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HSBC Strategists Slash U.S. Equity Overweight, Favor Global Markets

HSBC’s global strategists sharply reduced their overweight position in U.S. equities, reallocating toward emerging markets and European stocks as economic momentum abroad appears stronger. The shift reflects concerns about U.S. equity valuations and changing growth prospects, signaling cross-border flow impacts for market participants adjusting risk exposures.

January Jobs Report Shows 130K Payroll Gains Amid Critical Benchmark Revisions

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released delayed January employment data showing 130,000 new jobs added, exceeding expectations of 70,000. However, annual benchmark revisions revealed 2025 employment was significantly weaker than previously reported, with total job gains revised down from 584,000 to just 181,000 for the year.

Eurozone Inflation Slips Below ECB Target as Services Price Pressures Ease

Eurozone inflation fell to 1.7% in January 2026, dropping below the European Central Bank’s 2% target for the first time in years. The data, released on Feb. 4, suggests softer price pressures across key sectors, including services and energy, prompting fresh debate among economists on the ECB’s monetary policy path. Although core inflation moderated modestly, the risk of prolonged subdued inflation could influence future rate decisions.