In recent market developments, Bank of America’s strategists, have suggested that S&P index level protection could be a prudent investment strategy, given the impact of surging long-term rates on the stock market.

The strategists noted that major tech stocks have been instrumental in shielding the S&P 500 from negative impacts associated with other market sectors. This is despite gold (GC00) experiencing a decline, real estate nearing a three-year low, and utilities (XLU) registering their worst five-day return in two decades.

These tech stocks have also contributed to a lower volatility index (VIX), which reflects the Federal Reserve’s role in conditioning investors to fear upside risk more than downside. This observation highlights the central role of tech stocks in stabilizing the broader market, even amid significant fluctuations in other areas of the economy.

The strategists’ suggestion for S&P index level protection comes as a response to these market dynamics, offering a potential hedge against the effects of high interest rates on various sectors.