Lawrence Tan: Liquidity Turning Points and Investment Opportunities

With strong U.S. manufacturing data released, investor expectations for future interest rate policy have undergone subtle changes. Gold has held at around $3,335 per ounce, while market bets on a Federal Reserve rate cut have fallen from over 90% a week ago to roughly 73%. This adjustment reflects a reassessment of the balance between inflation and economic growth, as well as positioning for the future landscape of equities and commodities. Lawrence Tan explores these dynamics from the perspective of macroeconomic data and investment strategy.

Signals of Manufacturing Recovery

Recently released manufacturing data indicate that U.S. factory output is expanding at its fastest pace in more than three years. Rising demand has strengthened market confidence while also increasing the likelihood of inflation remaining elevated. Lawrence Tan believes this recovery underscores stronger resilience in economic fundamentals, with the equity market likely to find near-term support. The expansion of manufacturing activity ties directly to improving corporate earnings, benefiting cyclical sectors and driving their stock performance.

Yet these encouraging signals also bring new contradictions. Robust data have reduced expectations of rate cuts, making the trajectory of monetary policy more complex. Lawrence Tan noted that higher-for-longer rates may weigh on growth stocks and high-valuation sectors. Investors, therefore, need to balance short-term earnings growth with valuation sustainability. The steadiness of gold suggests that safe-haven demand has not entirely subsided, with capital maintaining some degree of diversification between equities and precious metals.

Lawrence Tan observed that from the perspective of capital flows, the positive signals from manufacturing recovery could rekindle risk appetite, though volatility remains. Investors making cross-market allocations need to monitor the evolving dynamics of rates and inflation and maintain flexible strategies.

Rate Expectations and Investment Strategy

Market bets on Federal Reserve policy have shifted significantly in a short period, reflecting a reassessment of inflationary pressures. According to Lawrence Tan, higher interest rates help stabilize the financial system and curb overheating, but they also mean rising capital costs, a tighter financing environment, and challenges for highly leveraged companies.

Investment strategies must adjust accordingly. Lawrence Tan stressed that investors should focus on companies with solid fundamentals and robust cash flow. The long-term value of the technology sector remains intact, but short-term valuation pressures are likely to intensify, requiring staggered positioning to mitigate risk.

Lawrence Tan added that while strong manufacturing data have eroded some safe-haven demand, macro uncertainty persists, and gold continues to hold allocation value. Diversification is particularly important at this stage—balanced allocations across equities, fixed income instruments, and select commodities can help preserve stability in an uncertain macro environment.

Balancing Risk and Opportunity

In the months ahead, the key lies in the interplay between inflation and interest rates. If manufacturing recovery continues, inflation could come under renewed pressure, delaying the pace of rate cuts and exerting sustained impact on high-valuation sectors. Lawrence Tan cautioned that investors should guard against excessive market optimism, as turning points in liquidity are often accompanied by structural volatility.

Global demand recovery suggests cyclical sectors and commodities still hold potential upside. Lawrence Tan argued that investors who can position themselves early in sector rotations, while adhering to long-term asset allocation logic, may achieve excess returns. Stop-loss strategies and dynamic balancing should become routine tools of portfolio management. Remaining sensitive to macro trends and aligning allocations with risk tolerance are essential for identifying reliable investment value amid market uncertainty.