Morgan Stanley analysts told investors in a note Monday that "the bear is still alive."
The analysts made the claim based on the firm's boom/bust framework. The analysts noted that with the S&P 500 rally now crossing the 20% threshold, more investors are declaring the bear market is officially over.
"We respectfully disagree due to our 2023 earnings forecast. Ironically, a Fed pause may awaken the bear tactically just as liquidity headwinds ramp up," wrote the analysts.
"Interestingly, this bear market thus far looks quite similar to the 1946-48 period, which coincides well with our boom/bust regime analysis from that era."
They also said the firm is watching earnings quality, which "as measured by net income-to-cash flow, recently reached its weakest level in the past 25 years."