Key Points Many investors are divided on where the market is headed in 2026, making it a daunting time to buy. In some cases, buying now could be risky. In others, it could be lucrative. Focusing on quality stocks is key to surviving potential volatility. These 10 stocks could mint the next wave of millionaires › Warren Buffett officially retired from his long-standing role as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of 2025, but his investing advice is more relevant than ever. As we head into the ...

My 2026 outlook for the S&P500 ( SP500 ) is a recessionary bear market with the AI bubble burst , in which case the S&P500 could fall significantly, possibly down to 4100.Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial short position in the shares of SPX either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is ...

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft shares are experiencing downward pressure due to internal sales adjustments indicating weakening momentum in the commercialization of its AI products [1][3]. Group 1: Sales Adjustments and Market Reaction - Microsoft opened with a nearly 3% decline, reflecting investor concerns over the company's AI revenue trajectory [1][3]. - Several divisions within Microsoft have reduced their sales growth targets for key AI offerings, following a fiscal year where many sales teams did not meet growth goals [3][4]. Group 2: AI Product Performance - The lowered targets specifically affect newer AI-driven products, particularly agent-style tools aimed at enterprise customers, suggesting slower uptake than anticipated [4][5]. - Microsoft had relied on rapid expansion in its AI portfolio to maintain elevated growth, but the target cuts indicate a more cautious approach from customers regarding large budgets for these emerging tools [5][6]. Group 3: Industry Implications - The adjustments signal broader concerns about a potential cooling in the AI boom, as market valuations for AI-focused companies have reached historic highs based on expectations of sustained revenue growth [6][7]. - Evidence of slower or fragmented adoption of AI products may suggest that parts of the sector have outpaced fundamental growth, leading to a recalibration of expectations for gradual monetization in the industry [7][8].