Δ Overweight ∇ Underweight — Neutral
Bonds – at a glance —
19 JUNE 2026
Core scenario (soft landing, 60% probability): The US-Iran interim deal to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz within weeks should help global economies achieve a soft landing and keep long-term inflation expectations subdued, reducing the need for central banks to tighten policy as much as markets are pricing. We now expect the Fed, under Chair Warsh, to cut rates by 25bps by H1 2027, instead of this year, as focus turns to supporting growth. The ECB is likely to hold rates after delivering an ‘insurance’ hike in June, while China eases policy to revive domestic demand. The BoJ is likely to hike once more this year.
Downside risk (20% probability): This tail risk scenario incorporates a 10% chance of a recession, potentially caused by a delayed restart of Hormuz shipping, a stock market downturn hurting investor confidence or a bond sell-off due to inflation or debt concerns. We also assign a 10% probability to a stagflation scenario if the Middle East crisis resumes and oil prices rebound.
Upside risk (no landing, 20% probability): If the Hormuz strait is reopened in a few weeks, there is a chance that US tax cuts, AI investments, the wealth effect from a booming stock market, fiscal easing in Germany and Japan, and a potential rollback of US tariffs could revive ‘animal spirits’. A Russia-Ukraine peace deal or a global defence spending boom would lift global growth.
Developed Market Investment Grade government bonds – Less Preferred holding ∇
19 JUNE 2026
The Bullish Case:
+ High credit quality
+ Attractive yields
The Bearish Case:
– High sensitivity to inflation
– Monetary policy
Developed Market Investment Grade corporate bonds – Core holding —
19 JUNE 2026
The Bullish Case:
+ High credit quality
+ Improving valuations
The Bearish Case:
– Expected supply
– Especially in the US
Developed Market High Yield corporate bonds – Preferred holding