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SEI Forward: First quarter

April 3, 2025
clock 5 MIN READ

Market review

“In like a lion” certainly held true for the first quarter of 2025 as tariff escalations, new entrants in the artificial intelligence (AI) race, stubborn inflation, and softening economic data all contributed to reversals of fortune from 2024. Recently dominant market themes, including U.S. exceptionalism, European economic stagnation, and a global soft landing, seem to have shifted considerably during the first 90 days of the year as international equity markets outperformed the U.S., Germany launched substantial stimulus measures, and U.S. interest rates fell on rising recession probabilities. Investors’ hopes for an “out like a lamb” remainder of the year appear unlikely given the continued overhang of tariff announcements and retaliations, the on again/off again peace negotiations in Europe, and mixed messages from corporate earnings and consumer behavior that reflect a “wait-and-see” approach to these uncertain times.

The Long Game 

Uncertainty is one of the clear certainties of capital markets. In fact, any endeavor that involves discounting the future (such as investing) exists in the realm of uncertainty. There are times, however, when uncertainty feels more…present. I think most would agree that our current moment clearly falls into that category, and for good reason. 

Thus far, 2025 has delivered more than just a momentum reversal, the potential for steeper and wider applications of tariffs, and a higher probability of a U.S. recession. It has also delivered (or at least highlighted) some notable transformations affecting the global economy and capital markets.

Returns in USD unless otherwise noted.

jim_smigiel

Chief Investment Officer, Investment Management Unit

Important information 

SEI Investments Canada Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of SEI Investments Company, is the Manager of the SEI Funds in Canada. 

The information contained herein is for general and educational information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, tax, accounting, securities, research or investment advice regarding the Funds or any security in particular, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment. This information should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell a security, derivative or futures contract. You should not act or rely on the information contained herein without obtaining specific legal, tax, accounting and investment advice from an investment professional. This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific point in time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. Statements that are not factual in nature, including opinions, projections and estimates, assume certain economic conditions and industry developments and constitute only current opinions that are subject to change without notice.

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