Computer-driven trend-following funds have amassed their biggest net-long equity position since January 2020, Deutsche Bank strategist Parag Thatte said, after a roughly 30% rebound in the S&P 500 from its April low lured systematic models back into stocks. While quants chase momentum, discretionary portfolio managers trimmed their equity allocations from neutral to modest underweight in the week to Aug. 1, wary of slowing growth, higher tariffs and mixed earnings. Deutsche Bank calls the resulting gap between machine-led and human positioning unusual and historically short-lived. Market participants are now watching whether incoming economic data validate the caution of human managers or keep the rally alive. A resilient economy could force discretionary investors to rebuild exposure, Thatte noted, whereas a downturn would likely prompt CTAs to unwind their bullish bets just as quickly.