Bofa

• India has overtaken Indonesia as the least-preferred stock market in Asia according to a recent Bank of America survey of fund managers. • Approximately 32% of the surveyed respondents are currently net underweight on Indian equities, signaling a bearish sentiment. • Key drivers for this shift include high market valuations, weak economic growth, limited structural reforms, and a perceived lack of exposure to AI.

• India has overtaken Indonesia as the least-preferred stock market in Asia, according to a Bank of America poll conducted between August 7 and August 13. • The survey, which included 98 panelists managing $272 billion in assets, identified a lack of clear AI exposure and weak growth as the primary risks for Indian equities. • While Taiwan and Japan remain the top preferred regions, Indian stocks have declined over the past two weeks despite an improving earnings outlook.

• India has replaced Indonesia as the "least-favoured" Asian stock market according to a recent fund managers' survey conducted by Bank of America Corp. • The shift comes as India's stock market ranks among the worst performing in Asia this year, leading many fund managers to maintain underweight positions. • This trend signals growing caution among global investors regarding the Indian market's current valuation and performance trajectory.

• Bank of America and the Bank of America Institute released the 2026 Workplace Benefits Report on July 21, 2026, showing that the financial wellbeing of U.S. employees has reached a four-year high. • Retirement confidence has increased, with 73% of workers reporting they feel on track for retirement, marking a 6-point rise from 2025. • Despite these gains and a year-over-year drop in debt-related stress, economic anxiety and persistent cost-of-living pressures remain significant financial stressors for American workers.

• BofA Finance (NYSE: BAC) has sold $3.21 million in index-linked digital return notes. • The notes offer a 10.84% digital return provided that three major indices, including the S&P 500 (SPX), remain above 65% of their initial levels. • Investors face significant risk, as they are exposed to the full downside of the indices and the credit risk associated with the issuer.

• BofA Securities has identified top U.S. high-grade stocks across key sectors to watch for potential growth. • The firm highlights that strategic acquisitions, expanding infrastructure assets, and predictable cash flows are the primary drivers for earnings and shareholder returns. • These recommendations come amid a broader economic context where the U.S. economy added 57,000 jobs in June.