Beyond 2023's Boom: Geopolitics, AI, Fed & Tariffs to Define 2026 Markets

• Wall Street saw strong 2023 returns (Dow Jones +15%, S&P 500 +18%, Nasdaq +22%), a 'three-peat' driven by the AI boom.
• AI-linked stocks like Nvidia and Alphabet fueled 2023 gains, but monetization of AI-capex and potential over-optimism are key concerns for 2026.
• Geopolitical tensions (Russia-Ukraine, US-Venezuela, China-Taiwan, Israel-Hamas/Iran) will remain a critical market factor, despite markets overcoming hurdles in 2023.
• A new, potentially more dovish Fed Chair (post-Jerome Powell) is expected, with markets pricing in two rate cuts for 2026, impacting monetary policy.
• Trade deals (India-US, India-China), potential tariffs, US Supreme Court decisions, and US Midterm Polls will add market uncertainty.

Why It Matters: Despite 2023's strong gains, 2026 global markets face uncertainty from AI monetization, geopolitics, Fed changes, and trade.