Equity markets are pricing in more good news than bad, the recent rally looks vulnerable – UBS

Equities are focused on the good news, not the risks, economists at UBS report.

A resolution to the US’s debt ceiling remains elusive

“While a last-minute deal remains our expectation, the current large gap between the demands from both sides mean that investors should brace for more volatility in markets in the lead-up to an eventual compromise.”

The Fed’s next rate decision is data-dependent

“Fed Chair Jerome Powell on Friday said it remains unclear if rates will need to rise further, reiterating that decisions will be made ‘meeting by meeting.’ Our base case is for a pause in the June FOMC meeting, but the prospect of a hike is more than a tail risk.”

Health of some regional US banks remains a concern, and tighter credit conditions could put further strain on US economy

“While we believe the US regional banking sector in aggregate has adequate capital and liquidity, this may suggest lingering stress in the banking system. Tighter credit conditions at a time when US economic growth is slowing, could continue to put corporate profits under pressure.”