Halftime Report The Playbook for 2026 1/2/26
Jan 2, 2026
Jenny Harrington, a savvy portfolio manager, addresses the labor risks and consensus optimism of 2026, urging a de-risking approach. Steve Weiss discusses how AI could enhance productivity yet widen inequality, while Malcolm Etheridge highlights retail investor trends with Bitcoin. Kevin Simpson shares insights on top picks like Amazon and Micron as market trends evolve. The committee explores investment themes, including Fiserv's recovery potential and Visa's fintech disruption, as they prepare for the year's financial landscape.
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Episode notes
Consensus Bullishness Masks Labor Risks
- Consensus bullishness makes Jenny Harrington wary because perfect consensus rarely plays out as expected.
- She warns that backward-looking economic data may mask forward labor risks from AI-driven job losses.
Take Risk Off The Table
- Take some risk off the table after three straight strong years even if you aren't bearish.
- Consider rebalancing into value, international, or fixed income to reduce concentration risk.
Early 2026 Likely Extends 2025 Themes
- Kevin Simpson expects a continuation of the 2025 setup with the AI trade still intact and possible rate cuts, but slower momentum.
- He stresses selectivity and active stock picking amid anticipated volatility.