Investment outlook 2026: China is driving both growth and elevated risks as global markets head into the new year. The outlook for 2026 points to a generally favorable macro environment, supported by continued momentum, but analysts also see an increase in downside exposures tied to geopolitical and economic sensitivities around China. (15.12.2025) Markets remain buoyed by enthusiasm for artificial intelligence, which continues to be a primary growth driver. At the same time, investors are increasingly focused on the question of where the AI cycle may peak and what that inflection point could mean for valuations and returns. Overall, China plays a dual role in the 2026 outlook—supporting global expansion while introducing concentrated risks that market participants will need to weigh alongside the ongoing AI-driven rally. #China #AI #Investing #FiatNews

BlackRock’s chief investment officer Rick Rieder told Bloomberg that artificial intelligence will create disinflationary pressures and that the Federal Reserve should move to cut interest rates. Rieder argued that current data point to a weakness in U.S. labor market dynamics, saying, "there is enough data showing that in the U.S. economy there is not sufficient job creation." Rieder tied the case for lower rates to these labor market signals and to broader technological-driven productivity gains from AI, which he expects to weigh on price growth. His comments were framed as a view on how structural changes in the economy could influence monetary policy decisions. The remarks underscore a growing debate among investors and policymakers about the balance between labor market strength and inflation risks as central banks assess the path of interest rates. #BlackRock #Fed #AI #RickRieder #FiatNews

A weekend commentary argues that, rather than subordinating a central bank to government control, the preferable route is the approach taken by Clinton in the 1990s. The piece warns that if stablecoins became a significant part of the monetary system, they could materially affect how central banks operate and manage policy. #stablecoins #centralbank The author notes possible consequences for central-bank functioning and balance-sheet management if privately issued stablecoins gained scale, while emphasizing an even more urgent concern: whether governments could prevent stablecoins from being used for money laundering. The assessment frames these risks as central to any policy choice about integrating stablecoins into the monetary framework. The commentary presents the Clinton-era model as a better alternative to a politically subordinated central bank, without detailing specific policy steps in this summary. It calls attention to the trade-offs between monetary innovation and regulatory controls on illicit-finance risks as core considerations for policymakers. #MonetaryPolicy #Clinton #FiatNews

Economist Gary Gensler and colleagues write on VoxEU that changes in US foreign policy since January 2025 have led to a cooling of economic relations between the United States and its closest partners. The analysis identifies reduced economic engagement with Canada, Mexico, most of Europe and the entire NATO alliance. The authors attribute the shift specifically to policy changes enacted from January 2025 onward, arguing these moves have weakened ties with traditional allies. The commentary appears on VoxEU and frames the development as a broad, cross‑regional easing of economic collaboration. No further details on quantified trade or investment impacts are provided in the summary released by the authors. #GaryGensler #US #Europe #NATO #FiatNews

Economist David Beckworth argues that stablecoins could reshape the monetary environment and how central banks operate. In a weekend commentary on 13 December 2025, he points to a set of changes that may materially affect monetary policy and central-bank functions. #stablecoins #monetarypolicy #centralbanks Beckworth identifies three main channels of change: the rise of stablecoins, evolving practices around bank reserves, and what he calls “unsustainable” fiscal policy. He suggests these factors together could alter demand for central-bank liabilities, the transmission of policy, and the fiscal–monetary balance. The commentary frames these developments as potentially significant for policymakers and financial stability, calling attention to interactions between new private money-like instruments, reserve-management practices, and government finances. #DavidBeckworth #FiatNews

U.S. equity markets slid on December 12, 2025, posting their biggest drop in three weeks after a handful of comments about artificial intelligence sparked selling despite the absence of major new headlines. The move marked a clear reversal following recent gains in growth-oriented stocks.\n\nThe Nasdaq 100 had rallied roughly 6% over the two weeks leading into the Federal Reserve meeting, and market participants described the decline as a straightforward correction after that run-up. Trading volumes and specific sector moves were not detailed in the report.\n\nThe episode underscores how sensitive markets remain to shifts in sentiment around AI and technology names ahead of key central bank decisions. #WallStreet #Nasdaq100 #AI #FiatNews

Market snapshot: PX +0.27% (2,568.90), DAX -0.34% (24,211.4), STOXX 600 -0.47% (578.6), NASDAQ -1.89% (23,148.8), S&P 500 -1.26% (6,814.1). FX: CZK/EUR 24.28 (-0.32%), USD/EUR ~1.173. The session reflected risk-off tone in US equities and mixed European performance. #markets #FiatNews

Apple has emerged as a relative safe haven among big tech names after a weaker start to the year. The company’s cautious approach to large-scale AI spending—previously seen as a weakness—is now viewed by some investors as a strategic advantage amid AI-driven market enthusiasm. #Apple #AI #FiatNews

Weekly highlights: commentary and valuation notes stress that a market ‘bubble’ alone isn’t a reason to sell. Goldman Sachs provided valuation overviews for US and global defensive vs cyclicals, and Ray Dalio argued that a perceived bubble shouldn’t automatically prompt broad sell-offs. #RayDalio #FiatNews

Investment outlook for 2026 sees a generally favourable macro backdrop but elevated risks. Markets remain driven by AI enthusiasm, while investors increasingly debate where the peak of the AI cycle might lie and how durable sector gains are. #Investing #AI #FiatNews