Watch the Video: Julie Biel on Markets, Interest Rates, and What Comes Next

This interview with Chief Market Strategist Julie Biel, CFA, was recorded just ahead of the Federal Reserve’s third interest rate cut. While policy has evolved, the themes discussed remain highly relevant as investors navigate ongoing economic uncertainty.

In this video, Julie Biel shares insights on:

• Why stock markets rose on expectations of Fed rate cuts—and what a weaker dollar signals
• Softness in the labor market and why recent payroll data should be viewed cautiously
• Why layoffs today reflect pandemic-era over hiring rather than a collapsing economy
• Why Fed rate cuts may help sentiment but won’t solve systemic economic challenges
• Why small business confidence remains low despite easing monetary policy
• Why companies are choosing efficiency over large-scale investment
• How AI can be transformational—but why adoption takes time
• Why market “rotation” may be more psychological than structural
• Where select opportunities exist in small-cap stocks heading into 2026
• Why investors are rethinking alternatives in a crowded, lower-return environment

Markets React to Rate Cuts—But the Economy Tells a More Complex Story

Equity markets have responded positively to expectations around Federal Reserve rate cuts, helping lift stocks and pressure the U.S. dollar. However, Julie cautions that policy-driven optimism doesn’t eliminate underlying economic complexity. While the Fed’s actions may support markets, they are unlikely to resolve deeper structural issues affecting businesses and consumers alike.

Understanding Labor Market Softness 

Recent payroll declines—the largest since 2023—reflect a combination of government shutdown effects, labor outflows, and post-pandemic over hiring. Julie notes that current layoffs are often corrective rather than catastrophic, offering a more nuanced view of the labor market.

Small Businesses Focus on Efficiency

Small businesses are cautious, prioritizing lean operations and cash flow management over large investments. Julie highlights that while technology and AI adoption continue, it is measured and aimed at improving productivity rather than speculative growth.

Selectivity in Small Caps and Alternatives

Much of the market rotation is psychological rather than structural. Julie notes that small-cap resilience exists, but quality varies widely. Meanwhile, traditional alternatives have underperformed, prompting investors to explore differentiated strategies.

Extending the Value and Time Horizon for AI Adoption

Transformational trends like the adoption of new technologies, such as AI, move in fits and starts, and investors need to be mindful of how and when economic value will be created within these industries.

Markets reflect optimism from Fed policy but remain grounded in economic uncertainty. Julie Biel’s insights highlight the importance of selectivity, discipline, and long-term perspective while positioning portfolios with a focus on quality, flexibility, and patience and monitoring evolving macroeconomic and sector-specific trends to capitalize on potential opportunities heading into 2026.

For personalized guidance on navigating these market dynamics, contact Kayne Anderson Rudnick today.