Synopsis:
Bank of America's latest FX and Rates Sentiment Survey shows short USD still ranks as the highest conviction trade for the remainder of 2025, tied with long rates. This conviction is grounded in expectations of waning US exceptionalism, Fed independence concerns, and fiscal deterioration. However, growing unease over global growth could challenge this consensus.
Key Points:
Short USD Still Dominates Conviction Rankings:
Survey participants continue to favor short USD as the most compelling trade into year-end, reflecting macro themes around fading US outperformance, structural fiscal concerns, and perceived risks to central bank credibility.
Fed Independence and Fiscal Policy in Focus:
Persistent concerns over political interference at the Fed and deteriorating fiscal discipline are driving broader demand for FX hedging and fueling short USD sentiment, despite lighter positioning levels.
EUR Sentiment Resilient but Not Euphoric:
EUR bullishness remains intact, even as respondents express skepticism about any large-scale EU investment push or fiscal acceleration. Expectations are low, leaving room for upside surprises—but also little conviction behind aggressive EUR long positions.
Cautious Undercurrents Emerging:
The rise of long rates and short risk as top conviction trades reflects building concern over a global growth slowdown. With 37% of respondents viewing long risk as the most crowded trade, there's growing hedging interest against downside scenarios.
Conclusion:
BofA finds that short USD continues to anchor investor conviction into year-end, driven by fundamental and structural US concerns. However, the increasing appeal of defensive trades like long rates and short risk suggests sentiment may be shifting cautiously—particularly if global growth decelerates meaningfully.