MIDYEAR OUTLOOK 2026
The Wave Rolls On
Markets have remained resilient through the first half of 2026, supported by strong earnings, continued AI investment, and a still-expanding economy. While investors continue to navigate inflation, market volatility, and geopolitical uncertainty, the forces that have supported growth remain in place. Explore the trends influencing today’s market environment and the factors investors may want to watch in the months ahead.
Midyear Outlook: Trends Worth Watching
AI investment, inflation, and market resilience continue to shape investor sentiment. Take a closer look at the themes Carson Investment Research is watching in the second half of 2026.
“The forces supporting growth haven’t disappeared. The AI wave is the big story in markets and the macroeconomy, as AI-related investment spending translates to higher profits and expanding margins, but also inflation.”
Sonu Varghese, Chief Macro Strategist, at Carson Group
“The waves behind this bull market remain powerful tailwinds, with earnings and profit margins helping drive prices higher, even amid uncertainty surrounding the Middle East, inflation and the Fed.”
Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist, at Carson Group
