“Friday’s quadruple witching tends to bring about increased intra-day volatility, which may be exacerbated this time around as this stock market has already been on edge for weeks heading into Friday, given uncertainty from the Middle East conflict and what higher oil prices may mean for consumer spending and earnings.”

“The stock market remains in negative territory for the year, and has made new 2026 lows this week, which suggests that the market may not have yet found its bottom and is still in the process of sorting out and pricing in the duration of the Middle East conflict and oil price outlook.”

“Some investors can be hesitant to maintain their positions heading into the weekend when more negative headlines from the Middle East can emerge.”

“The broadening of the market is happening while the stock market seems to be range-bound. These fears are on both ends of the spectrum, with worries about too much AI hype and excess valuations, and fears that AI will eliminate or curtail industries like cybersecurity or software.”

“These fears are on both ends of the spectrum, with worries about too much AI hype and excess valuations, and fears that AI will eliminate or curtail industries like cybersecurity or software.”

“This week’s earnings will either calm or exacerbate fears about AI. We won’t have all of the answers this week, but worried investors are hungry for clarity.”

“The tariff threats can easily be unwound and reversed, sparking upside market volatility. We favor value stocks in financials, materials, and energy, which are the better buys right now given elevated valuations in megacap technology.”

“Stocks are reacting to tariff fears for the first time in months… many market participants thought stocks had become desensitized. We remind investors that tariff headlines can cause short-term volatility, but that applies in both directions.”

“The tariff-driven stock market declines present opportunities for investors who are looking for an attractive entry point to put new money to work. Value stocks in sectors like financials, materials, and energy are the better buys right now.”

“The fact that there are so many market fears, including AI, the labor market and interest rates, suggests that the market is still climbing its wall of worry. That’s a tell tale sign that the overall bull market is intact and likely here to stay for the foreseeable future.”