We are cautiously optimistic for both stocks and bonds as we enter 2024, even accounting for heightened risk.In equities, we see opportunities in size, style, sector, and country exposures. Targeted exposure is well placed to beat broad market-weight exposure, according to our analysis. For bonds, we see broad appeal across different maturity profiles. Government bonds are our preferred exposure. Corporate bonds are priced for a slowdown, but not a recession, so they could carry heightened risk. The U.S. dollar looks expensive versus other major currencies, so international currency positioning (and possibly hedging) may be a worthwhile addition to your portfolio toolkit.Equity OpportunitiesAmong the basket of undervalued and unloved assets, .Cyclical sectors like financials (namely banks), leap out as attractive. Among economically sensitive sectors, communication services remain appealing. Among defensive sectors, healthcare and utilities could offer a ballast with upside potential.Global contrarian plays include the United Kingdom, emerging markets equities, and, specifically, Chinese technology. The volatility could be worth it, but sizing is important., primarily in the U.S. market, could offer an earnings tailwind.The Broad Equity Landscape Entering 2024Equities look fairly well positioned as we start 2024, despite facing a wall of worry. Stocks are reasonably valued overall, with all major countries better placed than a few years ago from a valuation standpoint.Overall, we see U.S. equities as playing a role for investors, although has created opportunities to add selected value—which looks especially interesting in smaller, value-oriented companies. In other developed markets, we see attractive valuations with higher-than-usual return prospects on our analysis, especially in pockets of Europe (for example, U.K. and European energy stocks). While emerging markets are undoubtedly risky, we can see strong return prospects in most scenarios, although position sizing remains important. Naturally, reward for risk is the key distinction to make, with some developing risks that must be accounted for in equity allocations. One longer-term risk is the lack of earnings growth. This is a challenge because investors have been driving prices higher relative to earnings—a dynamic known as multiple expansion. One potential reason for the expansion of multiples this year was a belief that central banks would quickly and aggressively pivot to cut rates. This is no longer the consensus base case.Here are some of the key risks we’re watching:Moderate ValuationsValuation expansion has largely been in AI stocks. Second-derivative AI stocks have not had the same rally.The U.S. market contains some expensive sectors and concentration risks.Select opportunities exist in global equities.Softening EconomyHigh rates can weaken consumer demand, particularly if they persist.A weaker consumer can impact corporate revenue and ultimately the labor market.Weaker European countries may trough sooner than the U.S. market.Weakening FundamentalsIn the United States, overall corporate leverage is manageable, but debt costs are increasing.Corporate profitability is high, but vulnerable on the margin.Capital-intensive sectors remain more exposed to a protracted move higher in debt costs.External ShocksGeopolitical risk is high (Ukraine, Israel, and China).An oil market shock could hurt the global economy.Commercial real estate remains a risk but appears to be a localized problem.Suddenly higher long-term yields could have unintended effects.While stocks have certainly not tumbled off a cliff, investors continue to feel nervy, with consumer sentiment scores still well below normal levels. At a deeper level, valuation spreads—the disparity in valuation levels between sectors—is where we see opportunity. Equity Opportunity 1: Select Sectors—Including Financials, Utilities, and HealthcareWith U.S. index returns having been driven predominantly by large-cap growth companies that dominate index weightings—aka the “Magnificent Seven″—we’re finding valuation opportunities elsewhere., squarely a cyclical value-leaning sector, leaps out as inexpensive with low expectations. Rising rates and the 2023 U.S. banking crisis led the sector to underperform. We believe much of the risk here has been discounted and that U.S. banks, in particular, are worth a look., Our Best Investment Ideas for 2024 We see opportunities in both stocks and bonds in the year ahead., High-yield savings accounts, CDs, bonds, funds and stocks are all considered among the best investments available. The best way to invest your money depends on individual factors..