Risk Aversion
Risk Aversion Index: Stayed On “Higher-Risk” Signal
The market seems very eager to price in peak central-bank hawkishness; but only time will tell if the BoE pivot marks the beginning of a global pivot cycle. Caution is still recommended.
Risk Aversion Index: Stayed On “Higher Risk” Signal
We believe the negative impact of central bank liquidity reduction is here to stay for the foreseeable future. We recommend defense within fixed income.
Risk Aversion Index: Stayed On “Higher Risk” Signal
Volatility among non-equity asset classes has gone up noticeably while the VIX dipped lower. We still expect volatility to stay high and continue to play defense within fixed income.
Risk Aversion Index: Stayed On “Higher Risk” Signal
We expect volatility to stay high and still recommend defensive positions within fixed income.
Risk Aversion Index: Stayed On “Higher Risk” Signal
While concerns about a trade war might be easing and the credit market has been largely unaffected by the surge in Libor rates, we have to recognize the fact that Trump’s policy focus has become increasingly market-unfriendly while global central banks are in a liquidity-reducing mode.
Risk Aversion Index: A New “Higher Risk” Signal
While the late rebound in risky assets pared back earlier losses, weakness was observed in all major risk asset classes. We continue to recommend defense for the time being.
Risk Aversion Index: Turned Higher But Stayed On The “Lower Risk” Signal
Our Risk Aversion Index turned higher last month but stayed on the “Lower Risk” signal as of the end of January. The first few days of February brought a big surge in this index and would suggest a “Higher Risk” stance for the near term.
Risk Aversion Index: New “Lower Risk” Signal
Our Risk Aversion Index turned lower in December and reached an all-time low. We remain favorable toward higher quality credit within fixed income.
A New “Higher Risk” Signal
The index ticked up on the back of higher VIX, a High Yield credit mini sell-off, and EM underperformance. We are turning a bit more cautious toward credit but still recommend safe spreads within fixed income.
RAI Stayed On “Lower Risk” Signal
The range-bound interest rate action provides a friendly environment to earn the carry, through moderate duration and high grade credit exposure.
Risk Aversion Index: Stayed On The “Lower Risk” Signal
We believe the “Goldilocks” environment is still intact. Earn the carry.
Risk Aversion Index: Stayed On The “Lower Risk” Signal
With the “Goldilocks” scenario still intact, we believe earning the carry is the right approach and high grade credit fits the bill.
Risk Aversion Index: Stayed On The “Lower Risk” Signal
With neither inflation nor recession an imminent threat, the “Goldilocks” scenario remains intact. We continue to view high grade credit favorably within the fixed income space.
Risk Aversion Index: New “Lower Risk” Signal
“Lower Risk” signal closed out the “Higher Risk” signal generated five months ago. We’re encouraged by the resilience in risky assets during the oil sell-off and the late surge in global bond yields. We’ve been favorable toward high-grade credit and maintain this view within the fixed income space.
Risk Aversion Index: Still On “Higher Risk” Signal
The global risk rally is broad-based enough to justify a favorable credit view and we still believe higher quality credit offers better reward/risk.
Risk Aversion Index: Still On “Higher Risk” Signal
Last month, we recommended going up in quality within fixed income and we maintain this cautious stance for the time being.
Risk Aversion Index: Still On “Higher Risk” Signal
We recommend going up in quality across the whole fixed income spectrum.
Risk Aversion Index: Stayed On The “Higher Risk” Signal
While we continue to view spread products favorably within fixed income, the March rate hike has yet to have its impact play out. In the near term, we will respect the “higher risk” signal and exercise caution.
Risk Aversion Index: A New “Higher Risk” Signal
This new signal is mostly due to a much lower reading three months ago.
Risk Aversion Index– Stayed On “Lower Risk” Signal
Given the not-too-hot-not-too-cold macro backdrop, we expect the credit rally to continue in the near term and favor spread products within fixed income.
Perception for the Professional
March 2026 Issue
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March 2026 Issue
