Our base case is for modest economic growth and inflation calm enough to allow for a resumption of interest-rate cuts. In this environment, we expect decent returns from bonds and even better performance from stocks, especially in regions outside North America where valuations are relatively appealing.
Economy
- U.S. public policy remains the dominant macroeconomic theme, with tariffs and tax cuts both attracting close attention. 
- The global economy has been resilient in the face of protectionism but some areas of the economy have begun to soften modestly, including the labour market. 
- Inflation resulting from President Trump’s tariffs is becoming visible although the net effect of tariffs on inflation may be somewhat smaller than initially expected. 
- We believe a U.S. recession remains unlikely, and our global growth forecasts are flat to slightly higher than a quarter ago. 
RBC GAM GDP forecast for developed markets
Note: As of August 29, 2025. Source: RBC GAM
Fixed Income
- The Fed is on the cusp of resuming interest-rate cuts to support the labour market even as inflation remains slightly above target. 
- The U.S. 10-year yield at 4.2% is attractive and situated above modelled equilibrium if inflation does not return with force. 
- Our model indicates that the current real yield is about 70 basis points above normal given longer-term structural factors. 
- We can expect 10-year Treasury bonds to deliver returns in the mid single digits over the year ahead, with minimal valuation risk, in addition to providing critical ballast against equity-market volatility in the context of a balanced portfolio. 
U.S. 10-year T-bond yield
Equilibrium range
Note: As of August 29, 2025. Source: RBC GAM
Equity Markets
- Global equities soared to records, extending their impressive rebound from earlier this year, with broad participation from international stocks. 
- U.S. large-cap stocks, Canadian equities and Japanese equities are fully valued, but stocks in Europe, the UK and emerging markets appear to be attractively priced. 
- Although valuations are elevated in the highly concentrated U.S. large-cap equity market, the ultimate driver of a sustained advance in stocks is corporate-profit growth, and earnings have been much better than expected. 
- If profits continue to meet or even exceed analysts’ expectations, the rally could have further room to go but heightened valuations may limit the magnitude of any future gains. 
Global stock-market composite
Equity-market indices relative to equilibrium
Note: As of August 31, 2025. Source: RBC GAM