Halftime Report The Committee's 2026 Outlook 1/5/26
Jan 5, 2026
In this discussion, Joe Terranova, a seasoned market strategist, Steve Weiss, a sharp portfolio manager, and Jim Laibenthal, an insightful market strategist share their forecasts for 2026. They explore the impact of deregulation on financials, potential profit growth amid easing inflation, and the effects of AI on various industries. The panel debates energy market complexities, particularly with Venezuelan oil, while also assessing the current state of key tech giants like Amazon and Netflix, alongside risks in autonomous driving.
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Banks Are Positioned For A Re-Rating
- Financials look poised to benefit from regulatory reform, better balance sheets, and reopening of IPO and M&A activity.
- Joe Terranova and others see banks as attractively valued and central to 2026 upside.
Modest Gains Fueled By Broadening Earnings
- Earnings growth near 15% plus diminishing inflation and fiscal stimulus could support modest market gains rather than multiple expansion.
- Jim Laibenthal recommends equal-weight S&P exposure to capture broadening beyond the MAG-7.
Venezuela Adds Supply, But Winners Vary
- Venezuelan oil returning will pressure spot prices but affects companies unevenly by crude type and refinery fit.
- Refiners and oilfield-service names with Venezuela exposure could profit while lighter-crude producers may suffer.