Edward Jones' Mona Mahajan: Expect some bouts of volatility in the second half of year

Earnings and Economic Outlook - Second quarter earnings are on pace for 10% year-on-year growth, with double-digit growth likely by year-end [2] - Expectation of softening in the economy in the second half of the year, but not recessionary [2] - Anticipation of lower interest rates by the Federal Reserve in 2026, coupled with a potential tax bill kicking in next year, supporting continued earnings growth [2] Federal Reserve Policy - Market overreacted to the possibility of three rate cuts this year; one to two cuts are more likely [3] - Cooling labor market data, with revisions substantially lower for the past two months, supports the potential for the Fed to move rates towards a neutral level of around 35% [4][5] - Expectation that Jerome Powell will signal a potential rate cut and indicate that a 50 basis point rate cut is unlikely [6] Investment Strategy and Technology - Tech and AI sectors have exceeded expectations in terms of capex, data center spending, revenue, and earnings [9] - Investors should have exposure to the long-term secular story in AI and technology [10] - Expectation that sectors benefiting from productivity gains, such as healthcare, industrials, and financial services, will participate in the AI and technology growth [10] - AI and technology are expected to help reduce inflationary pressures by making costs more effective [12] - Margin expansion is anticipated in 2026, partly driven by the AI story [13] - Technology will be used to supplement labor, a trend expected to start next year and continue in the years ahead [15]