Research & Gradings
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This week is likely to be dominated by earnings (Alphabet, Amazon and Palantir), a further look into how AI is playing out on company balance sheets, more economic data releases, and the US partial government shutdown (which we expect to be short-lived).
For this week the dominant events are earnings (led by tech names), the Fed meeting (expect no change in rates), and the possibility of a new US government shutdown. Although the geopolitical fracas over Greenland has subsided for now, investors are wary of risk and are buying gold and other precious metals as a safe harbor trade.
Geopolitics, policy uncertainty and market volatility rule for now, which will be balanced by what is expected to be another strong earnings season and continued signs of economic expansion.
We are cautiously optimistic about markets and the US economy for 2026, but there are plenty of downside risk factors. While many investors are focused on AI, the US intervention in Venezuela signaled that geopolitical risk is a major factor for the year ahead. We are witnessing a major shift to power politics, which has implications for markets. You can expect to see efforts to uphold a rules-based international system, which makes economic statecraft a part , both local and national, of our forecast for 2026.
The Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting dominates the week. The idea of a 25-bps interest rate cut is baked into the picture, though what is said afterwards is important in setting the tone for 2026.
The US government shutdown is now the longest in US history (past 40 days); private sector economic data shows softening labor markets; consumer sentiment is shaky; and “soft landing” talk has resurfaced.
This week is likely to be dominated by earnings (Alphabet, Amazon and Palantir), a further look into how AI is playing out on company balance sheets, more economic data releases, and the US partial government shutdown (which we expect to be short-lived).
For this week the dominant events are earnings (led by tech names), the Fed meeting (expect no change in rates), and the possibility of a new US government shutdown. Although the geopolitical fracas over Greenland has subsided for now, investors are wary of risk and are buying gold and other precious metals as a safe harbor trade.
Geopolitics, policy uncertainty and market volatility rule for now, which will be balanced by what is expected to be another strong earnings season and continued signs of economic expansion.
We are cautiously optimistic about markets and the US economy for 2026, but there are plenty of downside risk factors. While many investors are focused on AI, the US intervention in Venezuela signaled that geopolitical risk is a major factor for the year ahead. We are witnessing a major shift to power politics, which has implications for markets. You can expect to see efforts to uphold a rules-based international system, which makes economic statecraft a part , both local and national, of our forecast for 2026.
The Federal Reserve’s FOMC meeting dominates the week. The idea of a 25-bps interest rate cut is baked into the picture, though what is said afterwards is important in setting the tone for 2026.
The US government shutdown is now the longest in US history (past 40 days); private sector economic data shows softening labor markets; consumer sentiment is shaky; and “soft landing” talk has resurfaced.

Smith's Research & Gradings focuses on the people, sectors and news that matter the most to you. Smith's analysis is an indispensable part of Wall Street and the world's capital markets. Our approach was inspired by the need for a consistent analytical approach across all asset classes.

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Smith's Research & Gradings focuses on the people, sectors and news that matter the most to you. Smith's analysis is an indispensable part of Wall Street and the world's capital markets. Our approach was inspired by the need for a consistent analytical approach across all asset classes. Smith's Gradings are a time-tested, performance proven, and principles-based approach to risk. We go beyond the numbers to connect the dots for the world's decision makers. We can enhance the performance of investments in assets around the globe, while helping to ensure the safety of portfolios here at home.
Let a subscription to The Global Economic Doctor provide you with access to sovereign news, analysis and insights. Concise and powerful, the Global Economic Doctor spans the globe, giving you a read on how today’s market developments and key players are impacting your business around the planet.