Halfway through 2026 — the market tug of war

Sean Clarke

As we close out Q2 and review the year so far, there are several interesting dynamics at play.

We have often viewed the different “economic and market forces” as trending either good or bad, positively or negatively. Although that is a somewhat general and more broad-based mentality, when the factors and forces trend negatively, it can be wise to think more defensively. The counter to that notion is also valid. When these same forces are strong and lean more positively, a “risk on” investment mindset can be sensible and ultimately beneficial.

That said, as we evaluate the economy and the capital markets halfway through this year, there are some less obvious trends taking shape. As markets dramatically recovered from their corrective levels in late March, all we seem to hear about is artificial intelligence (AI) — the technology evolution that is rapidly advancing before our eyes, changing the landscape of the future and driving stock prices higher for all companies involved. After tech stocks sold off in March, most have recovered significantly price-wise. Meanwhile, large cap value stocks showed their more defensive nature by holding up well, while the growth and momentum names consolidated and corrected.

Headlines would have you believe that market returns have been dominated by growth and technology stocks, but that is not really the case. The Russell 1000 Value Index is up roughly 16% year-to-date. Its counterpart, the Russell 1000 Growth Index, is up only 1% over that same period. Large companies/caps, both domestic and international, have been up approximately 10% halfway through the year. Small Caps, as represented by the Russell 2000 Index, are up 20% year-to-date, and emerging market equities are up over 22% over that same time frame. As we look at what has attributed to (or detracted from) market returns this year, significant contributions have been made outside of the AI cohort.

As usual, the market is rotating and different sectors are delivering returns. Technology names have continued to provide ample contributions, but the remainder of market components have become more meaningful and additive. We are seeing value stocks assume leadership over growth stocks. Small Caps are generating returns in excess of large caps. This rotation and broadening market participation seems to have legs. The corresponding read-through: Thoughtfully diversified portfolios are benefiting from these cyclical adjustments.

As we move into Q3, there are reasons to be both cautious and optimistic. Inflation (both CPI, Core & PPI) remains high.

Cost increases in areas that affect most consumers (domestic and abroad) are real. If consumers spend more on housing, food and energy, there are other areas that those dollars are not finding. We are in a “higher for longer” environment interest rate-wise. The Fed’s ability to cut rates in the face of higher inflation has been severely impacted. In fact, we do not think the Fed will cut rates this year, but if they do, it will likely be a fourth quarter consideration. Not to belabor this point, but high interest rates have been the single common denominator in economies facing contraction, historically speaking. Certain areas of the market (AI momentum names) are arguably overvalued, and any hitches in revenue and earnings expectations can drive these stocks lower.

Overall, the tug of war between positive factors and negative factors seems to be at a stalemate, which in our minds continues to emphasize the importance of diversification and rebalancing at this time. At some point, we will face more significant consolidation and a market correction. Concentrated portfolios will likely get punished in that environment while thoughtful, diversified strategies, that are tactically rebalanced, will be better positioned to weather this eventual storm more adeptly.

Sean Clarke, MBA, is president of Baldwin & Clarke Advisory Services in Bedford. He can be reached at seanclarke@baldwinclarke.com.