HIgh valuations could be an issue as there's less defense against risks, says Empower's Marta Norton

Market Overview - The S&P 500 is on track to end a 7-day winning streak after reaching a new all-time high [1] - Since April 8th, the market has experienced significant gains, driven by strong earnings that exceeded expectations, particularly in the context of AI advancements [2] Valuation Concerns - Current valuations appear stretched, raising questions about how much positive news is already priced in [3] - While not indicating a bubble, there is a caution regarding the sustainability of these valuations [3] Portfolio Strategy - It is suggested to rebalance portfolios by taking profits from high-performing sectors and reallocating to underperforming areas such as healthcare and small caps [4][5] - The focus should be on sectors where sentiment is less stretched, despite the potential for further gains in the current market [5] Earnings Outlook - Strong earnings growth is anticipated, particularly in the financial sector and among mega-cap tech companies, with growth rates above 20% expected [6] - The earnings story is expected to remain positive, which could support continued investment in cyclical stocks despite economic concerns [8] Economic Indicators - There is a high probability (92%) of a rate cut this month, with an 88% chance of another cut in December, indicating a shift in monetary policy [10] - Concerns about inflation persist, but small caps are expected to perform well in this environment [10] Year-End Expectations - The S&P 500 is not expected to experience a sell-off before year-end, with strong earnings supporting continued market strength [11] - The upcoming Q3 earnings season will be crucial in determining the market's trajectory, with potential for upside surprises [11][12]