BofA Securities has reported that its institutional clients were net buyers of U.S. stocks last week, marking a significant shift after a five-week period of net selling. The bank’s latest note reveals that institutional investors added nearly $6 billion to U.S. equities, representing the 10th largest inflow since 2008.
This turnaround comes amidst a challenging month for the stock market, which has experienced sharp declines driven by fears of a U.S. recession. The S&P 500 index has dropped about 4% in August, though it has shown signs of recovery in recent sessions.
According to BofA, while institutional clients turned net buyers, hedge funds and private investors were net sellers during the same period. The inflows were particularly notable in the technology and communication services sectors. Tech stocks, in particular, experienced their first inflows in four weeks, reflecting renewed investor confidence in this sector.
The data underscores a cautious optimism among institutional investors, who are now seizing opportunities amid market volatility. The recent shift in buying patterns may signal a potential stabilization or rebound in equities, providing a counterpoint to the broader market concerns over economic growth.
As the market continues to navigate through these turbulent times, the behavior of institutional investors will be closely watched for further indications of market trends and investor sentiment.
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