In this webinar, Sikich experts and Osaic Chief Market Strategist Phil Blancato discuss the unexpected strength of the 2025 markets and a cautiously optimistic outlook for 2026. The conversation explores labor-market stability, easing inflation, AI’s role in driving productivity, strong bond performance, and expanding opportunities beyond mega-cap tech—all while highlighting key indicators to watch, including jobless claims and inflation.
Key takeaways:
- AI must prove its worth in 2026: Market valuations now depend on whether AI translates into real productivity and revenue gains. Failure to do so could trigger meaningful pullbacks.
- Bonds are attractive again: After delivering unexpectedly strong returns in 2025, fixed income offers compelling yields and diversification benefits heading into 2026.
- Jobless claims and inflation will determine the market’s direction: Rising unemployment or inflation would signal economic weakening, while stable readings support moderate positive returns.
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