Expert Insights on the Economy, markets, and the critical impacts to investments
Capital Markets Outlook
Get ahead with quarterly insights from leading experts on key drivers of economics and market shifts. From macro trends to investment strategies, we equip you with actionable insightst and perspectives to cut through the noise and seize emerging opportunities.
Your Guide to Market Trends and Opportunities
Get ahead with quarterly insights from leading experts on key drivers of economics and market shifts. From macro trends to investment strategies, we equip you with actionable insights and perspectives to cut through the noise and seize emerging opportunities.
Featured
What We'll Discuss
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The State of the “Trinity”
While the aggregate growth level remains relatively stable, albeit noisy, the dynamics of the balancing act between inflation and labor have been shifting. We will examine the Fed’s likely path forward and potential outcomes.
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Magnificent Seven vs. the Others
Over the last year, equity returns have narrowed, broadened and narrowed once again. Although the pendulum has swung back to highly concentrated, that doesn’t mean it will remain this way indefinitely. We will examine which areas of the equity market we prefer and why.
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Bonds and the Bumpy Road to Normalization
As one question has been answered, two more have appeared; now that the Fed has been given clearance to cut rates in September, markets are grappling with the correct pace of cuts and the proper terminal rate. We will examine both questions in greater detail as well as what this means for bonds.
Upcoming Webcast
What We'll Discuss
The State of the “Trinity”:
All eyes remain fixed on inflation, growth and labor—and their net effect on interest rates. Though these three variables have not reflected the impact of fiscal policy so far, we expect that to change over the coming months.
The Magnificent Seven versus the Others:
Equity returns have continued to broaden, but questions remain around how long this trend will last. When volatility reigns, selectivity becomes crucial, particularly given the frothy valuations and high concentration levels of market indices.
Bonds and the Road to Normalization:
Although the focus has largely shifted from the Fed to the White House, the rate discussion should retake center stage as policy effects become clearer. Markets may be grappling with the “right” start date for rate cuts, but the pace of cuts and terminal rate demand more focus.
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Last Quarter
Get Caught Up on Last Quarter's Outlook
Explore our topics from 3Q 2025 Capital Markets Outlook: Red Light, Green Light...Yellow Light?
What We Discussed:
What We Discussed:
Bonds and the Road to Normalization:
The focus has shifted from the Fed to the White House, as fiscal policy complicates macro trends. While markets were skeptical about rate cuts earlier this year, they’ve been pricing in more reductions as uncertainty grows. However, the pace and endpoint are anything but firm.
Get Caught Up on Last Quarter’s Outlook
October 8, 2024 / 66 min
Presented by Walt Czaicki, CFA, Eric Winograd, Matt Sheridan, CFA, and Daryl Clements
4Q:24 Capital Markets Outlook— Normalization: Endgame
Although the pandemic has grown increasingly distant in the rearview mirror, many of its economic ramifications have lasted well into 2024. As we look ahead to the final quarter of the year, and into 2025, we expect the US economy to shake off the lingering effects of the pandemic and officially start a new chapter. This chapter will notably include lower rates and a new president in the White House. However, with change typically comes a degree of discomfort and uncertainty. Fortunately, a strong foundation has afforded the Fed time and flexibility to ease the US economy into a soft landing.
More for You
Webcast Replay
63 min watch
AB's Capital Markets Committee discuss opportunities across asset classes and market segments our quarterly outlook webcast.
5 min read
With growth moderating and inflation cooling, the US seems on track for a soft landing—as markets digest a stream of incoming information.