Citi's Rob Rowe: We think it's a done deal on an October rate cut and expect another in December

Market Overview - Major indices are reaching record highs following the recent CPI data, indicating a positive market sentiment [1] - The CPI data revealed no significant tariff transfer effects on inflation, with overall year-over-year CPI at 3%, which is still above the target [2] Federal Reserve Outlook - The expectation is set for a rate cut in October, with another cut anticipated in December, regardless of potential government shutdowns [3] - The upcoming November period is expected to yield average returns, although some volatility may arise from job data releases [3] Sector Performance - The sentiment remains positive, particularly in the technology sector, with ongoing investments in innovation [5] - There is a strategic balance between tech investments and cyclicals, such as finance and utilities, to capitalize on anticipated policy easing [6] AI Adoption and Earnings - Concerns exist regarding the pace of AI adoption, currently estimated at only 5-10%, which may delay productivity and revenue gains [6][7] - Earnings reports have been positive, primarily from non-tech sectors, with significant infrastructure tech spending influencing results [8] Private Credit Concerns - Recent issues in private credit have been linked to isolated fraud cases rather than broader economic conditions, suggesting a well-structured industry [9][11] - The potential for increased instances of fraud may reflect the current economic cycle, but a recession is not anticipated, leading to a more optimistic outlook [14]