2026 State of the Markets: What’s Really Driving Stocks?

Markets can look calm on the surface while powerful forces build underneath. In this episode, Ben and Keith step back from the day-to-day noise and examine the bigger structural trends shaping the investment landscape. They dig into how professional forecasters are positioning for the year ahead, what scenarios could surprise investors, and why disciplined strategy matters more than reacting to headlines. Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Earnings Power: Profits justify elevated valuations 💵 Consumer Strength: Spending still driving growth 🤖 AI Disruption: Productivity up, jobs pressured 🌍 Trade Noise: Tariffs loud, impact limited 🔌 Energy Demand: Data centers fueling growth 💻 Digital Currency: Asset class, not currency   For more, visit us online: https://baschrock-fg.com/