Market resilience is encouraging amid AI weakness, says Baird's Mayfield

Market Overview - The S&P 500 has shown a strong performance, up over 17% on a price basis in 2025, although it is currently flat compared to levels from two months ago [1] - The market is characterized by a rotation rather than a sell-off, with a focus on cyclical real economy stocks [2] Investment Sentiment - The market's resilience in the face of AI skepticism is viewed positively, indicating a healthy market environment [2] - There is a notable lack of volatility, which could pose risks to market sentiment in the first quarter [4] Sector Performance - There is a potential revival for lagging categories such as quality and value stocks, alongside the continued leadership of AI-related stocks [5] - Recent weeks have seen a rebound in discretionary spending, suggesting a more favorable consumer outlook than previously anticipated [6] Global Market Dynamics - The market's strength is not limited to the US, with positive performance observed in Japan, Europe, and emerging markets [6] - Global participation in the market is considered under-discussed, yet it plays a significant role in the overall market dynamics [3] Interest Rates and Economic Outlook - Interest rates are expected to remain sticky above 4%, which necessitates a focus on quality investments, especially in value sectors [8] - Concerns regarding fiscal issues and inflation pressures are influencing the long end of the yield curve, with expectations that the 10-year yield may approach 5% in 2026 [10][11]