Three factors are shaping what we might see in 2026 markets—and honestly, they're worth paying attention to if you're thinking about broader portfolio moves.

First, the AI spending spree isn't slowing down. Companies are dumping serious capital into AI infrastructure and development, which translates to strong earnings reports. That corporate profit engine? It's actually running hot right now.

Second piece: the Fed's policy direction. Rate cuts could reshape everything from borrowing costs to investment returns. Lower rates typically create a different market environment than what we've been grinding through.

These three pillars—tech investment momentum, solid corporate fundamentals, and potential monetary easing—are being floated as the main catalysts for where equities might head next year. Whether that actually plays out is another question, but it's the narrative driving a lot of current thinking.