The storm before the calm

Markets may face a choppy stretch as inflation stays sticky, supply from major IPOs builds, and geopolitics in the Strait of Hormuz keep investors on edge. Quarter-end rebalancing and policy uncertainty around the Fed and the midterm cycle could add to near-term volatility.

Even so, the broader case for equities remains tied to stronger secular forces such as AI-driven productivity gains, supply-side reforms, and healthy earnings growth. The message is that any pullback may be more of a buying opportunity than a reason to reduce exposure. For long-term investors, staying invested through volatility still appears more attractive than trying to time it perfectly.