1) The author upgrades European equities to Overweight due to improved political and economic conditions in Europe. Political risk has receded following centrist election victories in France and improving economic data across major European countries.
2) Earnings growth in Europe has surprised to the upside, with revenues and earnings growing around 9% and 20% respectively in the recent reporting season, well above comparable US growth. However, European stock valuations remain attractive relative to US stocks.
3) Key factors that could further improve the European investment case include ongoing economic improvements, ECB maintaining accommodative monetary policy, and stability in bond markets and inflation. Political risks remain from the Italian elections.