Markets have proven more resilient than expected in the first half of 2025, rebounding quickly from tariff-driven volatility. While headline earnings remain strong, pressures are building beneath the surface — particularly in inflation, valuations, and global growth dynamics. Foreign developed markets have outpaced the U.S., supported by a weaker dollar and improving international conditions. Meanwhile, we are raising our long-run U.S. productivity forecast to 2.5% from 1.75%, reflecting growing confidence in the transformative impact of AI. Like the internet boom of 1995–2005, we expect AI to drive meaningful productivity gains, boosting long-term equity return potential.