Ep 61 | Bob Stein | What Surprises Are Ahead for the US Economy in 2026? | ROI Podcast January 5 2026
In this week’s First Trust Monday Morning Outlook video commentary, the First Trust economics team reviews the economic backdrop as the U.S. moves into 2026. They reflect on 2025 data showing resilient GDP growth and strong stock market gains, even as inflation cooled and labor markets remained steady. The video explains that while economists expected slower growth, real-world results surprised to the upside. It discusses ongoing risks — including high valuations in equities, inflation dynamics, and geopolitical uncertainties — and emphasizes the importance of focusing on data rather than headlines when interpreting economic signals. The team also highlights key data points for the coming week, such as employment figures, manufacturing indexes, and consumer credit trends, to inform market expectations and macro outlooks for the year ahead.
Watch the First Trust Monday Morning Outlook for January 5, 2026, with economist commentary on economic growth, market performance, inflation trends, and key data to watch this week.
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Market Insights and Trends from First Trust
Stay informed with market trends and insights from Bob Carey, Chief Market Strategist at First Trust. In this episode of the ROI Podcast, Bob discusses the unique drivers behind the equity market, from economic outlooks to global events — all while keeping things approachable for investors.
Disclosure
This has been provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal or investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security or strategy. The investment strategy and themes discussed herein may not be suitable for all investors, depending on their specific investment objectives and financial situation. Information obtained from third-party sources is believed to be reliable, though its accuracy is not guaranteed. Opinions expressed in this commentary reflect subjective judgments of the author based on conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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