 thousand b/d increase for the month of June. Since some members are already producing oil above quotas and some members may struggle to increase it from here, this means net output may increase by about 170 thousand b/d from the current levels, much lower than the headline number. Still, the oil market is poised to remain oversupplied and we believe Brent may average $62/bbl for the balance of the year compared to $80 last year. And of course, macro tensions also mean that oil prices could temporarily sink to $50/bbl as trade war and price war collide.

Industrial Metals

 

Bullish

Michael Widmer notes that metal markets have remained tight despite the global macro weakness, as green energy investment has paced ahead especially in China. Going forward, we expect that 1) continued investment in green technologies, 2) steady growth in China, and 3) ongoing supply issues push especially copper and aluminum higher in 2H. We see copper and aluminium at $10,188/t and $2,875/t by 2026. Indeed, while Widmer reduces near-term base metals forecasts, we stand ready to take a more constructive view when macro becomes less volatile.

Precious Metals

 

Bullish

The recent gold rally was driven by trade policy uncertainty, which has now peaked, so gold will likely struggle to keep pushing higher near-tern. That said, the lack of fiscal consolidation in the US should bring new buyers into the market in 2H25 and if the lack of budget discipline persists, we see gold rallying to $4,000/oz then.

Cash

 

Bullish

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 31: BofA Year-end 2025 Forecasts vs. Consensus

BofA year-end forecasts, consensus year-end 2025 forecasts for GDP, CPI, rates, and global markets

For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FX and Rates

FX

Latest Value

BofA

Consensus

High/Low

Rates

Latest Value

BofA

Consensus

High/Low

EUR-USD

1.13

1.17

1.05

1.13
0.98

US 10-year

4.38

4.50

4.34

4.93
2.65

USD-JPY

145

155

148

161
129

Germany 10-year

2.56

2.50

2.32

2.84
0.82

EUR-JPY

164

181

157

172
136

Japan 10-year

1.37

1.50

1.38

1.49
0.19

GBP-USD

1.33

1.43

1.26

1.34
1.12

UK 10-year

4.57

4.45

4.1

4.68
1.86

USD-CNY

7.24

7.30

7.43

7.32
6.67

 

 

 

 

 

Equities and Commodities

Equities

Latest Value

BofA

Consensus

High/Low

Commodities

Latest Value

BofA

Consensus

High/Low

S&P 500

5,660

5,600

6,570

6041
3586

WTI Crude - $/bbl

61

65

70

115
58

2025 EPS

237

275

231

276
224

Brent Crude - $/bbl

64

69

73

123
63

Stoxx 600

538

500

601

557
388

Gold $/oz

3,325

3,300

2,700

3289
1634

FTSE 100

8,555

8,050

9,729

8810
6894

 

 

 

 

 

Nikkei 225

37,503

43,500

45,192

40369
25937

 

 

 

 

 

GDP and CPI Inflation

GDP growth

Latest Value

BofA

Consensus

High/Low

CPI inflation

Latest Value

BofA

Consensus

High/Low

US

2.3

1.5

2.2

4.4
-0.3

US

2.9

2.9

2.6

9.1
2.4

Euro area

0.9

0.8

1.0

4.1
0.0

Euro area

2.5

1.7

2.1

10.6
1.7

Japan

0.5

0.2

1.2

2.3
-0.7

Japan

3.4

2.5

2.2

4.4
1.8

UK

0.0

1.1

1.2

0.9
-0.2

UK

2.5

2.9

2.6

11.1
1.7

China

5.4

4.0

4.5

6.5
0.8

China

0.5

-0.5

0.8

2.8
-0.8

Source: BofA Global Research, Bloomberg, Datastream; FX, rates, equities and commodities data as of 5/10/2025; GDP data of 3/31/2024. CPI data for CPI through 4/30/2025; Equity consensus price and EPS forecasts as of 5/8/2025.

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

    BofA US equity sector views

Exhibit 32: BofA US Equity Strategy sector views

Bull & bear case by sector

For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

 Sector

Weight in S&P 500

BofA View

Bull case

Bear case

Energy

3.20%

O/W (from M/W

Commodity cycles end w/ oversupply; not likely if CEO pay is on ESG /div targets, not production.

Softening global demand for oil / non-OPEC supply recovery

Inflation-protected yield; war pushes energy security ahead of decarbonization

Limited upside based on house oil forecasts (Brent to average $80/bbl in 2024, $75 in 2025)

Re-rating on capital and supply discipline, IRA beneficiary

Lowest Quality sector based on S&P rankings

Long-only & hedge fund positioning low vs. history

High GHG direct emissions profile + secular headwinds from renewables, green capex

 

Ceasefires, peace breaks out

Financials

14.50%

O/W

High quality and low leverage; Mispriced risk: Lower EPS vol than S&P 500 but high price beta

 

Higher rates vs. prior cycle, YC steepening; capital markets recovery

Commercial Real Estate (majority of CRE growth over the past decade has been driven by small banks)

Shift from large cap bank lending to private lending since GFC - trend could reverse if private lending wanes in a higher rate backdrop and large banks are the only lender left to pick up slack

Risk if economy weakens more than expected

Sector has grown more labor-intensive post-GFC; AI can help drive margin/multiple expansion

 

Real Estate

2.20%

O/W

Dividend yield (benefits from retiree money shifting from short duration assets to equity income)

Commercial Real Estate risk (but Office is a negligible weight in S&P 500 Real Estate)

Real asset, but also a bond proxy; Inexpensive and unloved by long-only funds and hedge funds

Biggest exposure to refinancing risk, most negative real rate beta

Higher quality sector vs. last decade; cheap (big de-rating since Fed hiking cycle began)

 

Utilities

2.50%

O/W

Stable fundamentals / defensive hedge; AI beneficiary

Positioning risk: elevated long-only and hedge fund positioning relative to history

Similar long-term annualized returns vs. Nasdaq (since 1980)

Renewables / green themes were born during ZIRP, not in a higher rate world

IRA / energy transition beneficiary

Dividend yield vs. 10-yr yield below post-GFC avg.

Lower rates beneficiary: Wall of retiree money in short duration funds may shift to equity income

Has lagged in both Recovery/Downturn regimes

Consumer Discretionary

10.40%

O/W

Fed easing beneficiary

Risk if job losses become more broad-based

Consumer resilience: real wage growth is positive, balance sheets are still healthy, majority of US homeowners locked in low-rate mortgages, layoff announcements are off peak, Baby Boomers have benefitted from higher rates and are transferring wealth

Risk if job losses become more broad-based; tariff risks, tighter immigration risks. Ranks poorly in tactical quant framework.

Housing benefits from structural shortages

Rising card delinquencies, low-income weakness (but bottom 2 income quintiles = just 1/5 of total spend)

Expect EPS upside vs consensus

Concentration risk - AMZN + TSLA represent 50% of the sector

 

Expensive (but below average ex. TSLA/AMZN)

Materials

2.00%

O/W

Underinvestment in manufacturing, single family, mining over last decade drives higher returns

Tariff risk, most at risk from a stronger USD

Most exposed to China (along with Tech)

Capex cycle; rising copper prices (house view: $9,514/t in 2024E, 10,750/t in 2025E)

Growth slowdown

Potential recovery in manufacturing (exposed to housing/autos/etc.)

China exposed if trade frictions

Industrials

8.70%

M/W

Capex, automation, green solutions and re-shoring beneficiary

Near peak positioning risk by long-only

"Picks and shovels" spend boosted by fiscal stimulus, a decade of underinvestment in US infrastructure; easing rate pressure & de-stocking cycle coming to an end

PMIs still weak; capex could face pressure if economy slows significantly

Half cyclical, half Quality

Rising earnings volatility amid de-globalization / less diversified end markets

 

BofA Industrial Momentum indicator weakening

Communication Services

9.40%

M/W

Cheap vs. history

Positioning risk rising for long-only, high expectations (long-term growth forecasts)

Big buybacks and dividend initiations shortened duration risk

Regulatory / anti-monopolistic overhang / overinvestment in AI

Technology

30.90%

U/W

Secular themes (AI, cloud, telecommuting, robotics, etc.) & re-shoring capex

Expensive, concentration risk / Earnings broadening beyond Tech

Clean balance sheets, strong margins

Peak globalization (most multinational sector)

AI arms race benefits Semis & Hardware

Regulatory / anti-monopolistic overhang

Positioning risks subsided

 

Health Care

10.10%

U/W

Defensive sector offering secular growth

Positioning: overweight by both long-only and hedge funds

Baby boomer spend beneficiary

Government sales exposure ahead of fiscal austerity

Relative valuations are cheap vs. history

Election year - drug price regulations likely to hit headlines; Risk to pharma/biotech under RFK Jr. potential government.

GLP-1

Fundamentals getting riskier - uptick in earnings volatility + increase in leverage post-GFC

Consumer Staples

6.00%

U/W

No matter what, we still have to eat - defensive hedge

Lower quality vs. history; disinflation = lower pricing power

Benefits from consumers trading down

Hit harder by regressive tax of oil / gas given low price point retailers; GLP-1 = thematic overhang

Cheap on most measures

Weak guidance

Source: Note: O/W = overweight, M/W = market weight, U/W = underweight. Weights in S&P 500 as of 4/1/2025 and may not add to 100% due to rounding. Source: BofA US Equity & Quant Strategy

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

   Global cross-asset returns

 April 2025 Review

  • Global equity markets gained 1.2% on average in April and are up 4.5% on average year-to-date. In a reversal from last month, the Hang Seng gave up the most group (-3.7%). Topix was the leading regional index this month (+5.4%), and the Nasdaq was the only US index to end in the black (+0.9%).
  • Large caps were the best performing size factor in April (-0.6%), outperforming small caps by 1.7%. Growth outperformed value by 4.7%. Mid cap growth was the best performing factor this month, up 3.4%.
  • Tech (+1.6%) and staples (+1.2%) were top sectors in April. Energy fell 13.6%, erasing gain from March. Overall, cyclicals outperformed defensive sectors by 0.4% on average.
  • Fixed income sectors continued to have mixed performance in April. Munis, corporates, and preferreds underperformed short and intermediate duration US Treasuries. The 30-year US Treasury was the worst performing asset, down 1.3%.
  • Gold outperformed the broad commodities index by nearly 13% in April.

Exhibit 33: Equity Indexes

Total return (%)

For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

 

As of 30 April 2025

Asset class

1mo

3mo

12mo

YTD

3yr2

5yr2

10yr2

Equity Indices (%, US dollar terms)

 

 

 

 

 

 

S&P 500

-0.7

-7.5

12.1

-4.9

12.2

15.6

12.3

Dow Jones Industrial Avg.

-3.1

-8.3

9.5

-3.9

9.4

13.0

11.0

NASDAQ Comp

0.9

-11.0

12.2

-9.5

13.2

15.3

14.5

MSCI All Country World

1.0

-3.5

12.3

-0.3

10.8

13.6

9.2

FTSE 100

2.7

6.4

15.5

12.4

10.2

12.9

4.5

DJ Euro Stoxx 50

3.8

7.1

14.0

16.6

16.4

15.5

6.4

MSCI EAFE

4.7

6.4

13.1

12.0

10.6

11.9

6.0

TOPIX

5.4

4.9

10.0

6.7

11.6

9.0

5.9

Hang Seng

-3.7

10.6

31.9

11.6

6.3

1.5

1.2

MSCI Emerging Markets

1.3

2.5

9.6

4.4

4.3

6.8

3.5

Size & Style (%, US dollar terms) 

 

 

 

 

 

Russell 1000

-0.6

-8.0

11.9

-5.1

11.9

15.4

12.0

Russell 1000 Growth

1.8

-10.2

14.5

-8.4

15.6

17.2

15.3

Russell 1000 Value

-3.0

-5.4

8.6

-1.0

7.6

13.0

8.4

Russell Midcap

-1.0

-8.3

7.3

-4.4

7.1

13.0

8.8

Russell Midcap Growth

3.4

-9.8

13.7

-4.0

11.7

12.3

10.6

Russell Midcap Value

-2.5

-7.8

5.2

-4.5

5.0

13.2

7.5

Russell 2000

-2.3

-13.8

0.9

-11.6

3.3

9.9

6.3

Russell 2000 Growth

-0.6

-14.4

2.4

-11.7

5.1

7.6

6.4

Russell 2000 Value

-4.0

-13.2

-0.7

-11.4

1.4

11.7

5.9

S&P 500 Sectors (%, US dollar terms)

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Discretionary

-0.3

-17.7

11.3

-14.1

8.2

11.3

11.4

Consumer Staples

1.2

4.4

14.8

6.5

6.4

11.5

9.1

Energy

-13.6

-6.8

-10.8

-4.8

6.3

21.3

4.0

Financials

-2.1

-4.9

22.8

1.4

14.4

18.8

11.8

Health Care

-3.7

-3.9

1.9

2.6

4.3

8.9

8.9

Industrials

0.2

-4.8

9.8

0.0

13.3

17.3

10.8

Information Technology

1.6

-8.6

13.8

-11.2

19.1

21.6

20.6

Materials

-2.2

-4.7

-3.3

0.6

1.8

12.4

7.5

Real Estate

-1.2

0.5

18.3

2.3

-0.4

7.6

7.0

Communication Services

0.7

-13.4

16.8

-5.5

18.6

14.6

9.8

Utilities

0.1

2.0

22.0

5.0

6.8

10.1

9.6

Source: BofA Global Research, S&P, MSCI, Bloomberg. Notes: * Performance is gross of foreign dividend withholding taxes, 23yr, 5yr, and 10yr returns are annualized.

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

Exhibit 34: Bond/currency/commodity/hedge fund indexes

Total return (%)

For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

 

As of 30 April 2025

Asset class

1mo

3mo

12mo

YTD

3yr2

5yr2

10yr2

BofA Global Research Bond Indices (%, US dollar terms)

 

 

 

2-Year Treasury

0.8

2.0

6.4

2.4

2.8

1.0

1.3

5-Year Treasury

1.4

3.7

8.4

4.3

2.1

-0.7

1.1

10-Year Treasury

0.8

4.1

8.4

4.8

-0.1

-3.5

0.4

30-Year Treasury

-1.3

2.7

5.5

3.0

-7.2

-10.9

-1.5

US Broad Market Index

0.4

2.6

8.0

3.2

1.9

-0.7

1.6

TIPS

0.0

2.9

8.0

4.2

0.5

1.6

2.4

Municipals*

-0.6

-1.3

1.9

-1.1

2.2

1.3

2.2

US Corporate Bonds

0.0

1.7

7.8

2.3

3.2

0.7

2.6

US High Yield Bonds

0.0

-0.4

8.7

0.9

6.1

6.4

4.8

Emerging Mkt Corp Bonds

0.2

2.2

9.1

3.0

4.6

2.3

2.9

Emerging Mkt Sov Bonds

1.2

2.4

9.4

3.5

5.0

2.3

2.3

Preferreds

-1.1

-2.9

3.4

-2.2

2.0

2.3

3.7

Foreign exchange

 

 

 

 

 

 

DXY Index

-4.6

-8.2

-6.4

-8.3

-1.1

0.1

0.5

GBP/USD

3.2

7.5

6.7

6.5

2.0

1.1

-1.4

EUR/USD

4.7

9.3

6.2

9.4

2.4

0.7

0.1

USD/JPY

-4.6

-7.8

-9.3

-9.0

3.3

5.9

1.8

Commodities** (%, US dollar terms)

 

 

 

 

 

 

CRB Index

-6.6

-5.3

-0.9

-2.7

-2.2

19.8

2.3

Gold

6.3

18.0

44.1

25.7

20.2

14.4

10.9

WTI Crude Oil

-18.6

-19.7

-29.0

-18.8

-17.8

25.3

-

Brent Crude Oil

-15.5

-17.8

-28.2

-15.4

-16.7

20.1

-0.6

Alternative Investments† (%, US dollar terms)

 

 

 

 

Hedge Fund - CS Tremont¹

-0.3

2.1

6.5

2.1

5.5

8.7

4.4

Hedge Fund - Bloomberg¹

-1.3

-0.6

5.3

-0.6

4.0

8.4

4.2

Source: S&P, MSCI, Bloomberg, FactSet, BofA Bond Indices (US Treasury Current 10yr, Current 2yr, Inflation-Linked; Muni Master, US Corp Master, US HY Master II, EM Corp Plus Index; EM External Debt Sovereign Index; US Preferred Stock Index).

Notes: * Not tax adjusted. **BoE calculated effective FX indices. ¹Data lagged by one month; 23yr, 5yr, and 10yr returns are annualized; CS AUM-weighted, HFRI equal-weighted; †AI data not comparable to other asset classes because of reporting delays, lack of standardized reporting, and survivorship and self-selection biases. Crude oil prices are spot USD.

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

Exhibit 35: ETFs mentioned

Ticker, name, rating, price

For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

 Ticker

Name

Rating

Price

ACWX

iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. ETF

3-NV

58.5

AIQ

Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF

1-NV

39.92

AIRR

First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF

1-FV

76.53

AMLP

Alerian MLP ETF

3-FV

48.97

ANGL

VanEck Fallen Angel High Yield Bond ETF

1-FV

28.59

BBH

VanEck Biotech ETF

1-UF

146.41

COWG

Pacer US Large Cap Cash Cows Growth Leaders ETF

1-FV

34.15

DBEM

Xtrackers MSCI Emerging Markets Hedged Equity ETF

3-FV

26.3657

DIVB

iShares Core Dividend ETF

1-FV

48.55

DTEC

ALPS Disruptive Technologies ETF

3-NV

47.1

DXJ

WisdomTree Japan Hedged Equity Fund

1-FV

114.12

ECH

iShares MSCI Chile ETF

3-FV

32.35

EMGF

iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF

1-NV

49.06

EMXC

iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF

1-FV

59.14

EPI

WisdomTree India Earnings Fund

1-FV

45.94

ESGE

iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF

3-NV

36.89

EWC

iShares MSCI Canada ETF

2-FV

43.08

EWH

iShares MSCI Hong Kong ETF

3-UF

18.71

EWW

iShares MSCI Mexico ETF

1-FV

57.84

FDD

First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund

3-NV

14.58

FEZ

SPDR EURO STOXX 50 ETF

1-NV

58.02

FIW

First Trust Water ETF

1-FV

106.07

FLCA

Franklin FTSE Canada ETF

1-FV

39.14

FLQM

Franklin U.S. Mid Cap Multifactor Index ETF

1-FV

54.29

FNDX

Schwab Fundamental U.S. Large Company ETF

1-NV

23.77

FXO

First Trust Financial AlphaDEX Fund

2-FV

54.39

FXR

First Trust Industrials/Producer Durables AlphaDEX Fund

3-NV

72.82

FXZ

First Trust Materials AlphaDEX Fund

1-NV

54.99

GDXJ

VanEck Junior Gold Miners ETF

2-NV

59.12

GLDM

SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust

1-FV

64.07

HEFA

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF

1-NV

37.58

HGER

Harbor Commodity All Weather Strategy ETF

1-FV

23.715

HYD

VanEck High Yield Muni ETF

1-FV

50

HYEM

VanEck Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF

1-FV

19.48

HYMB

SPDR Nuveen Bloomberg High Yield Municipal Bond ETF

1-FV

24.56

IAT

iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF

3-NV

48.03

IAUM

iShares Gold Trust Micro

1-FV

32.26

ICLN

iShares Global Clean Energy ETF

1-NV

12.35

IEO

iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF

1-NV

88.1

IGPT

Invesco AI and Next Gen Software ETF

3-FV

44.36

IGV

iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF

1-FV

102.78

IHI

iShares U.S. Medical Devices ETF

1-FV

62.02

IJH

iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF

2-FV

61.01

IMCG

iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF

1-FV

76.75

IMCV

iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Value ETF

1-FV

74.5

INDY

iShares India 50 ETF

3-FV

53.7

IPKW

Invesco International BuyBack Achievers ETF

2-FV

46.84

ITB

iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF

1-NV

95.99

IVV

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

1-NV

585.71

IVW

iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF

3-FV

100.75

IWC

iShares Micro-Cap ETF

3-NV

118.07

IYC

iShares U.S. Consumer Discretionary ETF

3-UF

96.14

IYK

iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF

1-FV

69.62

IYM

iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF

2-NV

133.86

IYZ

iShares U.S. Telecommunications ETF

3-UF

27.9

JAAA

Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF

1-FV

50.55

JPXN

iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF /US

3-FV

77.6079

JSML

Janus Henderson Small Cap Growth Alpha ETF

1-NV

64.8

KBA

KraneShares Bosera MSCI China A 50 Connect Index ETF

1-UF

24.08

KBE

SPDR S&P Bank ETF

1-NV

54.96

KBWP

Invesco KBW Property & Casualty ETF

2-FV

123.24

KIE

SPDR S&P Insurance ETF

1-FV

59.02

LRGF

iShares U.S. Equity Factor ETF

3-NV

60.71

LVHD

Franklin U.S. Low Volatility High Dividend Index ETF

3-FV

39.63

MLPX

Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF

1-FV

60

MOAT

VanEck Morningstar Wide Moat ETF

1-FV

90.89

NLR

VanEck Uranium and Nuclear ETF

1-FV

84.88

OEF

iShares S&P 100 ETF

3-NV

283.38

OIH

VanEck Oil Services ETF

1-NV

230.61

PBE

Invesco Biotechnology & Genome ETF

3-UF

62.048

PBW

Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF

3-NV

18.04

PEJ

Invesco Leisure & Entertainment ETF

3-UF

52.01

PID

Invesco International Dividend Achievers ETF

3-FV

19.81

PIO

Invesco Global Water ETF

3-FV

42.95

PJP

Invesco Pharmaceuticals ETF

3-FV

80.3065

PPH

VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF

1-FV

86.48

PTH

Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust Invesco Dorsey Wright Healthcare Momentum ETF

3-FV

37.13

PXE

Invesco Energy Exploration & Production ETF

3-NV

27.43

PXI

Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust Invesco Dorsey Wright Energy Momentum ETF

3-NV

41.64

QTEC

First Trust NASDAQ-100 Technology Index Fund

3-UF

194.23

QUS

SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF

3-FV

158.39

REMX

VanEck Rare Earth and Strategic Metals ETF

3-FV

39.67

RFG

Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Pure Growth ETF

3-FV

47.62

RFV

Invesco S&P MidCap 400 Pure Value ETF

2-FV

117.3756

RING

iShares MSCI Global Gold Miners ETF

1-NV

39.05

RODM

Hartford Multifactor Developed Markets ex-US ETF

3-NV

32.55

RPV

Invesco Exchange-Traded Fund Trust - Invesco S&P 500 Pure Value ETF

1-FV

92.11

RSPF

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Financials ETF

1-FV

73.5753

RSPS

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF

3-FV

30.24

RSPU

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Utilities ETF

3-NV

70.29

RZG

Invesco S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Growth ETF

3-NV

49.09

RZV

Invesco S&P SmallCap 600 Pure Value ETF

3-NV

99.7502

SCHD

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF

1-FV

26.43

SCHG

Schwab U.S. Large-Cap Growth ETF

1-FV

27.03

SCHH

Schwab U.S. REIT ETF

3-NV

21.25

SHLD

Global X Defense Tech ETF

1-FV

51.94

SMH

VanEck Semiconductor ETF

1-NV

237.41

SPVU

Invesco S&P 500 Enhanced Value ETF

1-FV

50.9788

SPYV

SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Value ETF

2-FV

51.04

SVAL

IShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF

1-NV

30.74

TPYP

Tortoise North American Pipeline Fund

1-FV

34.73

URA

Global X Uranium ETF

1-FV

27.29

VCR

Vanguard Consumer Discretionary ETF

1-UF

354.39

VEU

Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US ETF

1-NV

64.04

VFLO

VictoryShares Free Cash Flow ETF

1-FV

34.64

VIOG

Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF

1-NV

111.59

VOTE

TCW Transform 500 ETF

1-NV

68.4037

VWOB

Vanguard Emerging Markets Government Bond ETF

1-FV

63.78

VYMI

Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF

1-FV

76.99

XAR

SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF

3-FV

180.09

XCEM

Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF

1-FV

31.67

XES

SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF

3-NV

63.8

XHB

SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF

2-NV

100.86

XHE

SPDR S&P Health Care Equipment ETF

2-FV

83.49

XLC

Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund

1-UF

99.2

XLE

Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund

1-NV

84.58

XLF

Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund

1-FV

50.87

XLI

Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund

1-NV

140.3

XLK

Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund

1-UF

227.7

XLRE

Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund

1-NV

41.65

XLU

Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund

1-NV

79.76

XLV

Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund

1-FV

135.96

XME

SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF

2-FV

59.13

XRT

SPDR S&P Retail ETF

1-UF

74.55

XSD

SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF

3-NV

227.66

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, Bloomberg

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

Exhibit 36: Stocks mentioned

Ticker, name, rating, price

For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

 

 

 

 

 

Ticker

Name

Rating

Price (US$)

HON

Honeywell International Inc

B-1-7

BUY

218.22

BWXT

BWX Technologies

B-1-7

BUY

107.19

GOOGL

Alphabet A

B-1-7

BUY

159.53

GOOG

Alphabet C

B-1-7

BUY

160.89

PLTR

Palantir

C-1-9

BUY

128.10

XOM

ExxonMobil

B-2-7

NEUTRAL

109.46

APP

AppLovin Corp

C-1-9

BUY

370.10

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, Bloomberg

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 Appendix

Exhibit 37: Relative value index tickers

Index used where data fields are available; ETF dividend yield used where index data unavailable

For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

 Category

Yield

US

M2US

China

NDEUCHF

Defense Tech

MASHLDN

SMID Industrials

RBAAIRT

Quality India

WTEMINTR

Uranium

SOLURANT

EM Div

SPGTEDUN

FCF Quality

VFLOT

Europe

M2EU

Japan

MSDUJN

EM ex-China

M1CXBRV

Energy

SPTRENRS

Materials

SPTRMATR

Industrials

SPTRINDU

Discretionary

SPTRCOND

Staples

SPTRCONS

Health Care

SPTRHLTH

Financials

SPTRFINL

Technology

SPTRINFT

Telecom

XLC

MLP

TMLP

Utilities

XLU

Real Estate

SPTRRLST

MSCI Quality

M1WOQU

Growth

M1WD000G

Value

M1WD000V

Pure Growth

SPTRXPG

Pure Value

SPTRXPV

Dividend

M1ACWIHD

Equal weight

SPW

Mid Cap

MDY

Small Cap

M1WDSC

Treasuries

G0Q0

Munis

U0A0

HY munis

U0HY

US IG

C0A0

EM debt

EMGB

US HY

H0A0

Fallen Angels

H0FA

CLOs

CLODI

Euro HY

HE00

CMBS

MFNL

Preferreds

P0P0

Loans

SPBDLL

Source: BofA Global Research

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

Exhibit 6: S&P 500 = S&P 500 Total Return Index with GFD Extension; Global ex US = GFD Developed Market ex North Market Total Return Index until 1988, MXWDU Index 1989-Present; US Tsy = GFD 10-Year US Government Bond Total Return Index; Credit = Dow Jones Corporate Bond Index until 1988; H0A0 Index 1989-Present; Commodity = Reuters CRB Total Return Index until 2000; Auspice Excess Return Index, added cash yield 2001-2017; COM US Equity 2018-Present.

Exhibit 3 - Hard data and soft data calculations: standardized (z-score) data from 1990 or start of data availability. Simple average of inputs.

Exhibit 38: Inputs to hard data and soft data calculations

Category, variable, index, calculation notes

For an accessible version Merrill clients call 800-637-7455; Merrill Edge Self-Directed clients call 877-653-4732

 Category

Variable

Index

Notes

Hard Data

10Y / Fed Spread*

LEI IRTE Index

Lower (tighter) is better

HY / Govt Spread*

H0A0 Index

Lower (tighter) is better

Jobless Claims*

LEI WKIJ Index

Lower is better

S&P 3m EPS growth

SPX Index

 

Building Permits

LEI BP Index

 

US Indust. Prod.

IP YOY Index

 

Avg Workweek Manuf

LEI AVGW Index

 

Soft Data

NACM US Credit Managers

NACCCMI Index

 

Conf. Board Cons. Confidence

CONCCONF Index

 

Net AAII Sentiment

AAIIBULL Index, AAIIBEAR Index

1 year rolling difference

ISM Manuf. New Orders

NAPMNEWO Index

 

Source: BofA Research Investment Committee, Bloomberg

BofA GLOBAL RESEARCH

 

 

Alphabet (GOOGL / GOOG)

Our price objective of $200/$200 is based on 18x 2026E core Google GAAP EPS plus cash per share. Alphabet has traded at an average multiple of 22x GAAP P/E over the last ten years and we think our multiple is reasonable vs history given expectations for double-digit revenue growth, Cloud margin expansion, and opportunity to capitalize on strong AI assets.

Downside risks are: 1) loss of search traffic to AI tools from competitors, 2) LLM integration in search may take longer than expected or negatively impact search revenues, 3) revenue pressure from compliance with the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), 4) adverse judge ruling on the ongoing Department of Justice (DOJ) search distribution trial, and 5) potential for increasing Capex and lower FCF-given AI investments.

AppLovin (APP)

Our $580 PO is based on a multiple of 31x EV/CY26 EBITDA and supplemented by our SOTP framework valuing APP's Software segment at $426, the nascent eCommerce ads business at $155, and the Gaming Segment at $0/share. Our Gaming Ads Software valuation is 31x FY26E EBITDA, slightly ahead of the average Rule of 40 stocks due to higher growth and profitability. Our Gaming segment valuation is based on an enterprise value that is 6x FY26E Gaming Segment EBITDA , in line with Casual Mobile Game Publisher peers.

Upside risks to our PO include a further proving out of AppLovin's eCommerce business, and licensing of its AI Technology to third parties. Downside risks to our PO include a recession, and a tightening of financial conditions brought about by the Fed. Policies by mobile companies, pertaining to their mobile platforms, that would debase broker ad networks' value proposition are also downside risks, and a major resurgence of Facebook on iOS could also negatively affect APP stock.

BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT)

Our PO of $135 is based on a 21x EV/EBITDA multiple on 2026 estimates. This implies a 1.5x relative multiple on the defense primes' 14x weighted average multiple, above the historical average. The premium to defense primes is supported by the company's exposure to the US Navy, its monopoly on nuclear powered ships, the inflection of the medical business, and the company's diversification into adjacent markets.

Downside risks to our PO are losing US government contracts, changes in contracting terms that could pressure margins, and program procurement changes that result in market share loss. The US government is BWXT's largest customer and drives the majority of BWXT's revenues. Overly optimistic company outlook.

Upside risks to our PO are additional upside from the AUKUS trilateral agreement, better than expected operating performance and margins, and increased demand for nuclear aftermarket for powerplants. Additionally, acquisitions could provide upside to our estimates.

Constellation Energy Corp (CEG)

Our $318 price objective is based on a relative 2027 P/E multiple methodology.
We apply our 2027 electric utility multiple of 16.5x, increased by 5% to reflect sector capital appreciation. We then take the multiple and apply a 6% premium for every 1% higher growth CEG has versus utility peers using our base case EPS forecast. The average utility growth is 5 - 7%, so we take the growth rate at 6%, the midpoint. CEG's growth rate is 13% through 2030, which leads to a 50.4% premium and a valuation multiple of 25.26x.

Risks to achievement of the price objective are 1) changes in energy, capacity, and related commodity prices, 2) retail margins, renewals, win rate, & overall market share, 3) operating, capital, and fuel costs, 4) capital allocation decisions including M&A, growth, and share repurchases, 5) nuclear operational performance, incidents, or accidents, 6) legislative, judicial, tax, and regulatory changes broadly, 7) nuclear fuel costs & availability, 8) change in environmental standards for generation assets, 9) management turnover, 10) pension & nuclear decommissioning trust returns, 11) credit rating agency requirements, 12) interest rates, and 13) NetPower ownership & valuation.

Honeywell International Inc. (HON)

We base our $250 price objective on 17x 2026E EV/EBITDA. Our target multiple is at a discount to peers trading at 18x on 2025E. We argue a discounted valuation is warranted given a lack of near-term visibility, but we believe the company will start to close the gap as earnings revisions have stabilized.

Downside risks to our price objective are: 1) Slower-than-expected capital deployment, specifically a lack of M&A activity, 2) Lack of re-acceleration in short cycle end markets pressures organic growth.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR)

Our PO of $150 is based on a 15x EV/EBITDA on 2035E. We use a longer-term valuation methodology to reflect sustained high-growth and profitability profile of the company. We think this valuation fairly captures the beneficial position to national security and US government/allies' digital modernization efforts, a leading role in artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platforms, opportunistic partnerships, strong balance sheet and strong profitability.

Downside risks to our PO are lower-than-expected AI-platforms market growth, faster than expected commoditization, higher success from competitors to catch up with technologies, and/or stronger than expected resistance from government customers to use commercial off the shelf solutions.

Upside risks to our PO are stronger-than-expected growth of the AI-platforms market, higher-than-expected PLTR penetration, better-than-expected profitability, and/or successful agreements and investments.

 

 

 

US - Aerospace and Defense Coverage Cluster

Investment rating

Company

BofA Ticker

Bloomberg symbol

Analyst

BUY

 

AerCap Holdings N.V.

AER

AER US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Axon Enterprise Inc

AXON

AXON US

Jordan Lyonnais

 

Bombardier

BDRBF

BDRBF US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Bombardier Inc.

YBBD B

BBD/B CN

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Booz Allen Hamilton

BAH

BAH US

Mariana Perez Mora

 

BWX Technologies, Inc.

BWXT

BWXT US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

CACI International

CACI

CACI US

Mariana Perez Mora

 

Cadre Holdings Inc

CDRE

CDRE US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Crane Co.

CR

CR US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Embraer

ERJ

ERJ US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

GE Aerospace

GE

GE US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

General Dynamics

GD

GD US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

HEICO Corporation

HEI

HEI US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Howmet Aerospace Inc.

HWM

HWM US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

KBR

KBR

KBR US

Mariana Perez Mora

 

L3Harris

LHX

LHX US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Leidos Holdings

LDOS

LDOS US

Mariana Perez Mora

 

Leonardo DRS, Inc.

DRS

DRS US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Northrop Grumman

NOC

NOC US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

OSI Systems

OSIS

OSIS US

Mariana Perez Mora

 

Palantir Technologies

PLTR

PLTR US

Mariana Perez Mora

 

Parsons Corporation

PSN

PSN US

Mariana Perez Mora

 

Rocket Lab

RKLB

RKLB US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

RTX Corp

RTX

RTX US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Teledyne Technologies Inc

TDY

TDY US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

TransDigm Group Inc.

TDG

TDG US

Ronald J. Epstein

NEUTRAL

 

Boeing

BA

BA US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

CAE Inc.

YCAE

CAE CN

Ronald J. Epstein

 

CAE Inc.

CAE

CAE US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Lockheed Martin

LMT

LMT US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

RBC Bearings Inc

RBC

RBC US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

StandardAero

SARO

SARO US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Textron

TXT

TXT US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

V2X

VVX

VVX US

Mariana Perez Mora

UNDERPERFORM

 

Air Lease Corporation

AL

AL US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Albany International

AIN

AIN US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Garmin

GRMN

GRMN US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Hexcel Corporation

HXL

HXL US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Huntington Ingalls Industries

HII

HII US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Intuitive Machines

LUNR

LUNR US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

Mercury Systems

MRCY

MRCY US

Ronald J. Epstein

 

 

North America - Utilities Coverage Cluster

Investment rating

Company

BofA Ticker

Bloomberg symbol

Analyst

BUY

 

Alliant Energy Corporation

LNT

LNT US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

American Electric Power

AEP

AEP US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Atmos Energy Corp

ATO

ATO US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

California Water Service Gp

CWT

CWT US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Clearway Energy

CWENA

CWEN/A US

Dimple Gosai, CFA

 

CMS Energy

CMS

CMS US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Consolidated Edison

ED

ED US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Constellation Energy Corp

CEG

CEG US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

DTE Energy

DTE

DTE US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Edison International

EIX

EIX US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Emera Inc

YEMA

EMA CN

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Essential Utilities Inc

WTRG

WTRG US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Evergy

EVRG

EVRG US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

H2O America

HTO

HTO US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Idacorp

IDA

IDA US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

MDU Resources Group, Inc.

MDU

MDU US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

NiSource Inc

NI

NI US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

NorthWestern Energy Group

NWE

NWE US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

ONE Gas, Inc.

OGS

OGS US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

PG&E Corp

PCG

PCG US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Pinnacle West

PNW

PNW US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

PPL Corporation

PPL

PPL US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Public Service Enterprise Group

PEG

PEG US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Sempra

SRE

SRE US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Talen Energy

TLN

TLN US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

TXNM Energy

TXNM

TXNM US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Vistra

VST

VST US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Xcel Energy Inc

XEL

XEL US

Ross Fowler, CFA

NEUTRAL

 

Ameren Corporation

AEE

AEE US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

CenterPoint Energy

CNP

CNP US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Dominion Energy

D

D US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Duke Energy

DUK

DUK US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Entergy

ETR

ETR US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Eversource Energy

ES

ES US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Exelon

EXC

EXC US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

FirstEnergy

FE

FE US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

NextEra Energy

NEE

NEE US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

OGE Energy

OGE

OGE US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Southern Company

SO

SO US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Spire

SR

SR US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

WEC Energy Group Inc

WEC

WEC US

Ross Fowler, CFA

UNDERPERFORM

 

American States Water

AWR

AWR US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

American Water Works

AWK

AWK US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Avista

AVA

AVA US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Black Hills Corp

BKH

BKH US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Fortis Inc

YFTS

FTS CN

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Fortis Inc

FTS

FTS US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Hydro One

YH

H CN

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Middlesex Water Co.

MSEX

MSEX US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Portland General Electric

POR

POR US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

Southwest Gas

SWX

SWX US

Ross Fowler, CFA

 

 

US - Internet Coverage Cluster

Investment rating

Company

BofA Ticker

Bloomberg symbol

Analyst

BUY

 

ACV Auctions

ACVA

ACVA US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

Alphabet

GOOGL

GOOGL US

Justin Post

 

Alphabet

GOOG

GOOG US

Justin Post

 

Amazon.com

AMZN

AMZN US

Justin Post

 

AppLovin

APP

APP US

Omar Dessouky, CFA

 

Carvana

CVNA

CVNA US

Michael McGovern

 

Chewy Inc

CHWY

CHWY US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

DoorDash

DASH

DASH US

Michael McGovern

 

Expedia

EXPE

EXPE US

Justin Post

 

Integral Ad Science Holding Corp.

IAS

IAS US

Omar Dessouky, CFA

 

Magnite, Inc.

MGNI

MGNI US

Omar Dessouky, CFA

 

Meta Platforms Inc

META

META US

Justin Post

 

Peloton

PTON

PTON US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

Pinterest

PINS

PINS US

Justin Post

 

Playtika

PLTK

PLTK US

Omar Dessouky, CFA

 

Roblox Corp. Class A

RBLX

RBLX US

Omar Dessouky, CFA

 

Take-Two Interactive

TTWO

TTWO US

Omar Dessouky, CFA

 

Uber

UBER

UBER US

Justin Post

 

Wix.com

WIX

WIX US

Michael McGovern

NEUTRAL

 

Airbnb

ABNB

ABNB US

Justin Post

 

Booking Holdings Inc

BKNG

BKNG US

Justin Post

 

DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc.

DV

DV US

Omar Dessouky, CFA

 

Duolingo

DUOL

DUOL US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

eBay

EBAY

EBAY US

Justin Post

 

Electronic Arts

EA

EA US

Omar Dessouky, CFA

 

Etsy, Inc.

ETSY

ETSY US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

Ibotta

IBTA

IBTA US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

Instacart

CART

CART US

Justin Post

 

Match Group

MTCH

MTCH US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

Reddit

RDDT

RDDT US

Justin Post

 

Snap

SNAP

SNAP US

Justin Post

 

Udemy Inc

UDMY

UDMY US

Nafeesa Gupta

 

Wayfair

W

W US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

Zillow

ZG

ZG US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

Zillow

Z

Z US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

UNDERPERFORM

 

Bumble

BMBL

BMBL US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

Cardlytics, Inc

CDLX

CDLX US

Omar Dessouky, CFA

 

Coursera Inc.

COUR

COUR US

Nafeesa Gupta

 

Digital Turbine, Inc

APPS

APPS US

Omar Dessouky, CFA

 

LegalZoom

LZ

LZ US

Michael McGovern

 

Lyft, Inc.

LYFT

LYFT US

Michael McGovern

 

Opendoor Technologies

OPEN

OPEN US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

RH

RH

RH US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

Vivid Seats

SEAT

SEAT US

Curtis Nagle, CFA

 

Yelp

YELP

YELP US

Nitin Bansal, CFA

 

 

US - Multi-Industrials/Engineering and Construction Coverage Cluster

Investment rating

Company

BofA Ticker

Bloomberg symbol

Analyst

BUY

 

3M Company

MMM

MMM US

Andrew Obin

 

AMETEK Inc

AME

AME US

Andrew Obin

 

Applied Industrial Technologies

AIT

AIT US

Sabrina Abrams

 

Atmus Filtration

ATMU

ATMU US

Andrew Obin

 

Dover Corp

DOV

DOV US

Andrew Obin

 

Eaton Corp PLC

ETN

ETN US

Andrew Obin

 

Emerson Electric Co

EMR

EMR US

Andrew Obin

 

Fastenal Company

FAST

FAST US

Sabrina Abrams

 

Flowserve

FLS

FLS US

Andrew Obin

 

GE Vernova

GEV

GEV US

Andrew Obin

 

Honeywell International Inc.

HON

HON US

Andrew Obin

 

ITT Inc.

ITT

ITT US

Andrew Obin

 

Johnson Controls International PLC

JCI

JCI US

Andrew Obin

 

Parker Hannifin Corporation

PH

PH US

Andrew Obin

 

PTC Inc.

PTC

PTC US

Andrew Obin

 

Rush

RUSHA

RUSHA US

Andrew Obin

 

Vertiv

VRT

VRT US

Andrew Obin

 

Vontier

VNT

VNT US

Andrew Obin

NEUTRAL

 

Carrier Global Corp.

CARR

CARR US

Andrew Obin

 

Fortive Corporation

FTV

FTV US

Andrew Obin

 

Montrose Environmental Group, Inc.

MEG

MEG US

Andrew Obin

 

Pentair plc

PNR

PNR US

Andrew Obin

 

Rockwell

ROK

ROK US

Andrew Obin

 

Trane Technologies PLC

TT

TT US

Andrew Obin

UNDERPERFORM

 

Allegion

ALLE

ALLE US

Andrew Obin

 

Core & Main

CNM

CNM US

Andrew Obin

 

E2open

ETWO

ETWO US

Andrew Obin

 

Illinois Tool Works

ITW

ITW US

Andrew Obin

 

JBT Marel Corp

JBTM

JBTM US

Andrew Obin

 

Keysight

KEYS

KEYS US

David Ridley-Lane, CFA

 

W.W. Grainger, Inc.

GWW

GWW US

Sabrina Abrams

 

 

 

We, Jared Woodard, Andrew Obin, Justin Post, Mariana Perez Mora, Omar Dessouky, CFA, Paul Ciana, CMT, Ronald J. Epstein and Ross Fowler, CFA, hereby certify that the views expressed in this research report accurately reflect our personal views about the subject equity securities and issuers. We also certify that no part of our compensation was, is, or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed in this research report.

 

 

Special Disclosures

​BofA Securities is currently acting as financial advisor to Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Panasonic Holdings Corporation, in connection with the proposed strategic capital partnership with ORIX Corporation in regard to its projector business and related operations, which was announced on July 31, 2024.​

​BofA Securities is currently acting as advisor to EQT AB in connection with its proposed acquisition of a stake in Acronis International GmbH, which was announced on August 7, 2024.

​BofA Securities is currently acting as Financial Advisor to Alphabet Inc in connection with its proposed acquisition of Wiz, Inc., which was announced on March 18, 2025.​

BofA Securities is currently acting as Financial Advisor to Tripledot Studios Ltd in connection with its proposed acquisition of gaming portfolio of Applovin Corp, which was announced on May 7, 2025.​

BofA Securities is currently acting as financial advisor to HPS Investment Partners LLC in connection with its proposed sale to Blackrock Inc, which was announced on December 3, 2024.

BofA Securities is currently acting as financial advisor to Panasonic Connect Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Panasonic Holdings Corporation, in connection with the proposed strategic capital partnership with ORIX Corporation in regard to its projector business and related operations, which was announced on July 31, 2024.

 Important Disclosures

 

Equity Investment Rating Distribution: Energy Group (as of 31 Mar 2025)

Coverage Universe

Count

Percent

Inv. Banking Relationships R1

Count

Percent

Buy

88

61.97%

Buy

63

71.59%

Hold

30

21.13%

Hold

26

86.67%

Sell

24

16.90%

Sell

18

75.00%

Equity Investment Rating Distribution: Engineering & Construction Group (as of 31 Mar 2025)

Coverage Universe

Count

Percent

Inv. Banking Relationships R1

Count

Percent

Buy

12

52.17%

Buy

8

66.67%

Hold

7

30.43%

Hold

4

57.14%

Sell

4

17.39%

Sell

3

75.00%

Equity Investment Rating Distribution: Industrials/Multi-Industry Group (as of 31 Mar 2025)

Coverage Universe

Count

Percent

Inv. Banking Relationships R1

Count

Percent

Buy

52

56.52%

Buy

25

48.08%

Hold

17

18.48%

Hold

11

64.71%

Sell

23

25.00%

Sell

10

43.48%

Equity Investment Rating Distribution: Technology Group (as of 31 Mar 2025)

Coverage Universe

Count

Percent

Inv. Banking Relationships R1

Count

Percent

Buy

207

53.08%

Buy

102

49.28%

Hold

92

23.59%

Hold

49

53.26%

Sell

91

23.33%

Sell

24

26.37%

Equity Investment Rating Distribution: Utilities Group (as of 31 Mar 2025)

Coverage Universe

Count

Percent

Inv. Banking Relationships R1

Count

Percent

Buy

75

48.08%

Buy

54

72.00%

Hold

40

25.64%

Hold

30

75.00%

Sell

41

26.28%

Sell

20

48.78%

 

Equity Investment Rating Distribution: Global Group (as of 31 Mar 2025)

Coverage Universe

Count

Percent

Inv. Banking Relationships R1

Count

Percent

Buy

1867

54.40%

Buy

1108

59.35%

Hold

774

22.55%

Hold

466

60.21%

Sell

791

23.05%

Sell

368

46.52%

 R1 Issuers that were investment banking clients of BofA Securities or one of its affiliates within the past 12 months. For purposes of this Investment Rating Distribution, the coverage universe includes only stocks. A stock rated Neutral is included as a Hold, and a stock rated Underperform is included as a Sell.

 

Exchange-Traded Funds Investment Rating Distribution: Global Group (as of 31 Mar 2025)

Coverage Universe

Count

Percent

Inv. Banking Relationships R2

Count

Percent

Buy

131

23.19%

Buy

86

65.65%

Hold

423

74.87%

Hold

311

73.52%

Sell

11

1.95%

Sell

7

63.64%

 R2 Exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or the ETF providers, that were investment banking clients of BofA Securities or one of its affiliates within the past 12 months. For purposes of this Investment Rating Distribution, the coverage universe includes only ETFs. An ETF rated 1-FV is included as a Buy; an ETF rated 2-FV, 3-FV, 1-NV, 2-NV, 3-NV, 1-UF or 2-UF is included as a Hold; and an ETF rated 3-UF is included as a Sell.

 

FUNDAMENTAL EQUITY OPINION KEY: Opinions include a Volatility Risk Rating, an Investment Rating and an Income Rating. VOLATILITY RISK RATINGS, indicators of potential price fluctuation, are: A - Low, B - Medium and C - High. INVESTMENT RATINGS reflect the analyst's assessment of both a stock's absolute total return potential as well as its attractiveness for investment relative to other stocks within its Coverage Cluster (defined below). Our investment ratings are: 1 - Buy stocks are expected to have a total return of at least 10% and are the most attractive stocks in the coverage cluster; 2 - Neutral stocks are expected to remain flat or increase in value and are less attractive than Buy rated stocks and 3 - Underperform stocks are the least attractive stocks in a coverage cluster. An investment rating of 6 (No Rating) indicates that a stock is no longer trading on the basis of fundamentals. Analysts assign investment ratings considering, among other things, the 0-12 month total return expectation for a stock and the firm's guidelines for ratings dispersions (shown in the table below). The current price objective for a stock should be referenced to better understand the total return expectation at any given time. The price objective reflects the analyst's view of the potential price appreciation (depreciation).

Investment rating

Total return expectation (within 12-month period of date of initial rating)

Ratings dispersion guidelines for coverage clusterR3

Buy

≥ 10%

≤ 70%

Neutral

≥ 0%

≤ 30%

Underperform

N/A

≥ 20%

 R3Ratings dispersions may vary from time to time where BofA Global Research believes it better reflects the investment prospects of stocks in a Coverage Cluster.

INCOME RATINGS, indicators of potential cash dividends, are: 7 - same/higher (dividend considered to be secure), 8 - same/lower (dividend not considered to be secure) and 9 - pays no cash dividend. Coverage Cluster is comprised of stocks covered by a single analyst or two or more analysts sharing a common industry, sector, region or other classification(s). A stock's coverage cluster is included in the most recent BofA Global Research report referencing the stock. 

EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS (ETF) INVESTMENT OPINION KEY: Opinions reflect both an Outlook Rating and a Category Rating. OUTLOOK RATINGS reflect the analyst's assessment of the ETF's attractiveness relative to other ETFs within its category (including sector, region, asset class, thematic, and others). There are three outlook ratings: 1 - the ETF is more attractive than covered peers in the same category over the next 12 months; 2 - the ETF is similarly attractive to covered peers in the same category over the next 12 months; and 3 - the ETF is less attractive than covered peers in the same category over the next 12 months. CATEGORY RATINGS, indicators of the analyst's view of the ETF's category and which incorporate published views of BofA Global Research department analysts, are: FV - Favorable view, NV - Neutral view and UF - Unfavorable view.

 

Price Charts for the securities referenced in this research report are available on the Price Charts website, or call 1-800-MERRILL to have them mailed.

One or more analysts contributing to this report owns stock of the covered issuer: Alphabet, Exxon Mobil Corp, Palantir

One or more analysts contributing to this report owns bonds of the covered issuer: VanEck Vectors

BofAS or one of its affiliates acts as a market maker for the equity securities recommended in the report: 1st Trust Financ ETF, 1st Trust Indus Fund, 1st Trust Mater ETF, 1st Trust Techn ETF, Alerian MLP ETF, Alphabet A, Alphabet C, ALPS Disruptive Tech, AppLovin, BWX Technologies, Columbia EMxC ETF, Constellation Energy, Eng Transform500 ETF, ExxonMobil, First Trust RBA ETF, First Trust Water, Franklin Canada ETF, Franklin Multi Mid, FT STX EUROPE ETF, Global X AI & Tech, Global X Defense, Global X Uranium ETF, GlobalX MLP&Ener ETF, Harbor Com All Weath, Hartford Dev Mkt ETF, Honeywell, Inv DWA EnrgMomentum, Inv KBW Prop&Cas ETF, Invesco Biotech ETF, Invesco Cons ETF, Invesco DWA ETF, Invesco Dyn E&P ETF, Invesco Financ ETF, Invesco Global Water, Invesco Intl Div, Invesco Int'lBuyback, Invesco Leis & Ent, Invesco Pharma ETF, Invesco Pure Growth, Invesco Pure Value, Invesco S&P Enh Val, Invesco S&P EWU ETF, Invesco SC Pure Grow, Invesco SC Pure Valu, Invesco Software, Invesco Wh Cln Ener, InvescoSP500 PureVal, iS Home Constr ETF, iShares ACWI ex US, iShares Banks ETF, iShares Canada ETF, iShares Chile ETF, iShares Cons Srv ETF, iShares Core S&P ETF, iShares Currency ETF, iShares Div&Buyback, iShares Edg MSCI ETF, iShares EM ex China, iShares EM Multi ETF, iShares Global Clean, iShares Gold Micro, iShares Gold Min ETF, iShares India 50 ETF, iShares JPX-NIKK ETF, iShares Material ETF, iShares Mexico ETF, iShares Micro-CapETF, iShares MS MC Grow, iShares MS MC Value, iShares MSCI HK ETF, iShares S&P 100 ETF, iShares S&P 500 ETF, iShares S&P Mid ETF, IShares SC Val Fact, iShares Tech-Sft ETF, iShares U.S. M D ETF, iShares US, iShares-DJ Telecom, iSharesESG MSCI EM, ISHARES-US O&G ETF, Janus SCap Growth, JH AAA CLO ETF, KraneS CHINA ETF, L Mason L Vol Hi Div, Mkt Jr Gold Mine ETF, Pacer US Large Cap, Palantir, S&P Aero&Def ETF, Schwab Div ETF, Schwab L Cap Grw, Schwab US Large ETF, Schwab US REIT ETF, SPDR BBG HY Muni, SPDR Comm Serv ETF, SPDR Energy ETF, SPDR EuroStoxx50 ETF, SPDR Financ ETF, SPDR Gold MiniShares, SPDR Healthca ETF, SPDR Industr ETF, SPDR O&G E&S ETF, SPDR Portfolio S&P, SPDR REIT ETF, SPDR S&P Bank ETF, SPDR S&P H Care ETF, SPDR S&P Homebuilder, SPDR S&P Insur ETF, SPDR S&P Met&Min, SPDR S&P Retail ETF, SPDR Semicond ETF, SPDR Strategic Fact, SPDR Tech ETF, SPDR Utilities ETF, Tortoise NA pipe ETF, VanEck Biotech ETF, VanEck EM HY Bond, VanEck HY Muni, VanEck Oil Svcs ETF, VanEck Rare Mtls ETF, VanEck Urn+Nucl ETF, VanEck Vectors ETF, Vanguard Cons ETF, Vanguard EM Govt Bnd, Vanguard Intl Div, Vanguard S&P SC Grow, Vanguard World ex US, VE Vec FA HY ETF, VE Vect Pharma ETF, VE Vect Semicond ETF, VictoryShares Free C, WSDTRE JPN Hdg ETF, WTree India Earnings, Xtrackers EM Hdg ETF.

BofAS or an affiliate was a manager of a public offering of securities of this issuer within the last 12 months: Alphabet, Ameriprise Inc., AppLovin, BlackRock, Charles Schwab, Honeywell, Janus Henderson, ORIX, State Street.

The issuer is or was, within the last 12 months, an investment banking client of BofAS and/or one or more of its affiliates: Alphabet, Ameriprise Inc., AppLovin, BlackRock, Charles Schwab, Constellation Energy, Crestview Partners, Deutsche Bank, Exxon Mobil Corp, Franklin Resources, Honeywell, Invesco, Janus Henderson, ORIX, SS&C Technologies Ho, State Street, The Hartford, WisdomTree.

BofAS or an affiliate has received compensation from the issuer for non-investment banking services or products within the past 12 months: Alphabet, Ameriprise Inc., AppLovin, BlackRock, Charles Schwab, Constellation Energy, Crestview Partners, Deutsche Bank, Exxon Mobil Corp, Franklin Resources, Honeywell, Invesco, Janus Henderson, Krane Funds Advisors, Market Vectors Jr, Mirae Asset Global, MiraeAsset Sec, ORIX, Pacer Advisors, SS&C Technologies Ho, State Street, The Hartford, Vaneck, Vanguard Group Inc, WisdomTree.

The issuer is or was, within the last 12 months, a non-securities business client of BofAS and/or one or more of its affiliates: Alphabet, Ameriprise Inc., AppLovin, BlackRock, Charles Schwab, Constellation Energy, Crestview Partners, Deutsche Bank, Exxon Mobil Corp, Franklin Resources, Honeywell, Invesco, Janus Henderson, Krane Funds Advisors, Market Vectors Jr, Mirae Asset Global, MiraeAsset Sec, ORIX, Pacer Advisors, SS&C Technologies Ho, State Street, The Hartford, Vaneck, Vanguard Group Inc, WisdomTree.

BofAS or an affiliate has received compensation for investment banking services from this issuer within the past 12 months: Alphabet, Ameriprise Inc., AppLovin, BlackRock, Charles Schwab, Constellation Energy, Crestview Partners, Exxon Mobil Corp, Franklin Resources, Honeywell, Invesco, Janus Henderson, ORIX, SS&C Technologies Ho, State Street, The Hartford, WisdomTree.

BofAS or an affiliate expects to receive or intends to seek compensation for investment banking services from this issuer or an affiliate of the issuer within the next three months: Alphabet, Ameriprise Inc., AppLovin, BlackRock, Charles Schwab, Constellation Energy, Crestview Partners, Deutsche Bank, Exxon Mobil Corp, Franklin Resources, Honeywell, Invesco, Janus Henderson, ORIX, SS&C Technologies Ho, State Street, The Hartford, WisdomTree.

BofAS together with its affiliates beneficially owns one percent or more of the common stock of this issuer. If this report was issued on or after the 9th day of the month, it reflects the ownership position on the last day of the previous month. Reports issued before the 9th day of a month reflect the ownership position at the end of the second month preceding the date of the report: Alphabet, AppLovin, BWX Technologies, Constellation Energy, Exxon Mobil Corp, Honeywell.

BofAS together with its affiliates beneficially owns one percent or more of the shares of this fund. If this report was issued on or after the 9th day of the month, it reflects the ownership position on the last day of the previous month. Reports issued before the 9th day of the month reflect the ownership position at the end of the second month preceding the date of the report: 1st Trust Financ ETF, 1st Trust Indus Fund, 1st Trust Mater ETF, 1st Trust Techn ETF, Alerian MLP ETF, ALPS Disruptive Tech, Columbia EMxC ETF, Eng Transform500 ETF, First Trust RBA ETF, First Trust Water, Franklin Canada ETF, Franklin Multi Mid, Global X AI & Tech, Global X Defense, Global X Uranium ETF, GlobalX MLP&Ener ETF, Harbor Com All Weath, Hartford Dev Mkt ETF, Inv DWA EnrgMomentum, Inv KBW Prop&Cas ETF, Invesco Biotech ETF, Invesco Cons ETF, Invesco DWA ETF, Invesco Dyn E&P ETF, Invesco Financ ETF, Invesco Global Water, Invesco Intl Div, Invesco Int'lBuyback, Invesco Leis & Ent, Invesco Pharma ETF, Invesco Pure Value, Invesco S&P Enh Val, Invesco S&P EWU ETF, Invesco SC Pure Grow, Invesco SC Pure Valu, Invesco Software, Invesco Wh Cln Ener, InvescoSP500 PureVal, iS Home Constr ETF, iShares ACWI ex US, iShares Banks ETF, iShares Canada ETF, iShares Cons Srv ETF, iShares Core S&P ETF, iShares Currency ETF, iShares Div&Buyback, iShares EM ex China, iShares Global Clean, iShares Gold Micro, iShares JPX-NIKK ETF, iShares Material ETF, iShares Micro-CapETF, iShares MS MC Grow, iShares MS MC Value, iShares S&P 100 ETF, iShares S&P 500 ETF, iShares S&P Mid ETF, IShares SC Val Fact, iShares Tech-Sft ETF, iShares U.S. M D ETF, iShares US, iShares-DJ Telecom, iSharesESG MSCI EM, ISHARES-US O&G ETF, JH AAA CLO ETF, L Mason L Vol Hi Div, Mkt Jr Gold Mine ETF, Pacer US Large Cap, S&P Aero&Def ETF, Schwab Div ETF, SPDR BBG HY Muni, SPDR Comm Serv ETF, SPDR Energy ETF, SPDR EuroStoxx50 ETF, SPDR Financ ETF, SPDR Gold MiniShares, SPDR Healthca ETF, SPDR Industr ETF, SPDR O&G E&S ETF, SPDR Portfolio S&P, SPDR REIT ETF, SPDR S&P Bank ETF, SPDR S&P H Care ETF, SPDR S&P Homebuilder, SPDR S&P Insur ETF, SPDR S&P Met&Min, SPDR S&P Retail ETF, SPDR Semicond ETF, SPDR Strategic Fact, SPDR Tech ETF, SPDR Utilities ETF, Tortoise NA pipe ETF, VanEck Biotech ETF, VanEck EM HY Bond, VanEck HY Muni, VanEck Oil Svcs ETF, VanEck Rare Mtls ETF, VanEck Urn+Nucl ETF, VanEck Vectors ETF, Vanguard Cons ETF, Vanguard EM Govt Bnd, Vanguard Intl Div, Vanguard S&P SC Grow, Vanguard World ex US, VE Vec FA HY ETF, VE Vect Pharma ETF, VE Vect Semicond ETF, VictoryShares Free C, WSDTRE JPN Hdg ETF, WTree India Earnings, Xtrackers EM Hdg ETF.

BofAS or one of its affiliates is willing to sell to, or buy from, clients the common equity of the issuer on a principal basis: 1st Trust Financ ETF, 1st Trust Indus Fund, 1st Trust Mater ETF, 1st Trust Techn ETF, Alerian MLP ETF, Alphabet A, Alphabet C, ALPS Disruptive Tech, AppLovin, BWX Technologies, Columbia EMxC ETF, Constellation Energy, Eng Transform500 ETF, ExxonMobil, First Trust RBA ETF, First Trust Water, Franklin Canada ETF, Franklin Multi Mid, FT STX EUROPE ETF, Global X AI & Tech, Global X Defense, Global X Uranium ETF, GlobalX MLP&Ener ETF, Harbor Com All Weath, Hartford Dev Mkt ETF, Honeywell, Inv DWA EnrgMomentum, Inv KBW Prop&Cas ETF, Invesco Biotech ETF, Invesco Cons ETF, Invesco DWA ETF, Invesco Dyn E&P ETF, Invesco Financ ETF, Invesco Global Water, Invesco Intl Div, Invesco Int'lBuyback, Invesco Leis & Ent, Invesco Pharma ETF, Invesco Pure Growth, Invesco Pure Value, Invesco S&P Enh Val, Invesco S&P EWU ETF, Invesco SC Pure Grow, Invesco SC Pure Valu, Invesco Software, Invesco Wh Cln Ener, InvescoSP500 PureVal, iS Home Constr ETF, iShares ACWI ex US, iShares Banks ETF, iShares Canada ETF, iShares Chile ETF, iShares Cons Srv ETF, iShares Core S&P ETF, iShares Currency ETF, iShares Div&Buyback, iShares Edg MSCI ETF, iShares EM ex China, iShares EM Multi ETF, iShares Global Clean, iShares Gold Micro, iShares Gold Min ETF, iShares India 50 ETF, iShares JPX-NIKK ETF, iShares Material ETF, iShares Mexico ETF, iShares Micro-CapETF, iShares MS MC Grow, iShares MS MC Value, iShares MSCI HK ETF, iShares S&P 100 ETF, iShares S&P 500 ETF, iShares S&P Mid ETF, IShares SC Val Fact, iShares Tech-Sft ETF, iShares U.S. M D ETF, iShares US, iShares-DJ Telecom, iSharesESG MSCI EM, ISHARES-US O&G ETF, Janus SCap Growth, JH AAA CLO ETF, KraneS CHINA ETF, L Mason L Vol Hi Div, Mkt Jr Gold Mine ETF, Pacer US Large Cap, Palantir, S&P Aero&Def ETF, Schwab Div ETF, Schwab L Cap Grw, Schwab US Large ETF, Schwab US REIT ETF, SPDR BBG HY Muni, SPDR Comm Serv ETF, SPDR Energy ETF, SPDR EuroStoxx50 ETF, SPDR Financ ETF, SPDR Gold MiniShares, SPDR Healthca ETF, SPDR Industr ETF, SPDR O&G E&S ETF, SPDR Portfolio S&P, SPDR REIT ETF, SPDR S&P Bank ETF, SPDR S&P H Care ETF, SPDR S&P Homebuilder, SPDR S&P Insur ETF, SPDR S&P Met&Min, SPDR S&P Retail ETF, SPDR Semicond ETF, SPDR Strategic Fact, SPDR Tech ETF, SPDR Utilities ETF, Tortoise NA pipe ETF, VanEck Biotech ETF, VanEck EM HY Bond, VanEck HY Muni, VanEck Oil Svcs ETF, VanEck Rare Mtls ETF, VanEck Urn+Nucl ETF, VanEck Vectors ETF, Vanguard Cons ETF, Vanguard EM Govt Bnd, Vanguard Intl Div, Vanguard S&P SC Grow, Vanguard World ex US, VE Vec FA HY ETF, VE Vect Pharma ETF, VE Vect Semicond ETF, VictoryShares Free C, WSDTRE JPN Hdg ETF, WTree India Earnings, Xtrackers EM Hdg ETF.

The issuer is or was, within the last 12 months, a securities business client (non-investment banking) of BofAS and/or one or more of its affiliates: Alphabet, Ameriprise Inc., AppLovin, BlackRock, Charles Schwab, Constellation Energy, Crestview Partners, Deutsche Bank, Exxon Mobil Corp, Franklin Resources, Honeywell, Invesco, Janus Henderson, Krane Funds Advisors, Market Vectors Jr, Mirae Asset Global, MiraeAsset Sec, ORIX, Pacer Advisors, SS&C Technologies Ho, State Street, The Hartford, Vaneck, Vanguard Group Inc, WisdomTree.

Due to the nature of strategic analysis, the issuers or securities recommended or discussed in this report are not continuously followed. Accordingly, investors must regard this report as providing stand-alone analysis and should not expect continuing analysis or additional reports relating to such issuers and/or securities.

BofA Global Research personnel (including the analyst(s) responsible for this report) receive compensation based upon, among other factors, the overall profitability of Bank of America Corporation, including profits derived from investment banking. The analyst(s) responsible for this report may also receive compensation based upon, among other factors, the overall profitability of the Bank's sales and trading businesses relating to the class of securities or financial instruments for which such analyst is responsible.

BofAS and/or its affiliates participate in the creation and redemption of these ETFs and are an authorized participant for such ETFs: 1st Trust Financ ETF, 1st Trust Indus Fund, 1st Trust Mater ETF, 1st Trust Techn ETF, Alerian MLP ETF, Eng Transform500 ETF, First Trust RBA ETF, First Trust Water, Franklin Multi Mid, FT STX EUROPE ETF, Global X AI & Tech, Global X Defense, Global X Uranium ETF, GlobalX MLP&Ener ETF, Harbor Com All Weath, Hartford Dev Mkt ETF, Inv DWA EnrgMomentum, Inv KBW Prop&Cas ETF, Invesco Biotech ETF, Invesco Cons ETF, Invesco DWA ETF, Invesco Dyn E&P ETF, Invesco Financ ETF, Invesco Global Water, Invesco Intl Div, Invesco Int'lBuyback, Invesco Leis & Ent, Invesco Pharma ETF, Invesco Pure Growth, Invesco Pure Value, Invesco S&P Enh Val, Invesco S&P EWU ETF, Invesco SC Pure Grow, Invesco SC Pure Valu, Invesco Wh Cln Ener, InvescoSP500 PureVal, iS Home Constr ETF, iShares ACWI ex US, iShares Banks ETF, iShares Canada ETF, iShares Chile ETF, iShares Cons Srv ETF, iShares Core S&P ETF, iShares Currency ETF, iShares Div&Buyback, iShares Edg MSCI ETF, iShares EM ex China, iShares EM Multi ETF, iShares Global Clean, iShares Gold Micro, iShares Gold Min ETF, iShares India 50 ETF, iShares JPX-NIKK ETF, iShares Material ETF, iShares Mexico ETF, iShares Micro-CapETF, iShares MS MC Grow, iShares MS MC Value, iShares MSCI HK ETF, iShares S&P 100 ETF, iShares S&P 500 ETF, iShares S&P Mid ETF, IShares SC Val Fact, iShares Tech-Sft ETF, iShares U.S. M D ETF, iShares US, iShares-DJ Telecom, iSharesESG MSCI EM, ISHARES-US O&G ETF, Janus SCap Growth, JH AAA CLO ETF, KraneS CHINA ETF, L Mason L Vol Hi Div, Mkt Jr Gold Mine ETF, Pacer US Large Cap, S&P Aero&Def ETF, Schwab Div ETF, Schwab L Cap Grw, Schwab US Large ETF, Schwab US REIT ETF, SPDR BBG HY Muni, SPDR Comm Serv ETF, SPDR Energy ETF, SPDR EuroStoxx50 ETF, SPDR Financ ETF, SPDR Gold MiniShares, SPDR Healthca ETF, SPDR Industr ETF, SPDR O&G E&S ETF, SPDR Portfolio S&P, SPDR REIT ETF, SPDR S&P Bank ETF, SPDR S&P H Care ETF, SPDR S&P Homebuilder, SPDR S&P Insur ETF, SPDR S&P Met&Min, SPDR S&P Retail ETF, SPDR Semicond ETF, SPDR Strategic Fact, SPDR Tech ETF, SPDR Utilities ETF, VanEck Biotech ETF, VanEck EM HY Bond, VanEck HY Muni, VanEck Oil Svcs ETF, VanEck Rare Mtls ETF, VanEck Urn+Nucl ETF, VanEck Vectors ETF, Vanguard Cons ETF, Vanguard EM Govt Bnd, Vanguard Intl Div, Vanguard S&P SC Grow, Vanguard World ex US, VE Vec FA HY ETF, VE Vect Pharma ETF, VE Vect Semicond ETF, VictoryShares Free C, WSDTRE JPN Hdg ETF, WTree India Earnings, Xtrackers EM Hdg ETF

 

Other Important Disclosures

The covered issuer and/or one or more of its affiliates holds 5% or more of the total issued share capital of Bank of America Corporation: BlackRock, Vanguard Group Inc.

Prices are indicative and for information purposes only. Except as otherwise stated in the report, for any recommendation in relation to an equity security, the price referenced is the publicly traded price of the security as of close of business on the day prior to the date of the report or, if the report is published during intraday trading, the price referenced is indicative of the traded price as of the date and time of the report and in relation to a debt security (including equity preferred and CDS), prices are indicative as of the date and time of the report and are from various sources including BofA Securities trading desks.

The date and time of completion of the production of any recommendation in this report shall be the date and time of dissemination of this report as recorded in the report timestamp.

 

One or more analysts responsible for covering the funds in this report own(s) a position in a company that constitutes a significant portion of the assets of the subject fund: URA

​This report may refer to fixed income securities or other financial instruments that may not be offered or sold in one or more states or jurisdictions, or to certain categories of investors, including retail investors. Readers of this report are advised that any discussion, recommendation or other mention of such instruments is not a solicitation or offer to transact in such instruments. Investors should contact their BofA Securities representative or Merrill Global Wealth Management financial advisor for information relating to such instruments.

Recipients who are not institutional investors or market professionals should seek the advice of their independent financial advisor before considering information in this report in connection with any investment decision, or for a necessary explanation of its contents.

Officers of BofAS or one or more of its affiliates (other than research analysts) may have a financial interest in securities of the issuer(s) or in related investments.

Refer to BofA Global Research policies relating to conflicts of interest.

"BofA Securities" includes BofA Securities, Inc. ("BofAS") and its affiliates. Investors should contact their BofA Securities representative or Merrill Global Wealth Management financial advisor if they have questions concerning this report or concerning the appropriateness of any investment idea described herein for such investor. "BofA Securities" is a global brand for BofA Global Research.

Information relating to Non-US affiliates of BofA Securities and Distribution of Affiliate Research Reports:

​​BofAS and/or Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S") may in the future distribute, information of the following non-US affiliates in the US (short name: legal name, regulator): Merrill Lynch (South Africa): Merrill Lynch South Africa (Pty) Ltd., regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority; MLI (UK): Merrill Lynch International, regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA); BofASE (France): BofA Securities Europe SA is authorized by the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR) and regulated by the ACPR and the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF). BofA Securities Europe SA ("BofASE") with registered address at 51, rue La Boétie, 75008 Paris is registered under no 842 602 690 RCS Paris. In accordance with the provisions of French Code Monétaire et Financier (Monetary and Financial Code), BofASE is an établissement de crédit et d'investissement (credit and investment institution) that is authorised and supervised by the European Central Bank and the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR) and regulated by the ACPR and the Autorité des Marchés Financiers. BofASE's share capital can be found at www.bofaml.com/BofASEdisclaimer; BofA Europe (Milan): Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company, Milan Branch, regulated by the Bank of Italy, the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI); BofA Europe (Frankfurt): Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company, Frankfurt Branch regulated by BaFin, the ECB and the CBI; BofA Europe (Madrid): Bank of America Europe Designated Activity Company, Sucursal en España, regulated by the Bank of Spain, the ECB and the CBI; Merrill Lynch (Australia): Merrill Lynch Equities (Australia) Limited, regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission; Merrill Lynch (Hong Kong): Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited, regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (HKSFC); Merrill Lynch (Singapore): Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte Ltd, regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS); Merrill Lynch (Canada): Merrill Lynch Canada Inc, regulated by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization; Merrill Lynch (Mexico): Merrill Lynch Mexico, SA de CV, Casa de Bolsa, regulated by the Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores; BofAS Japan: BofA Securities Japan Co., Ltd., regulated by the Financial Services Agency; Merrill Lynch (Seoul): Merrill Lynch International, LLC Seoul Branch, regulated by the Financial Supervisory Service; Merrill Lynch (Taiwan): Merrill Lynch Securities (Taiwan) Ltd., regulated by the Securities and Futures Bureau; BofAS India: BofA Securities India Limited, regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI); Merrill Lynch (Israel): Merrill Lynch Israel Limited, regulated by Israel Securities Authority; Merrill Lynch (DIFC): Merrill Lynch International (DIFC Branch), regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA); Merrill Lynch (Brazil): Merrill Lynch S.A. Corretora de Títulos e Valores Mobiliários, regulated by Comissão de Valores Mobiliários; Merrill Lynch KSA Company: Merrill Lynch Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Company, regulated by the Capital Market Authority.

This information: has been approved for publication and is distributed in the United Kingdom (UK) to professional clients and eligible counterparties (as each is defined in the rules of the FCA and the PRA) by MLI (UK), which is authorized by the PRA and regulated by the FCA and the PRA - details about the extent of our regulation by the FCA and PRA are available from us on request; has been approved for publication and is distributed in the European Economic Area (EEA) by BofASE (France), which is authorized by the ACPR and regulated by the ACPR and the AMF; has been considered and distributed in Japan by BofAS Japan, a registered securities dealer under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act in Japan, or its permitted affiliates; is issued and distributed in Hong Kong by Merrill Lynch (Hong Kong) which is regulated by HKSFC; is issued and distributed in Taiwan by Merrill Lynch (Taiwan); is issued and distributed in India by BofAS India; and is issued and distributed in Singapore to institutional investors and/or accredited investors (each as defined under the Financial Advisers Regulations) by Merrill Lynch (Singapore) (Company Registration No 198602883D). Merrill Lynch (Singapore) is regulated by MAS. Merrill Lynch Equities (Australia) Limited (ABN 65 006 276 795), AFS License 235132 (MLEA) distributes this information in Australia only to 'Wholesale' clients as defined by s.761G of the Corporations Act 2001. With the exception of Bank of America N.A., Australia Branch, neither MLEA nor any of its affiliates involved in preparing this information is an Authorised Deposit-Taking Institution under the Banking Act 1959 nor regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority. No approval is required for publication or distribution of this information in Brazil and its local distribution is by Merrill Lynch (Brazil) in accordance with applicable regulations. Merrill Lynch (DIFC) is authorized and regulated by the DFSA. Information prepared and issued by Merrill Lynch (DIFC) is done so in accordance with the requirements of the DFSA conduct of business rules. BofA Europe (Frankfurt) distributes this information in Germany and is regulated by BaFin, the ECB and the CBI. BofA Securities entities, including BofA Europe and BofASE (France), may outsource/delegate the marketing and/or provision of certain research services or aspects of research services to other branches or members of the BofA Securities group. You may be contacted by a different BofA Securities entity acting for and on behalf of your service provider where permitted by applicable law. This does not change your service provider. Please refer to the Electronic Communications Disclaimers for further information.

​This information has been prepared and issued by BofAS and/or one or more of its non-US affiliates. The author(s) of this information may not be licensed to carry on regulated activities in your jurisdiction and, if not licensed, do not hold themselves out as being able to do so. BofAS and/or MLPF&S is the distributor of this information in the US and accepts full responsibility for information distributed to BofAS and/or MLPF&S clients in the US by its non-US affiliates. Any US person receiving this information and wishing to effect any transaction in any security discussed herein should do so through BofAS and/or MLPF&S and not such foreign affiliates. Hong Kong recipients of this information should contact Merrill Lynch (Asia Pacific) Limited in respect of any matters relating to dealing in securities or provision of specific advice on securities or any other matters arising from, or in connection with, this information. Singapore recipients of this information should contact Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte Ltd in respect of any matters arising from, or in connection with, this information. For clients that are not accredited investors, expert investors or institutional investors Merrill Lynch (Singapore) Pte Ltd accepts full responsibility for the contents of this information distributed to such clients in Singapore.

General Investment Related Disclosures:

Taiwan Readers: Neither the information nor any opinion expressed herein constitutes an offer or a solicitation of an offer to transact in any securities or other financial instrument. No part of this report may be used or reproduced or quoted in any manner whatsoever in Taiwan by the press or any other person without the express written consent of BofA Securities.

This document provides general information only, and has been prepared for, and is intended for general distribution to, BofA Securities clients. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed constitutes an offer or an invitation to make an offer, to buy or sell any securities or other financial instrument or any derivative related to such securities or instruments (e.g., options, futures, warrants, and contracts for differences). This document is not intended to provide personal investment advice and it does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation and the particular needs of, and is not directed to, any specific person(s). This document and its content do not constitute, and should not be considered to constitute, investment advice for purposes of ERISA, the US tax code, the Investment Advisers Act or otherwise. Investors should seek financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in financial instruments and implementing investment strategies discussed or recommended in this document and should understand that statements regarding future prospects may not be realized. Any decision to purchase or subscribe for securities in any offering must be based solely on existing public information on such security or the information in the prospectus or other offering document issued in connection with such offering, and not on this document.

Securities and other financial instruments referred to herein, or recommended, offered or sold by BofA Securities, are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and are not deposits or other obligations of any insured depository institution (including, Bank of America, N.A.). Investments in general and, derivatives, in particular, involve numerous risks, including, among others, market risk, counterparty default risk and liquidity risk. No security, financial instrument or derivative is suitable for all investors. Digital assets are extremely speculative, volatile and are largely unregulated. In some cases, securities and other financial instruments may be difficult to value or sell and reliable information about the value or risks related to the security or financial instrument may be difficult to obtain. Investors should note that income from such securities and other financial instruments, if any, may fluctuate and that price or value of such securities and instruments may rise or fall and, in some cases, investors may lose their entire principal investment. Past performance is not necessarily a guide to future performance. Levels and basis for taxation may change.

This report may contain a short-term trading idea or recommendation, which highlights a specific near-term catalyst or event impacting the issuer or the market that is anticipated to have a short-term price impact on the equity securities of the issuer. Short-term trading ideas and recommendations are different from and do not affect a stock's fundamental equity rating, which reflects both a longer term total return expectation and attractiveness for investment relative to other stocks within its Coverage Cluster. Short-term trading ideas and recommendations may be more or less positive than a stock's fundamental equity rating.

BofA Securities is aware that the implementation of the ideas expressed in this report may depend upon an investor's ability to "short" securities or other financial instruments and that such action may be limited by regulations prohibiting or restricting "shortselling" in many jurisdictions. Investors are urged to seek advice regarding the applicability of such regulations prior to executing any short idea contained in this report.

Foreign currency rates of exchange may adversely affect the value, price or income of any security or financial instrument mentioned herein. Investors in such securities and instruments, including ADRs, effectively assume currency risk.

BofAS or one of its affiliates is a regular issuer of traded financial instruments linked to securities that may have been recommended in this report. BofAS or one of its affiliates may, at any time, hold a trading position (long or short) in the securities and financial instruments discussed in this report.

BofA Securities, through business units other than BofA Global Research, may have issued and may in the future issue trading ideas or recommendations that are inconsistent with, and reach different conclusions from, the information presented herein. Such ideas or recommendations may reflect different time frames, assumptions, views and analytical methods of the persons who prepared them, and BofA Securities is under no obligation to ensure that such other trading ideas or recommendations are brought to the attention of any recipient of this information.

In the event that the recipient received this information pursuant to a contract between the recipient and BofAS for the provision of research services for a separate fee, and in connection therewith BofAS may be deemed to be acting as an investment adviser, such status relates, if at all, solely to the person with whom BofAS has contracted directly and does not extend beyond the delivery of this report (unless otherwise agreed specifically in writing by BofAS). If such recipient uses the services of BofAS in connection with the sale or purchase of a security referred to herein, BofAS may act as principal for its own account or as agent for another person. BofAS is and continues to act solely as a broker-dealer in connection with the execution of any transactions, including transactions in any securities referred to herein.

ETFs are redeemable only in Creation Unit size through an Authorized Participant and may not be individually redeemed. ETFs also are redeemable on an "in-kind" basis. The mechanism for creation and redemption of ETFs may be disrupted due to market conditions or otherwise.

The public trading price of an ETF may be different from its net asset value, and an ETF could trade at a premium or discount to its net asset value.

Investors in ETFs with international securities assume currency risk.

U.S. exchange-listed, open-end ETFs must be offered under and sold only pursuant to a prospectus. U.S. exchange-listed ETFs may not be marketed or sold in a number of non-U.S. jurisdictions and may not be suitable for all investors. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the ETF carefully before investing. The prospectus for the ETF contains this and other information about the ETF. Clients may obtain prospectuses for the ETFs mentioned in this report from the ETF distributor or their Merrill Global Wealth Management financial advisor. The prospectuses contain more complete and important information about the ETFs mentioned in this report and should be read carefully before investing.

"Standard & Poor's®", "S&P®", "S&P 500®", "Standard & Poor's 500", "500", "Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts®", "SPDRs®", "Select Sector SPDR" and "Select Sector Standard & Poor's Depositary Receipts" are trademarks of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use in connection with the listing and trading of Select Sector SPDRs on the AMEX. The stocks included in each Select Sector Index (upon which the Select Sector SPDRs are based) were selected by the index compilation agent in consultation with S&P from the universe of companies represented by the S&P 500 Index. The composition and weightings of the stocks included in each Select Sector Index can be expected to differ from the composition and weighting of stock included in any similar S&P 500 sector index that is published and disseminated by S&P.

For clients in Wealth Management, to the extent that the securities referenced in this report are ETFs or CEFs, investors should note that (1) the views and ratings presented by BofA Global Research personnel may vary from those of other business units of BofA Securities. including the Due Diligence group within the Chief Investment Office of MLPF&S ("CIO Due Diligence"); and (2) the CIO Due Diligence review process is used to determine the availability of an ETF or CEF for purchase through the Wealth Management division of MLPF&S and its affiliates.

Copyright and General Information:

​Copyright 2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. iQdatabase® is a registered service mark of Bank of America Corporation. This information is prepared for the use of BofA Securities clients and may not be redistributed, retransmitted or disclosed, in whole or in part, or in any form or manner, without the express written consent of BofA Securities. This document and its content is provided solely for informational purposes and cannot be used for training or developing artificial intelligence (AI) models or as an input in any AI application (collectively, an AI tool). Any attempt to utilize this document or any of its content in connection with an AI tool without explicit written permission from BofA Global Research is strictly prohibited. BofA Global Research information is distributed simultaneously to internal and client websites and other portals by BofA Securities and is not publicly-available material. Any unauthorized use or disclosure is prohibited. Receipt and review of this information constitutes your agreement not to redistribute, retransmit, or disclose to others the contents, opinions, conclusion, or information contained herein (including any investment recommendations, estimates or price targets) without first obtaining express permission from an authorized officer of BofA Securities.

Materials prepared by BofA Global Research personnel are based on public information. Facts and views presented in this material have not been reviewed by, and may not reflect information known to, professionals in other business areas of BofA Securities, including investment banking personnel. BofA Securities has established information barriers between BofA Global Research and certain business groups. As a result, BofA Securities does not disclose certain client relationships with, or compensation received from, such issuers. To the extent this material discusses any legal proceeding or issues, it has not been prepared as nor is it intended to express any legal conclusion, opinion or advice. Investors should consult their own legal advisers as to issues of law relating to the subject matter of this material. BofA Global Research personnel's knowledge of legal proceedings in which any BofA Securities entity and/or its directors, officers and employees may be plaintiffs, defendants, co-defendants or co-plaintiffs with or involving issuers mentioned in this material is based on public information. Facts and views presented in this material that relate to any such proceedings have not been reviewed by, discussed with, and may not reflect information known to, professionals in other business areas of BofA Securities in connection with the legal proceedings or matters relevant to such proceedings.

This information has been prepared independently of any issuer of securities mentioned herein and not in connection with any proposed offering of securities or as agent of any issuer of any securities. None of BofAS any of its affiliates or their research analysts has any authority whatsoever to make any representation or warranty on behalf of the issuer(s). BofA Global Research policy prohibits research personnel from disclosing a recommendation, investment rating, or investment thesis for review by an issuer prior to the publication of a research report containing such rating, recommendation or investment thesis.

Any information relating to sustainability in this material is limited as discussed herein and is not intended to provide a comprehensive view on any sustainability claim with respect to any issuer or security.

Any information relating to the tax status of financial instruments discussed herein is not intended to provide tax advice or to be used by anyone to provide tax advice. Investors are urged to seek tax advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax professional.

The information herein (other than disclosure information relating to BofA Securities and its affiliates) was obtained from various sources and we do not guarantee its accuracy. This information may contain links to third-party websites. BofA Securities is not responsible for the content of any third-party website or any linked content contained in a third-party website. Content contained on such third-party websites is not part of this information and is not incorporated by reference. The inclusion of a link does not imply any endorsement by or any affiliation with BofA Securities. Access to any third-party website is at your own risk, and you should always review the terms and privacy policies at third-party websites before submitting any personal information to them. BofA Securities is not responsible for such terms and privacy policies and expressly disclaims any liability for them.

All opinions, projections and estimates constitute the judgment of the author as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. Prices also are subject to change without notice. BofA Securities is under no obligation to update this information and BofA Securities ability to publish information on the subject issuer(s) in the future is subject to applicable quiet periods. You should therefore assume that BofA Securities will not update any fact, circumstance or opinion contained herein.

Subject to the quiet period applicable under laws of the various jurisdictions in which we distribute research reports and other legal and BofA Securities policy-related restrictions on the publication of research reports, fundamental equity reports are produced on a regular basis as necessary to keep the investment recommendation current.

Certain outstanding reports or investment opinions relating to securities, financial instruments and/or issuers may no longer be current. Always refer to the most recent research report relating to an issuer prior to making an investment decision.

In some cases, an issuer may be classified as Restricted or may be Under Review or Extended Review. In each case, investors should consider any investment opinion relating to such issuer (or its security and/or financial instruments) to be suspended or withdrawn and should not rely on the analyses and investment opinion(s) pertaining to such issuer (or its securities and/or financial instruments) nor should the analyses or opinion(s) be considered a solicitation of any kind. Sales persons and financial advisors affiliated with BofAS or any of its affiliates may not solicit purchases of securities or financial instruments that are Restricted or Under Review and may only solicit securities under Extended Review in accordance with firm policies.

Neither BofA Securities nor any officer or employee of BofA Securities accepts any liability whatsoever for any direct, indirect or consequential damages or losses arising from any use of this information.

 

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