The Higher Standard

Everyone Thinks 2026 Stocks Only Go Up — That’s the Problem

Jan 6, 2026
Wall Street's unanimous optimism for 2026 raises eyebrows, as historical trends suggest caution when everyone agrees. Despite strong GDP reports and cooling inflation, risks lurk beneath the surface, such as tariff distortions and potential economic shutdowns. The hosts delve into AI's dual-edged impact on profits and employment, while questioning the credibility of current market narratives. They also explore the implications of a looming funding deadline, generating a compelling discussion on the dichotomy of growth and caution in the coming years.
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INSIGHT

Consensus Bull Market Risk

  • Wall Street shows unanimous bullishness for 2026 after a 90% rally, which itself is a warning sign when dissent vanishes.
  • Ed Yardini notes that broad consensus can signal mispriced risk even amid continued gains.
INSIGHT

Tariff Distortions Inflated GDP

  • GDP looked strong in Q3 but was distorted by companies front-loading imports ahead of tariffs, lowering net imports and inflating growth.
  • The hosts warn headline economic prints can be misleading when trade or policy shocks shift timing.
ANECDOTE

Heartbreaking Fake Crypto App Scam

  • Saied shared a heartbreaking scam where an acquaintance lost $1,200 to a fake crypto app after trusting a contact.
  • The story illustrated how convincing fake platforms and screenshots can steal life-changing money.
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