Stock Market Undervalues Trump’s Deregulation Agenda, Bank of America Reports
The U.S. stock market has yet to fully account for the potential positive impact of President Donald Trump’s deregulation agenda, according to a recent analysis by Bank of America. The financial institution suggests that deregulation could provide a significant boost to stocks, particularly in certain sectors.
Bank of America analysts have identified deregulation as the “last bullish theme” not yet reflected in current stock prices. While policy discussions have been dominated by tariffs, the growth-positive potential of deregulation has been largely overshadowed. President Trump’s executive order, which mandates the elimination of 10 regulations for every new one introduced, aims to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses.
The financial and consumer sectors are expected to be the primary beneficiaries of this deregulation push. Financials, especially large banks, are anticipated to gain from reduced regulatory constraints. Additionally, consumer discretionary, commodities, transport, and capital goods sectors are likely to see positive impacts.
Despite high valuation metrics, Bank of America suggests that the stock market may not be overvalued when considering the potential benefits of deregulation. Investors are advised to focus on sectors that were previously heavily regulated and currently trade at discounts.
Financial stocks are recommended as a long-term investment, while technology stocks may face a relative de-rating. This shift is already evident in market trends, with financials showing strong year-to-date returns and outpacing the technology sector.
As awareness of the deregulation agenda grows, investors are beginning to adopt strategies favoring financials over technology. This trend is expected to continue as the full impact of deregulation becomes more apparent in the coming months.
The analysis underscores the importance of considering policy changes when evaluating market potential, particularly in an environment where regulatory reform could significantly alter the business landscape for many sectors.