The sector has continued to underperform expectations, leaving investors disappointed. But this disappointment should not obscure the shifting dynamics that may favor a brighter outlook in the year ahead.
Outlook
While outcomes are always highly uncertain, a consistent, disciplined, and repeatable investment process is firmly in their control.
Today’s CPI came in much hotter than expected, and the impacts were felt throughout the bond market and the dollar complex.
The markets remain supported by strong fundamentals, such as growing earnings, sturdy consumer spending, a healthy labor market and cooperative inflation. Given the economic momentum, Fed Chair Powell indicated that the central bank is in no hurry to lower interest rates further.
As fraud continues to evolve, businesses must adopt a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that spans the entire customer and supplier lifecycle, integrating AI, big data, and continuous monitoring to effectively combat emerging threats.
The markets were caught off guard by the new AI startup based in China - but was it a “black swan” event or just another development in the fast-moving world of AI?
There are always reasons to be skeptical of the economy. But from FOMC policy, to earnings, to trade and fiscal policy, the risks on the margin may well be for a better-than-expected outcome.
When data leads to big decisions, customers need peace of mind to track where data is coming from and ensure that it is secure, reliable and able to meet regulatory and compliance standards.
If an upstart developer can create an open-source platform that requires far less hardware to be productive, then it has the potential to puncture the expected demand for the type of chips needed.
Small caps underperform as yields rise due to higher financing costs and limited ability to refinance debt compared to large caps.
With tightening liquidity, low implied correlations, and potential for a more hawkish Fed outlook, the upside for equities seems limited compared to the downside risks.
The “Goldilocks” narrative—an economy that’s neither too hot nor too cold—made a comeback last week.