Are Equity Markets’ Valuations Stretched?

The International Monetary Fund (or IMF) also warned that the downside risks to world financial stability have increased over the past six months. In this context, it added, “Valuations of risky assets are still stretched, with some late-stage credit cycle dynamics emerging, reminiscent of the pre-crisis period.” This it believes could lead to the unwinding of risks, leading to higher risk premiums and repricing of risky assets. The IMF’s view of US equity markets is similar to that of Morgan Stanley’s (MS).