Core Viewpoint - Dividend-paying stocks are expected to perform well in 2026 due to declining interest rates and the anticipated continuation of this trend, which will drive demand for dividend stocks and lower borrowing costs for certain sectors [3][4][5]. Group 1: Realty Income - Realty Income is a high-quality REIT with a current dividend yield of 5.72% and a market capitalization of $52.1 billion [7][12]. - The company has a strong track record, having declared 666 consecutive monthly dividends and increased its dividend for over 30 years [9]. - Realty Income focuses on stable tenants less affected by online competition, with a diversified portfolio of 15,500 properties primarily leased to commercial and industrial tenants [10][12][13]. - The company's tenants include 7-Eleven, Dollar General, and Walgreens, which provide non-discretionary items and services [13]. Group 2: NextEra Energy - NextEra Energy is a leading electric utility and renewable energy company with a dividend yield of 2.83% and a market capitalization of $167 billion [14][19]. - The company operates Florida Power & Light Company, the largest rate-regulated electric utility in the U.S., benefiting from Florida's growing population [15]. - NextEra is the world's largest producer of renewable energy from solar and wind, positioning it well for future growth [15]. - The company has increased its dividend for 31 consecutive years and plans to raise it by 10% through 2026, followed by targeted increases of 6% in 2027 and 2028 [18].

the average cost of a car has gone up an incredible amount. And what we're seeing is then the average loan value for auto loans has increased more than any other loan value. And that may sound like okay, but if you think about it, mortgages tend to be the one that grows the most because house prices have appreciated so much over time.So the fact that the average auto loan has grown more than the average mortgage has over that 15-year period is telling. Okay. Secondly, obviously there is this double whammy.S ...

The forint dropped after Hungarian Economy Minister Marton Nagy renewed his calls for lower interest rates and questioned central bank policies which have caused the currency to strengthen https://t.co/QuKQVTjuUq ...

Core Viewpoint - The Fidelity Dividend ETF for Rising Rates (FDRR) targets U.S. large- and mid-cap companies that are likely to pay and increase dividends, showing a positive correlation with rising interest rates [1] Group 1 - FDRR provides exposure to companies expected to enhance their dividend payouts [1] - The ETF focuses on large- and mid-cap companies within the U.S. market [1] - The strategy is designed to benefit from a rising interest rate environment [1]

Macro Economy - The 10-year Treasury yield initially went to 4% first, briefly hitting a 52-week low of 388% in April, before rising again to around 415% [2][3] - The labor market weakened, with monthly job additions declining from over 100,000 to an average of around 17,000 in the past 6 months, and the unemployment rate rising from 4% to 46% [5] - Despite initial market concerns, the Trump administration's policies have overall been favorable for stocks, with the NASDAQ up over 21%, the S&P up almost 17%, and the Dow up almost 14% for the year [7] - S&P 500 earnings growth for 2024 is expected to be slightly lower than anticipated, around 10% instead of 12%, but earnings expectations for 2025 and 2026 have gradually climbed back to levels above initial forecasts [13][15] Market Performance & Outlook - The market initially reacted negatively to potential tariffs, with the S&P falling 21%, but quickly rebounded after the tariffs were reduced or postponed [8] - The "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA), particularly the immediate expensing of capital investments, could be a significant catalyst for earnings growth in 2026 [9] - Earnings growth is considered the most important determinant of stock direction, and the earnings growth outlook has improved over the past 12 months [17][18] - Earnings expectations for 2026 are now nearly 14%, higher than the initial projection of 12%, setting a high benchmark for market performance [16] Federal Reserve & Interest Rates - The Federal Reserve's actions, particularly cutting short-term interest rates, have influenced the tenure, which has touched the 4% level multiple times [2] - There is a lack of consensus on the number of rate cuts needed from the Federal Reserve, even among members of the open market committee [4] - Labor market weakness has allowed the Fed to remain accommodative [6]

>> AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE YEAR, WE RAN THIS THREE PART SEGMENT ON MY 25 QUESTIONS FOR 20 2025. LOOK, I CAME UP WITH FOUR BIG MACRO QUESTIONS, ONE QUESTION FOR EACH OF THE 11 MAJOR SECTORS AND OF COURSE, TEN TECH SPECIFIC QUESTIONS. SO NOW THAT THE YEAR IS NEARLY OVER.LET'S TALK ABOUT THE ANSWERS. FIRST QUESTION, DOES THE YIELD ON THE TEN YEAR TREASURY GO TO 4% OR 5% FIRST OR NEITHER. AT THE TIME, THE TENURE WAS SITTING AT JUST OVER 4.5%.AND THIS IS ONE WHERE WE GOT A DEFINITIVE ANSWER BECAUSE THE TEN ...

The Russell 2000 has had a strong year, hitting all-time highs a few weeks ago and pacing for its eighth straight month of gains. Its best run since mid 2021, but what can we expect for the group in 2026. Let's turn to our resident small cap expert Julie Beiel.What do you think the backdrop will be for small caps, Julie. >> I I think it looks pretty positive. You know, small caps are more economically sensitive and they should be benefiting from lower interest rates because they tend to borrow on a variable ...

Core Viewpoint - The Russell 2000 has experienced significant gains, reaching all-time highs and is expected to continue its positive trend into 2026, particularly benefiting from lower interest rates and economic sensitivity [1][2]. Small Cap Outlook - Small caps are anticipated to outperform larger caps due to their economic sensitivity and the favorable impact of lower interest rates on their borrowing costs [2]. - Despite a confusing year where low-quality small cap companies have outperformed, the long-term outlook remains positive for small caps, especially as earnings growth becomes more pronounced [3][4]. Investment Opportunities - Companies identified as potential investment opportunities include: - Ali's, a discount value retailer, which is well-positioned to meet consumer demand for value across income spectrums [4]. - LMT, a healthcare company with differentiated products for vascular surgeons, showing strong pricing and margin potential [5]. - Mullis, a company acquiring top talent in private equity, positioned to benefit from a favorable regulatory environment and potential earnings growth [7]. Economic Considerations - The economic backdrop for small caps is generally positive, but concerns exist regarding the potential for rising interest rates and unemployment, which could hinder small cap performance in 2026 [9].

Can the positive momentum continue. Joining us now is Kay Okamura. He is New Burger Berman's portfolio manager for Japanese equities.And Kay, it's great to have you on the show. Given the fact that the bank of the Japan Bank of Japan has been hiking, can the equity market continue to power higher. >> Hi, thanks for having me on the show, Marine.So, let me let me break that down to a couple parts. First of all, uh we do think that the market can go higher and that's on the back of the fundamentals and the va ...

Market Outlook for 2026 - The market indicates positive underlying economic factors despite business challenges in the current year [2] - Broadening market trends are expected to continue, benefiting growth stocks into 2026 [3] - Momentum heading into the new year is strong, supported by earnings and a potentially stable or easing Federal Reserve policy [4] - Confusion around market leadership (Mag 7 vs broader market) is expected to persist, requiring focus on earnings and Fed policy [9] Historical Context & Potential Risks - The average bull market lasts about five years, suggesting the current one is still relatively early [6] - Stocks have only risen for four consecutive years with double-digit percentage gains once in the last 100 years, highlighting potential for a market correction [10] Supporting Factors - Constructive elements from a major bill passed this summer are beginning to materialize [7] - Clarity around tariff policy, consumer-related factors (back tax refunds), and deregulation efforts are expected to support business growth [7] - Fundamental underpinnings and earnings are supporting current valuations [8]