Expert Insights on the Economy, markets, and the critical impacts to investments

Capital Markets Outlook

 
 

Your Guide to Market Trends and Opportunities

Get ahead with quarterly insights from leading experts on key drivers of economics and market shifts. From macro trends to investment strategies, we equip you with actionable insightst and perspectives to cut through the noise and seize emerging opportunities.

 
 
Last Quarter
 

Get Caught Up on Last Quarter's Outlook

Explore our topics from 4Q 2024 Capital Markets Outlook- Normalization: Endgame

What We Discussed:

The Fed Focuses on Labor

All eyes remain fixed on inflation, growth and labor but unlike past quarters, the Fed is more focused on labor as inflation becomes ever more predictable.

Broad Equity Opportunities

Equity opportunities have started broadening, but questions remain around its longevity as the economy continues to normalize.

Volatility Ahead with Rate Cuts

While rates fell sharply at the news of cuts, the critical determinant variables of pace and end point will bring volatility as markets search for solid footing ahead.

 
Capital Markets Outlook 4Q 2024—Normalization: Endgame
23 October 2024 / 5 min read

Normalization and expected Fed rate cuts create a compelling environment for investors who do their homework.

4Q:2024 Capital Markets Outlook Video
08 November 2024 / 5 min watch
Walt Czaicki

Despite strong returns for both equities and fixed income investments this year, investors will need to be selective to find the best opportunities as markets move into a more normal economic environment. AB's Senior Investment Strategist, Walt Czaicki, highlights opportunities in this new landscape, such as healthcare and infrastructure companies, dividend-growth stocks, and high-yield bonds.

What We'll Discuss

  1. The “macro gap” in Fed rate cut expectations:

    As key variables such as inflation, growth and the labor market have normalized, Fed members have reached diverse conclusions on the best next steps for monetary policy. We’ll discuss what rate path we expect and scenarios that could upend current trends.

  2. The “fundamental gap” between earnings and multiples:

    Earnings have started to exit their multiyear stupor, but multiples have forgotten to take a breather. This doesn’t have to mean the party’s over, but it is a reminder that portfolios need more diversification. We’ll assess the market landscape and which areas we think offer the best opportunities.

  3. The “political gap” between present and future fiscal policies:

    The Biden administration will give way to the Trump administration in 2025. As we overlay Trump’s platform on current trends, we expect fiscal policy to play a bigger market role over the next four years. We’ll review the policy menu and its potential effects.

 

More for You

Webcast Replay
63 min watch

AB's Capital Markets Committee discuss opportunities across asset classes and market segments our quarterly outlook webcast. 

5 min read

With growth moderating and inflation cooling, the US seems on track for a soft landing—as markets digest a stream of incoming information. 

 
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Latest Outlooks
 
 

Explore Our Latest Outlooks

A skier carves their way down a steep mountain slope, spraying snow behind them.
01 October 2024 / 4 min read
Scott DiMaggio

We expect bond yields to trend gradually lower—but it may be a bumpy ride. These seven strategies may help investors take advantage.

A wavy bridge with multicolored side walls offers pedestrians a clear path forward despite the apparent instability.
02 October 2024 / 8 min read
Nelson Yu

Market conditions are shifting fast. But making impulsive changes to equity portfolios and allocations can be counterproductive.

Trees with red, gold, and orange leaves lining a walking path on both sides.
11 October 2024 / 4 min read
Matthew Bass

Interest rates are falling but growth is holding up. Still, we see ways to proactively shore up private allocations.

 
 
Featured
 

1Q:25 Capital Markets Outlook Webcast—Mind the Gaps

Presented by Walt Czaicki, CFA

Although the pandemic has grown increasingly distant in the rearview mirror, many of its economic ramifications have lasted well into 2024. As we look ahead to the final quarter of the year, and into 2025, we expect the US economy to shake off the lingering effects of the pandemic and officially start a new chapter. This chapter will notably include lower rates and a new president in the White House. However, with change typically comes a degree of discomfort and uncertainty. Fortunately, a strong foundation has afforded the Fed time and flexibility to ease the US economy into a soft landing.

 
 

What We Discussed:

The Fed Focuses on Labor

All eyes remain fixed on inflation, growth and labor but unlike past quarters, the Fed is more focused on labor as inflation becomes ever more predictable.

Broad Equity Opportunities

Equity opportunities have started broadening, but questions remain around its longevity as the economy continues to normalize.

Volatility Ahead with Rate Cuts

While rates fell sharply at the news of cuts, the critical determinant variables of pace and end point will bring volatility as markets search for solid footing ahead.

 

Get Caught Up on Last Quarter’s Outlook

October  8,  2024 / 66 min

Presented by Walt Czaicki, CFAEric WinogradMatt Sheridan, CFA, and Daryl Clements

4Q:24 Capital Markets Outlook— Normalization: Endgame

Although the pandemic has grown increasingly distant in the rearview mirror, many of its economic ramifications have lasted well into 2024. As we look ahead to the final quarter of the year, and into 2025, we expect the US economy to shake off the lingering effects of the pandemic and officially start a new chapter. This chapter will notably include lower rates and a new president in the White House. However, with change typically comes a degree of discomfort and uncertainty. Fortunately, a strong foundation has afforded the Fed time and flexibility to ease the US economy into a soft landing.