As the second half of 2026 begins, investors face questions about the key forces shaping the future of financial markets. This year, we continue our tradition of using the third-quarter edition of Strategy Insights to answer the top 10 most frequently asked investor questions.

With global equity markets near all-time highs, we believe now is an opportune time to take stock of key market drivers — both challenging headwinds and favorable tailwinds. Overall, we remain confident in expectations for continued global growth.

The 10 questions we address in this publication are wide-ranging in nature, which speaks volumes about the complexity of issues investors are tackling this year.

  1. Given geopolitical concerns, what is our market outlook?
  2. What is next for the AI trade?
  3. What are the potential market implications if the Federal Reserve ends forward guidance?
  4. What is the trajectory of earnings growth in the second half of 2026?
  5. What are potential market implications of U.S. midterm elections?
  6. Do we expect slowing consumer spending or demand destruction?
  7. What is our outlook for interest rates?
  8. What is our outlook for private credit?
  9. Has gold lost its luster?
  10. What is our outlook for international equities?

FOR AN IN-DEPTH LOOK
Strategy Insights Third Quarter 2026