Market Performance in H2 2026 Will Be Driven by AI, Despite Geopolitical Uncertainty and Persistent Inflation: Natixis Survey
91% of Natixis strategists believe AI will be the key factor driving market performance in second half (H2) 2026 88% believe productivity gains from AI will translate into higher corporate profits 67% expect U.S. equities to outperform in H2, with 42% identifying U.S. markets as likely to deliver the best returns globally Over half (55%) say concerns about private credit have been overstated Boston, MA (July 22, 2026) — Investors are heading into the second half of 2026 faced with a wide range of potential risks, from the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict to volatile energy markets to persistent inflation. Yet, despite this, nine out of ten (91%) Natixis strategists are optimistic that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be the key factor driving market performance in second half of 2026. Of the 33 market strategists, portfolio managers, research analysts and economists across the Natixis Investment Managers affiliated group, 88% expect the AI sector will accelerate, and only 12% believe the bubble will burst in the second half of the year. However, despite optimism, Natixis strategists are still cautious on AI given the disruptive nature of the technology, as 79% believe volatility driven by AI fears is here to stay and could potentially spread...