UBS says client activity levels ‘could remain subdued’ in Q2

The company said, "Persistently high inflation and tight labor markets in many countries in the first quarter of 2023 caused central banks to continue to raise interest rates. The recent liquidity concerns in the banking sector and geopolitical tensions, particularly between the US and China and with regard to the Russia-Ukraine war, led to significant uncertainty in asset valuations and the outlook for economic growth. Against this backdrop, clients continued to diversify cash holdings by investing their deposits into money market instruments, while sentiment and activity levels remained muted in the first quarter of 2023. The macroeconomic situation going forward remains uncertain, and while concerns about the stability of banks have abated, they have not gone away. As a result, client activity levels could remain subdued in the second quarter of 2023. Weak client sentiment may affect net new assets in our asset-gathering businesses; however, we expect net interest income will remain at higher levels, compared with last year, in the current interest rate environment. We are focused on completing the acquisition of Credit Suisse, most likely in the second quarter of 2023 which will advance our strategy, particularly in Global Wealth Management and Switzerland. The complexity of the integration will require sustained diligent effort. While we execute these changes, we will not be distracted from our primary focus: supporting our clients with advice and solutions."