Historically, these low levels of positive revisions for companies in the MSCI World Index haven't typically lasted for long periods of time. Can we expect an increase in optimistic estimates?
Developed Europe has the dubious distinction of being the leader in negative revisions while the outlook for North American (and, particularly, U.S.) companies is distinctly more positive.
And, while sales and EPS revisions over a three- and six-month time horizon have not been overwhelmingly optimistic in emerging markets either, there was a notable improvement in sales estimates over the last month, led mostly by improvements in Asian companies.
Of course, sales and earnings are impacted by exchange rates. If current trends in major currencies persist and these relationships hold, there is a chance that revisions could deteriorate further.
