InsightsEvery quarter, our portfolio managers and research analysts provide in-depth analysis and insightful stock market commentary, analyzing performance, and discussing the latest trends and behaviors impacting the market.
At KAR, we offer high-conviction investment strategies focusing on quality businesses within the small cap, mid cap, large cap, and international asset classes.
In our Q1 2026 discussion roundup, you’ll find individual recaps of several of our actively managed strategies, all recorded in our podcast, KayneCast. By subscribing to KayneCast, you’ll be automatically notified when future updates become available, ensuring you’ll always stay informed and up to date on our investment strategies.
You can read the full Q1 2026 market review or revisit our past quarterly market review podcast episodes:
To learn more about KAR’s investment management services, contact our team today.
Q1 2026 Stock Market Recap
In our 1Q 2026 podcast, Julie Biel, Chief Market Strategist, reflects on a quarter defined by heightened geopolitical risk and shifting market leadership. She explores how the war in Iran emerged as the dominant macro force, supporting strong performance in energy and related industries while reshaping investor priorities across equity markets. Julie also discusses the expanding footprint of artificial intelligence beyond software—into data‑center infrastructure and memory—even as concerns around generative AI weighed on software‑heavy segments. Her commentary addresses evolving differences between large‑cap and small‑cap dynamics, increased scrutiny of private credit, and a practical framework for assessing how businesses may withstand disruption from generative AI.
KAR Contributors: Julie Biel
Listen to the full discussion in episode 308 of KayneCast or read the complete Q1 2026 Market Review Summary.
Q1 2026 Strategy Review
Episode 309: Applying a Cautious Playbook to AI and Asia Tech
KAR International Small Cap
Contributors: Hyung Kim, Ben Falcone
Episode 310: Agentic AI and the Economics of Software
KAR Large Cap Growth
Contributors: Chris Armbruster, Ben Falcone
Episode 311: Volatility Up, Quality Still Central
KAR Small Mid Cap Core
Contributors: Julie Kutasov, Ben Falcone
Episode 312: Oil Shock and Market Rotation
KAR Small Cap Quality Value Core
Contributors: Julie Kutasov, Ben Falcone
Episode 313: Navigating Volatility Without Chasing Energy
KAR Small Cap Core
Contributors: Jon Christensen, Ben Falcone
Episode 314: Sell Now – Ask Questions Later
KAR Mid Cap Core
Contributors: Jon Christensen, Ben Falcone
Episode 315: AI Fear and Factor Rotations Collide
KAR Mid Cap Sustainable Growth
Contributors: Noran Eid, Ben Falcone
This information is being provided by Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management, LLC (“KAR”) for illustrative purposes only. Information contained in this material is not intended by KAR to be interpreted as investment advice, a recommendation or solicitation to purchase securities, or a recommendation of a particular course of action and has not been updated since the date of the material, and KAR does not undertake to update the information presented should it change. This information is based on KAR’s opinions at the time of the recording of this material and are subject to change based on market activity. There is no guarantee that any forecasts made will come to pass. KAR makes no warranty as to the accuracy or reliability of the information contained herein. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
