Series

Capital Markets Update

Explore the current economic themes that are driving global financial markets in this market outlook from the FI Capital Markets Strategy Group.

Created with advisors and wealth managers in mind, the Capital Markets Update brings together the views of research teams and asset class specialists from across Fidelity. Produced by the Capital Markets Strategy Group at Fidelity Institutional, this investing outlook is supported by market data and in-depth economic analysis.

You can browse a selection of our insights below. Investment professionals can log in to view the full report, including actionable outlooks and key themes for a range of traditional and alternative asset classes.

Q3 2026 market outlook and positioning

A brief summary of insights from the full report

Last updated: 8/11/2026

Rational optimism: Separating the signal from the noise

Key Takeaways
  • The Capital Market Strategy Group’s outlook is optimistic yet realistic. The global economy remains in a solid expansion as countries continue to face a range of fiscal, monetary, and geopolitical crosscurrents.
  • While headwinds such as geopolitical uncertainty, rate volatility, elevated AI expectations, and higher global long-term yields persist, many may prove short-lived.
  • At the same time, tailwinds including a mid-cycle economy, robust corporate earnings, a stable labor market, expanding consumer spending, and healthy equity and credit markets may prove more durable.

Investing ideas

  • Intermediate duration bonds
  • Balanced domestic equities
  • International diversification
  • Small and mid-capitalization