HSBC flags potential year-end stock melt-up as bubble worries cool
Investors scanning for cracks in the AI-led rally may be looking in the wrong place. HSBC suggests the balance of risks favors a late-year climb in global equities, with market positioning, sentiment, and cash levels pointing to continued risk-taking rather than an imminent correction.
According to the bank’s multi-asset view, fears of an AI-driven stock market bubble are overstated. While AI-related spending has captured headlines, broader corporate investment plans remain restrained, and talk of widespread layoffs tied to automation has eased on recent earnings calls. That mix suggests the expansion is more contained and less speculative than many assume.
HSBC also highlights cash parked in money-market funds as a contrarian signal. With sentiment indicators sitting in neutral and positioning not appearing stretched, there is room for risk appetite to improve into year-end. In short, the backdrop supports a risk-on stance as investors redeploy cash and chase performance into the final weeks of the year.
Key Points – HSBC sees higher odds of a year-end equity melt-up rather than a correction – AI bubble concerns seen as exaggerated, with broader capex still subdued – References to job cuts have eased, limiting fears of AI-driven displacement – Rising money-market inflows viewed as a contrarian buy signal – Sentiment sits in neutral and positioning is not stretched, supporting risk-on exposure
