Equities: Pullback seen as pause in tech-led rally – Danske Bank

Danske Research Team notes that equities fell on stronger macro data, Middle East headlines and higher Oil prices, but they view the move as a modest setback within an exceptionally strong rally. They highlight that small caps outperformed large caps on a negative day and stress that market direction and sector rotation remain heavily dependent on tech performance.

Setback framed as temporary pause

"Equity markets fell yesterday, not because macro data disappointed, quite the opposite, but partly on negative news from the Middle East and a further rise in oil prices."

"In our view, however, the pullback should be seen just as much in the context of the exceptionally strong rally over recent months. A modest setback does not change the underlying direction or the broader sentiment picture."

"When a rally has been so heavily led by tech and AI, a negative surprise from Broadcom will typically be enough to trigger some profit-taking. That looks more like a pause than a change in trend."

"Most Asian markets are lower this morning, while European and US futures are also trading in negative territory. "

"The fact that small caps outperformed large caps on a negative day is also telling. Right now, the market direction and the rotation beneath the surface remain heavily dependent on what happens in tech."