Allianz Investment: The U.S. economy is expected to achieve a soft landing, and U.S. stocks remain attractive
Allianz Investment pointed out in its 2025 market outlook report that with the determination of the U.S. election results, the U.S. and global economies are expected to achieve a soft landing, and the outlook for risk assets is optimistic. Although U.S. stock valuations are relatively high, they remain attractive. Investors should consider adjusting their asset allocation, increasing risk tolerance, and focusing on illiquid assets such as private bonds and infrastructure. At the same time, they need to be wary of the risks of inflation recovery and prepare to respond to potential market misalignments
According to the Zhitong Finance APP, Allianz Investment has released its 2025 market outlook report, indicating that as the U.S. election produces decisive results, the outlook for risk assets appears positive. The U.S. and global economies are expected to achieve a soft landing, but volatility may lurk in the future. Since the market anticipates that the interest rate cut cycle may still be disrupted by a resurgence of inflation, risks remain. This is an appropriate time to reconsider asset allocation, with options to increase risk exposure or to increase holdings in private bonds and infrastructure-related illiquid assets.
Allianz Investment's baseline scenario for the U.S. economy predicts a soft landing, characterized by slowing inflation and avoiding recession. This outcome is favorable for a range of risk assets, particularly U.S. stocks, which, despite being overvalued, still hold appeal.
Global economic divergence—where U.S. economic growth outpaces that of Europe and Japan—may continue during a potential second term for Trump, and investors may need to navigate a geopolitical landscape reshaped by tariffs and potential trade wars.
Interest rate cuts are expected to benefit the bond market, but there is a risk of inflation rebounding, which means investors should prepare for potential market dislocations if rate cuts are delayed.
Investors may consider adjusting their risk asset allocation by reallocating assets currently held in cash or low-risk money market funds into medium-risk opportunities in fixed income or private markets, thereby balancing high-risk investments.
With new European regulations increasing retail investor inflows, the growth of private bonds and infrastructure is accelerating, making illiquid assets an increasingly important diversification tool