The US stock market has climbed 10% year-to-date in 2026, a performance that has intensified pressure on veteran market strategists who had forecasted a downturn.
Het Financieele Dagblad (FD) reports that experienced strategists are facing loud demands for accountability as the rally defies their bearish expectations.
The resilience of US equities highlights a structural shift in market dynamics, where amateur investors are increasingly influencing price action.
This surge in retail participation is creating new opportunities for those who can identify where capital is flowing, challenging traditional institutional models.
While the US market rallies, the broader economic backdrop remains mixed.
Recent reports indicate a surge in job cuts across the UK, with youth unemployment rising amid pressures from artificial intelligence adoption and geopolitical uncertainties.