Market Outlook & Potential Risks - The market anticipates further stimulus, but a "hawkish cut" by the Federal Reserve, signaling a potential end to rate cuts, could disappoint investors and compress market gains [1][2] - Mega-cap stocks may not experience significant further gains, potentially leading to market consolidation [2][3] - A hawkish Fed message, indicating a pause until the next Fed president is in office (February), could benefit mid and small-cap stocks while the MAG7 stocks may underperform [4] - Historical trends suggest that after three consecutive years of 10% S&P returns, the median return is only 25%, raising concerns about potential consolidation or pullback [5] 2026 Forecast & Volatility - The firm's 2026 S&P price target is 7,150, representing approximately a 4% increase from the previous day's close [5] - Technical and fundamental analysis suggests higher volatility in 2026, with strength in the first half followed by a drawdown in the third quarter before midterm elections [8] - The firm anticipates mid-single-digit returns for 2026, requiring a recalibration of market expectations [8] - A potential 20% pullback is expected around Q2 or Q3, driven by midterm elections [9][10] - The potential loss of the House or Senate by the current administration could trigger the drawdown, while subsequent Fed cuts could catalyze a market recovery [10][11]

Uh joining us right now to talk more about the broader markets is Megan Shu. She is chief investment strategist at Wilmington Trust, also a CNBC contributor. And thank you for coming in this morning, Elizabeth.Megan, sorry, Elizabeth Shu. That's that's what's in my head, Megan. Thank you.[laughter] >> Um let's talk a little bit about where you see things with the Fed meeting today. I I know you're of the opinion that they should cut and you know this is a pretty difficult time for forecasting with what the ...

Core Insights - The Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and the Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) are both large-cap U.S. growth funds, with VONG offering broader diversification and lower volatility, while VUG has slightly better recent returns and lower costs [1][7]. Cost & Size Comparison - VUG has an expense ratio of 0.04% compared to VONG's 0.07%, making VUG more cost-effective for fee-conscious investors [3]. - As of December 9, 2025, VUG's one-year return is 16.47%, while VONG's is 15.88% [3]. - VUG has assets under management (AUM) of $353.0 billion, significantly higher than VONG's $45.6 billion [3][10]. Performance & Risk Metrics - Over five years, VUG has a maximum drawdown of -35.61%, while VONG's is -32.72% [4]. - A $1,000 investment in VUG would grow to $1,984 over five years, compared to $2,028 for VONG [4]. Holdings & Sector Allocation - VONG holds 391 stocks with a sector mix heavily weighted towards technology (55%), followed by consumer cyclical (13%) and communication services (12%) [5]. - VUG is more concentrated with 160 holdings, also leaning towards technology (53%), communication services (14%), and consumer cyclical (14%) [6]. - Both funds have similar top holdings, including major tech companies like Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [5][6]. Diversification & Liquidity - VONG's larger number of holdings may provide better diversification, potentially limiting risk, while VUG's smaller selection could lead to higher earnings if the selected stocks perform well [9]. - VUG's higher AUM contributes to greater liquidity, facilitating easier buying and selling of shares [10].

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Welcome back to the Crypto channel everyone. My name is Josh and right now Bitcoin is still struggling at this exact area of resistance while there's now less than one day to go until the next FOMC meeting also known as a Fed meeting which could heavily affect the market in the short term. While the price of Bitcoin in the shorter term is continuing to form a new price pattern that we need to pay attention to, while Ethereum is now hitting my exact price target on the price chart, but is now flashing a new ...

RT CoinDesk Podcast Network (@CoinDeskPodcast)🗞️ Traders bet on extreme bitcoin volatility with $20K put options.🗞️ Michael Saylor delays Strategy's Japan preferred equity, giving Metaplanet a head start.🗞️ The CFTC launched a pilot program allowing BTC, ETH, and USDC as collateral in U.S. derivatives markets.@JennSanasie hosts "CoinDesk Daily."🤝 @Figure x CoinDesk Media Network. ...

The biggest risk to your portfolio isn’t volatility. It’s you selling during volatility. ...

Core Insights - The 2026 Outlook by LPL Financial emphasizes a data-driven perspective on the economic and market landscape, providing actionable insights for investors to navigate policy-driven trends and volatility [1][2] Group 1: Market Dynamics - Markets in 2026 are expected to be heavily influenced by fiscal and monetary policy rather than traditional fundamentals, with policy decisions shaping sentiment and market direction [4] - Volatility is anticipated to continue in 2026, with supportive policy conditions expected to benefit markets despite the ongoing volatility [3][4] Group 2: Investment Opportunities - Equity markets are likely to extend gains, driven by enthusiasm around artificial intelligence (AI) and a more accommodative Federal Reserve, although high valuations and concentration in mega-cap technology stocks may increase sensitivity to company-specific risks [5] - The stock market's outlook for the second half of 2026 will depend on trade talks, AI developments, interest rate fluctuations, and tax policy, with modest gains expected due to already high valuations [6] Group 3: Risk Management Strategies - Diversification is essential in a complex, policy-driven market, with LPL Research recommending spreading exposure across asset classes, sectors, and regions, while incorporating noncorrelated alternatives to enhance portfolio resilience [7] - Investors should pay attention to alternative investments that do not follow traditional market trends, especially in a policy-driven environment [8]

RT Naga Avan-Nomayo (@JeSuisNaga)This is the calm before the Fed, or so analysts say.#Bitcoin is settling around $90K as traders price in a cut at Wednesday's FOMC.But crypto seems more focused on Chair Powell’s forward guidance.Mixed ETF flow, thinning liquidity, whale accumulation, falling OI — all pointing to a market bracing for volatility.Full story below ↓ ...

Investors are scared—and that's setting up a terrific opportunity for us in 8%+ yielding covered-call CEFs. That's because volatility fuels the income these stout funds get from their option strategies. And that income flows right into our dividend checks. I've got two 8%+ payers delivering growing "option-boosted†dividends for you below. And thanks to the market's relative calm these last few months, these funds are bargains. But the last four years of history say we're likely headed into a storm. That's b ...