Holly Newman Kroft, Senior Wealth Advisor, joined Sara Eisen and Carl Quintanilla on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" this week to share her outlook on markets heading into the second half of 2026.
Between Fed uncertainty, a tech re-trade, a historic IPO pipeline, and ongoing conflict in the Middle East, there is no shortage of things to watch right now. Holly noted that June's Nasdaq rally was largely a SpaceX-driven enthusiasm story and as that euphoria has rationalized, a more durable and constructive shift is taking hold. The Magnificent 7's outsized grip on market performance is loosening, and the broader participation investors experienced in the first quarter appears to be resuming.
The macro picture heading into the second half of the year, however, remains rife with uncertainty. The Fed's path is unclear, and rate hikes are now firmly part of the conversation under incoming Chairman Warsh. The ongoing conflict with Iran and constrained oil supply through the Strait of Hormuz have driven energy prices higher, further complicating the inflation outlook. Holly also cautioned against the growing concentration of tech exposure within emerging market indices, which can create a false sense of geographic diversification for investors. How these dynamics resolve will shape the market narrative for the remainder of the year and set the foundation for what follows.
Holly's broader message is one of disciplined opportunity. We encourage you to watch the full clip below, and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
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