Tariffs still haven't hit earnings in aggregate, says NewEdge's Cameron Dawson

Market Overview - The market has shifted focus from trade tensions to earnings performance, with earnings continuing to reach new 12-month forward highs driven by AI capital expenditures [3][4] - Despite concerns about potential impacts from tariffs, overall earnings have not been significantly affected, allowing the market to maintain upward momentum [2][3] Valuation and Historical Context - Current valuations for major tech companies (excluding Tesla) average between 35 to 38 times forward earnings, which is significantly lower than the over 200 times seen in 1999 for companies like Cisco and Intel [5][6] - The market is not in a euphoric state similar to the late 1990s, suggesting that the current AI-driven growth may continue to support performance [6] Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - The probability of a rate cut in December is currently at 71%, down from 84%, indicating a cautious market sentiment despite some expectations for cuts [8][9] - Analysts suggest that while the market is pricing in rate cuts, there is a risk that the Fed may not deliver as expected, especially if labor market data does not indicate significant weakness [9][10][14] Economic Implications - The market's reliance on further rate cuts implies a belief that the labor market is weaker than suggested by current data, which could lead to aggressive valuations if growth estimates are too high [14][15] - A balanced approach to rate cuts is preferred, as excessive cuts could signal deeper economic issues, impacting market stability [14][15]