Balancing Markets, Policy, and AI Spending in the 2026 Outlook Peter Repetto (Ep. 90)
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Markets are entering a year shaped by crosscurrents, shifting signals, and unresolved questions. Economic strength, policy decisions, and investment concentration all point to a period that demands close attention and thoughtful positioning.
In this episode, Robert Curtiss speaks with Peter Repetto, Vice President and Investment Strategist at iCapital, about their 2026 economic and market outlook. They explore slowing labor trends alongside strong GDP growth, the role of AI investment, and how fiscal and monetary policy may influence markets.
The conversation also covers inflation risks, tariffs, and why selectivity across asset classes matters heading into a midterm election year.
Key takeaways:
- How slowing job growth contrasts with strong GDP readings and what that tension could mean for 2026
- Why AI capital spending remains a key growth driver, but requires careful company selection
- The impact of tariffs, fiscal policy, and court decisions on rates and equity markets
- Why earnings growth, not valuation expansion, may define equity returns next year
- How private markets and alternative strategies may help address concentration and volatility
- And more!
Resources:
Connect with Peter Repetto:
Connect with Robert Curtiss:
- rcurtiss@seia.com
- (626) 795-2944
- About Robert Curtiss
- LinkedIn: Robert Curtiss
- Facebook: Robert Curtiss
- SEIA
- LinkedIn: SEIA
About Our Guest:
Peter is a Vice President and Investment Strategist at iCapital, focusing on developing and delivering research, investment ideas, and thought leadership content for external and internal audiences on behalf of iCapital’s Investment Strategy team. Prior to joining the firm, Peter spent over eight years at Franklin Templeton Investments, where he contributed to their asset allocation strategy and macroeconomic research. Peter holds a BA in Economics from Fairfield University.