InsightsJulie Biel, CFA, Chief Market Strategist, joins Bloomberg’s The Close to unpack what’s really driving market behavior—from geopolitical uncertainty and energy prices to shifting sentiment around software and AI.
A “Calm” Market Can Still Be Painful
Julie describes today’s market as deceptively tranquil at the index level, while individual stocks experience sharp moves in both directions. Earnings reactions of 10% or more highlight how volatile the experience can feel for investors, even when broader benchmarks appear stable.
Geopolitics, Oil, and the Consumer
Energy prices and Middle East supply disruptions are a central concern. Julie notes that prolonged high oil prices could weigh on the U.S. consumer, particularly if interest rate cuts are delayed. While fiscal support may cushion the impact in the near term, that support is not permanent—making consumer strength an important variable to watch.
Software Isn’t Dead—But Selectivity Matters
Despite periodic claims about the “death of software,” the interview highlights a renewed interest in high‑quality software companies. Julie draws a distinction between firms with proprietary data or regulatory barriers and those focused purely on optimization, which may face greater AI‑related disruption.
Watch the full video to hear Julie Biel’s complete perspective.
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