Traders Weigh Second Half Outlook: Markets Snapshot

The first half of 2026 saw a bumper earnings season and global equity benchmarks soar to new highs, driven by a enthusiasm around the AI trade.

Businesses, investors and central banks now turn their attention to the second half of the year with the focus firmly on whether markets can move past rocky geopolitical issues, growth concerns and ongoing jitters around the AI buildout.

The Opening Trade spoke to leading voices about how the rest of 2026 is shaping up for equity markets. (Source: Bloomberg)