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Impact of geopolitics over time?

Tensions between the U.S./Israel and Iran have recently boiled over into a military conflict, which has given many investors the jitters. However, our research shows that equity market pullbacks resulting from geopolitical events are often short lived with the S&P 500 typically higher in the months following these events.


The events in the Middle East involving the U.S., Israel and Iran have led many investors to worry about the near-term implications for financial markets and oil in particular. As largely expected, the biggest impact has been on the price of oil. While it may be hard to know how long this conflict will last, history demonstrates that as long as there is no sustained energy supply shock, S&P 500 returns are higher one, three, six and 12 months after a geopolitical conflict according to data since 1939.

Over time, it’s equity market fundamentals — earnings and interest rates ― that drive markets. Given that the fundamentals remain supportive, we reiterate our constructive outlook on global growth and markets in 2026, reminding investors that a globally diversified portfolio will help navigate near-term uncertainty and preserve wealth.

Can the bull run in corporate margins continue?

Higher inflation and elevated interest rates typically weigh on corporate profitability, yet corporate margins continue to climb to record highs. While that strength is evident both in the U.S. and abroad, U.S. outperformance versus Europe is now the widest on record. Stronger margins have helped contribute to better-than-expected earnings and reinforce U.S. equity leadership. The question now is whether that strength can persist?

20 October | English

Higher yields, but lower sensitivity

Higher interest rates have become a frequently cited risk to corporate earnings and the economy. The conventional thinking is straightforward: when borrowing costs rise, companies face higher interest expenses, profits come under pressure, and economic growth slows. While there is truth to that relationship, the current cycle may differ from investors’ expectations.

13 October | English

Is AI productivity hiding in the data?

Both the dot-com era and the rise of artificial intelligence suggest that early productivity data can understate the actual economic impact of transformative technologies. In the case of the internet, later revisions to productivity gains surpassed early estimates. The same may prove true for AI, implying stronger support for growth.

06 October | English

History of stocks after the Fed hikes

History of stocks after the fed hikes

Sticky inflation and resilient growth have revived monetary tightening, increasing the risk of higher-for-longer rates and near-term volatility. We continue to believe economic resilience and strong corporate profits should continue to provide a favorable backdrop for stocks, and would use periods of market weakness to add selectively to equities. Additionally, owning real assets can help hedge against inflation.

22 September | English