US Stocks: Better Now Than Before the Trade War?

Fundstrat’s Tom Lee thinks the US stock market is healthier now than it was before the Trump-era trade wars. He shared his optimistic outlook in a recent CNBC interview.

Why the Positive Outlook?

Lee points to several factors fueling his optimism:

  • Improved Trade Clarity: The uncertainty surrounding trade tariffs is significantly lower than it was just a few months ago.
  • Long-Term Growth Potential: He sees positive prospects for 2026, citing potential deregulation, tax cuts, and further interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
  • Resilient Companies: Businesses have weathered economic storms, exceeding earnings expectations even during difficult times. Lee considers this a major positive sign.
  • Higher Price-to-Earnings Ratio (PE): He predicts a rise in the PE ratio in the coming months, further supporting his bullish outlook.

Investor Sentiment and Market Positioning

Lee also highlights the role of investor sentiment and market positioning:

  • Shifting Sentiment: A shift from negative to neutral or positive investor sentiment could boost the market in the second half of the year.
  • Underinvestment: Many institutional investors remain cautious, meaning there’s potential for increased investment and market growth. He expects any market dips to be relatively shallow due to this underinvestment.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and shouldn’t be considered investment advice. Always do your own research before making any investment decisions./p>