UBS tells investors to prepare for every scenario as policy uncertainty lingers

MacroGeopolitics
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UBS is urging investors to build portfolios that can withstand a range of outcomes, arguing that preparation matters more than prediction in an environment of heightened policy and geopolitical uncertainty. In its latest Global Risk Radar, the bank's chief investment office set out strategies for downside, base and upside scenarios, rather than attempting to forecast which will play out. Its base case, given a 60% probability, is for equities to move higher over the next 12 months, with the S&P 500 expected to reach 8,200 by June 2027, supported by continued strength in artificial intelligence capital expenditure, a resilient US economy, ongoing fiscal spending and strong credit creation. UBS attaches a 20% probability to a bull case in which the Strait of Hormuz reopens quickly and oil prices stabilise below $80 a barrel, potentially pushing major equity indices to double-digit returns for the balance of the year. The bank assigns another 20% to a bear case involving severe disruption to oil flows persisting for three to six months or widespread destruction of Middle East energy infrastructure, sending Brent spiking towards $150 to $200 a barrel before demand destruction pulls it back, while a loss of confidence in AI capital expenditure durability could trigger double-digit equity drawdowns. To guard against the downside, UBS suggests capital preservation strategies, rebalancing towards high-quality government and investment-grade bonds, favouring shorter-duration debt, and adding alternatives and commodities; in the base case, it recommends locking in yields through structured strategies such as reverse convertibles and reallocating excess cash into its highest-conviction ideas; for an upside scenario, the bank points to the judicious use of leverage and upside-focused structured products, alongside greater exposure to growth-oriented equities.

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UBS Group AG
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UBS is the subject of the article, but it only advises clients on portfolio strategies; no direct impact on UBS itself.

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