Standard Chartered Favors Stocks Over Bonds in Q2, Raises Gold Target

Standard Chartered said in its global investment outlook for the second quarter of 2024 that the world economy was likely to achieve a soft landing, with inflation gradually easing without a pronounced contraction in growth. Against that backdrop, the bank maintained its preference for stocks over bonds and identified investment opportunities in the semiconductor and software sectors.

Standard Chartered most recently said markets had moved past the peak of panic and remained bullish on Asian equities and gold. Citing geopolitical risks and demand for safe-haven assets, the bank raised its 12-month gold target to $5,750 an ounce while maintaining its second-quarter recommendation to favor stocks over bonds.