Capital Market Outlook

June 21, 2021

IN THIS ISSUE

Macro Strategy — Elevated Narrow Range for Margins Likely Through 2022: Because of deeply negative current real interest rates, profit margins are unlikely to decline much from elevated current levels before 2023, in our view.
Global Market View — A Mid-year Glimpse at Global Equities: We believe there are several drivers and risks investors should consider if within their risk tolerance, as we move into the second half of the year.
Thought of the Week — R&D As a Key Driver of Global Growth and Competitiveness: Spending on research and development is an essential building block of future growth and prosperity for nations and companies alike.

Important Disclosures

All data, projections and opinions are as of the date of this report and subject to change.

The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America") and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S" or “Merrill"), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation.

Bank of America, Merrill, their affiliates, and advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. Clients should consult their legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

All recommendations must be considered in the context of an individual investor’s goals, time horizon, liquidity needs and risk tolerance. Not all recommendations will be in the best interest of all investors.

Investments have varying degrees of risk. Some of the risks involved with equity securities include the possibility that the value of the stocks may fluctuate in response to events specific to the companies or markets, as well as economic, political or social events in the U.S. or abroad. Bonds are subject to interest rate, inflation and credit risks. Treasury bills are less volatile than longer-term fixed income securities and are guaranteed as to timely payment of principal and interest by the U.S. government. Investments in foreign securities (including ADRs) involve special risks, including foreign currency risk and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. These risks are magnified for investments made in emerging markets. Investments in a certain industry or sector may pose additional risk due to lack of diversification and sector concentration.

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