Market Signals: Global Equities Face Higher Bar In 2026

Russell Investments2.69K FollowersFollow5ShareSavePlay(10min)SummaryWe see global equities entering 2026 with supportive momentum, but a higher bar for results.Investor scrutiny is rising, particularly around capital intensity and returns on investment within the AI trade.Regional and style dispersion is widening as trends toward global decoupling increase.We believe broader leadership will continue, and skilled stock selection will matter more, as markets move from enthusiasm to execution.

Getty Images Global equities closed 2025 with solid gains, supported by strong headline returns from the world’s largest firms, along with a surprising combination of smaller companies, many of which handily outperformed the top ten in the MSCI World Index.This article was written byRussell Investments2.69K FollowersFollowRussell Investments is a leading global investment solutions partner providing a wide range of investment capabilities to institutional investors, financial intermediaries, and individual investors around the world. Since 1936, Russell Investments has been building a legacy of continuous innovation to deliver exceptional value to clients, working every day to improve people’s financial security. The firm has US$331 billion in assets under management (as of 12/31/2024) for clients in 30 countries. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Russell Investments has offices in 17 cities around the world.