Charles-Henry Monchau

Chief Investment Officer

Chart #1 — 

Fed leaves rates unchanged

 

The Fed held interest rates steady, opting not to mirror the European Central Bank’s recent rate cut. It maintained its stance on US economic growth as "solid," downplaying the weak Q1 GDP by attributing it to a temporary surge in imports. Despite growing uncertainty, the Fed’s forward guidance remains unchanged.

“The committee … judges that the risks of higher unemployment and higher inflation have risen”, stated the Fed’s Powell. Currently, Powell faces the most difficult scenario for any Fed president. The Federal Reserve's dual mandate is to promote two main economic goals: maximum employment and price stability—with uncertainty is on both sides.

This decision is likely to provoke criticism from President Trump, especially as other major central banks, including the ECB and the PBOC, move to ease policy in anticipation of a disinflationary shock.

Powell emphasised there is no urgency to adjust rates, reflecting the Committee's current stance. Markets now anticipate a rate cut by the end of July, whereas just a month ago, a cut by June was considered almost certain. The probability of a June cut has since dropped below 24%.

Source: Bloomberg, HolgerZ


Chart #2 — 

The AI fight between Google and Microsoft 

Alphabet's stock plunged 7% as concerns mount among investors that the company could follow the path of outdated tech giants like Eastman Kodak. Apple executive Eddy Cue disclosed that Apple is actively exploring AI-powered search tools for Safari, following a historic drop in the browser's search usage last April. Considering this, Apple is evaluating alternatives to Google, including OpenAI, Perplexity, and Anthropic.

"Today could mark a historic turning point in sentiment toward Alphabet," says Melius’s Reitzes.

Source: Bloomberg, HolgerZ


Chart #3 — 

US retail investors are buying US stocks like never before...

 

US retail investors are on an unprecedented buying streak, having purchased domestic stocks for 21 consecutive weeks—the longest stretch ever recorded.

This run far exceeds the previous record of 10 straight weeks, which occurred just before the 2022 bear market.

At the same time, hedge funds are reducing their positions at a historic pace. Who will be right?

Source: Global Markets Investor


Chart #4 — 

US companies are repurchasing stocks at record pace

Share buyback activity by US corporations is accelerating sharply. As of 2 May, buyback announcements have surged to all-time highs, underscoring the growing influence of capital return strategies on market dynamics.

Source: Bloomberg


Chart #5 — 

Hanging up on Skype 

It’s the end of an era, Skype, once the go-to platform for video calls in the 2000s, is being shut down.
Launched in 2003, Skype blew up fast and had over 50 million users by 2005. Microsoft bought it in 2011 for $8.5 billion and tied it into products like Windows and Xbox.

When Zoom came along, gaining popularity during the pandemic, and when Windows 11 came out with Teams built in, Skype was left in the dust. Search trends show Skype was already losing popularity before that.

From now on, Microsoft Teams—the free version–replace Skype. People can still keep their chats and group messages, but, according to The Verge, calling features like local and international calls will be gone.

Source: Chartr


Chart #6 —

Warren Buffett now owns an astonishing 5.1% of the entire US Treasury Bill Market

Berkshire Hathaway holds a staggering $305 billion in US. Treasury Bills, according to its consolidated balance sheet as of 31 March 2025. This means Warren Buffett’s firm owns over 5% of the entire Treasury Bill Market.

Source: Barchart


Chart #7 — 

China’s manufacturing might: still deeply underestimated 

This visual speaks volumes: In 2024, China's industrial production was projected to be around $4.16 trillion—surpassing the combined output of the United States, Germany, and India.

That represents nearly a quarter of global manufacturing coming from a single country.

Despite this, many policymakers continue to assume that China could be easily pressured through tariffs or trade negotiations.

The facts tell a different story: the combined industrial output of the US, Germany, and India (about $4.11 trillion) still falls short of China’s alone. And only around 15% of Chinese exports even go to the US.

Why it matters:

  • In a world where supply chains, financial flows, and global politics are increasingly interconnected, underestimating China's industrial foundation could lead to major miscalculations in trade, tech, and geopolitical strategies.
  • As the next wave of globalisation unfolds, industrial dominance will increasingly define strategic independence, and China is advancing rapidly on that front.

Source: Visual Capitalist, Ryan Lemand


Disclaimer

This marketing document has been issued by Bank Syz Ltd. It is not intended for distribution to, publication, provision or use by individuals or legal entities that are citizens of or reside in a state, country or jurisdiction in which applicable laws and regulations prohibit its distribution, publication, provision or use. It is not directed to any person or entity to whom it would be illegal to send such marketing material. This document is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer, solicitation or recommendation for the subscription, purchase, sale or safekeeping of any security or financial instrument or for the engagement in any other transaction, as the provision of any investment advice or service, or as a contractual document. Nothing in this document constitutes an investment, legal, tax or accounting advice or a representation that any investment or strategy is suitable or appropriate for an investor's particular and individual circumstances, nor does it constitute a personalized investment advice for any investor. This document reflects the information, opinions and comments of Bank Syz Ltd. as of the date of its publication, which are subject to change without notice. The opinions and comments of the authors in this document reflect their current views and may not coincide with those of other Syz Group entities or third parties, which may have reached different conclusions. The market valuations, terms and calculations contained herein are estimates only. The information provided comes from sources deemed reliable, but Bank Syz Ltd. does not guarantee its completeness, accuracy, reliability and actuality. Past performance gives no indication of nor guarantees current or future results. Bank Syz Ltd. accepts no liability for any loss arising from the use of this document.

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