Capital Markets 2026 Outlook Summary Industry Overview - The report focuses on the Capital Markets industry, specifically analyzing the performance and outlook for various segments including Alternative Asset Managers, Traditional Asset Managers, Brokers, Trust Banks, and Exchanges [2][8]. Key Themes and Insights Theme 1: Capital Markets Recovery - A significant recovery in Capital Markets is anticipated, particularly in M&A and Equity Capital Markets, with global announced M&A volumes increasing over 40% year-on-year in 2025 [28]. - IPO activity has also seen a meaningful re-acceleration, although both M&A and IPO volumes remain below cyclical averages, indicating potential for further growth [28][39]. - Companies such as CG, BX, TPG, and KKR are highlighted for their substantial earnings exposure to Capital Markets-sensitive revenues, estimated at 30%-40% of total revenues [29]. Theme 2: Interest Rates and Asset Growth - The Federal Reserve's funds rate is projected to decline to 3% by the end of 2026, with a steepening yield curve expected [6]. - Wealth Brokers and Trust Banks are anticipated to experience cash revenue and net interest income (NII) growth in 2026, driven by increased balances and lower asset sensitivity compared to previous cycles [6][15]. - Specific firms like RJF and SCHW are expected to outperform consensus estimates, with RJF projected to grow by 2% in 2026 and 7% in 2027 [6]. Theme 3: Alternative Managers' Growth - Alternative Asset Managers are expected to see management fee growth accelerate to a 16% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in 2026-2027, up from 11% in 2023-2025 [6][11]. - Growth is anticipated to broaden beyond Credit, with Private Equity and Real Estate showing signs of recovery, alongside continued strength in Infrastructure and AI sectors [6]. Theme 4: Traditional Managers' Outlook - Traditional Asset Managers are expected to see long-term organic growth accelerate to over 1% in 2026, with firms like AMG and BLK leading in organic base fee growth [7]. - Growth drivers include increased flows into Fixed Income, Active ETFs, and leveraging distribution capabilities for Private Markets strategies [7]. Theme 5: Exchange Volume Challenges - Exchanges are facing tough year-on-year volume comparisons, particularly in 2026, following record volumes in 2025 [7]. - However, sectors such as Energy and Equities are expected to deliver meaningful volume growth, supported by retail investor participation and recovery in IPO markets [7][14]. Additional Insights - The report indicates a positive outlook for Trust Banks, with firms like BK and STT expected to benefit from accelerating deposit growth and favorable NII outlooks [15]. - The report emphasizes the importance of expense management and capital returns in driving EPS growth across various segments [15][12]. - Despite a challenging environment, select areas within the Capital Markets are expected to see structural growth, particularly in newer product areas like event contracts and prediction markets [16]. Conclusion - The Capital Markets industry is poised for a recovery driven by improving financial conditions, increased M&A and IPO activity, and growth in alternative and traditional asset management sectors. The outlook remains broadly constructive, with specific firms identified as key beneficiaries of these trends [2][8].

Core Viewpoint - The Home Depot, Inc. is experiencing challenges with its recent earnings report, but there is optimism regarding its stock performance if interest rates decline in the near future [1][2]. Group 1: Earnings Performance - Home Depot reported a slight sales beat, but both earnings and same-store sales were below expectations, leading to a 6% drop in stock price [2]. - The company has revised its full-year forecast downward for both comparable sales growth and earnings, indicating a tough financial outlook [2]. Group 2: Market Sentiment - Jim Cramer expressed optimism about Home Depot's stock, particularly in the context of a potential interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve, which could positively impact the stock's performance [1]. - The upcoming Fed meeting is seen as a pivotal moment that could lead to a rapid turnaround for Home Depot's stock [1].

Group 1 - Seeking Alpha welcomes Gustavo Ribeiro as a new contributing analyst, encouraging others to share investment ideas for publication [1] - The article emphasizes the opportunity for contributors to earn money and gain access to exclusive SA Premium features [1] Group 2 - The analyst has disclosed a beneficial long position in ENPH shares, indicating personal investment interest [2] - The article reflects the author's opinions without external compensation, highlighting independence in analysis [2] Group 3 - Seeking Alpha clarifies that past performance does not guarantee future results, underscoring the importance of individual investor discretion [3] - The platform does not provide specific investment recommendations, emphasizing the diverse backgrounds of its analysts [3]

Core Insights - LHV Group experienced significant growth in its loan portfolio in May, with a consolidated increase of EUR 104 million, while deposits decreased by EUR 34 million [1][3] - The company reported a consolidated net profit of EUR 10.3 million for May, with a return on equity of 17.3% [2] - The number of customers for LHV Pank grew by 2,800, surpassing 470,000, indicating strong customer acquisition [3][8] Loan and Deposit Performance - The loan growth was robust at EUR 83 million, with EUR 51 million from corporate loans and EUR 32 million from private loans [3] - The overall quality of the loan portfolio remains strong, with a resolution found for one of the largest non-performing loans, leading to a reduction in provisions [3] - Corporate banking deposits decreased less than expected, while retail banking deposits increased by EUR 88 million [3] Subsidiary Performance - AS LHV Pank earned a net profit of EUR 10.5 million, while LHV Bank Ltd, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Varahaldus reported net profits of EUR 28 thousand, EUR 339 thousand, and EUR 297 thousand respectively [2] - LHV Kindlustus continued stable revenue growth, concluding new insurance contracts worth EUR 3.15 million, with a total of 274,000 valid contracts by the end of May [5] - LHV Varahaldus saw its larger pension funds grow by 1.2% and 2.3%, with the LHV Pensionifond Indeks increasing by 5.6% [6] Market Developments - LHV Bank launched its initial retail customer offer in the UK, allowing customers to use the bank app and perform various banking functions [4] - The company issued AT1 bonds worth EUR 50 million in April, with EUR 15 million called back in May, and increased share capital by EUR 366,721.30 through a share option program [7] Company Overview - LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group in Estonia, with key subsidiaries including LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited [8] - The group employs over 1,150 people and serves 471,000 banking customers, 111,000 pension fund customers, and 176,000 insurance customers [8]