Looking for the stock market outlook for the first half of 2026? See what you should consider heading into the new year to help be prepared.

Futures are financial contracts obligating the buyer to purchase an asset or the seller to sell an asset at a predetermined future date and price.

That would mark the third year in a row that the stock market has risen by double digits, following gains of 24.2% in 2023 and 23.3% in 2024. The S&P 500 is now up 77.5% since the end of 2022. Racking up three straight years of double-digit gains isn't as common as you might think.

Broadcom stock fell despite record AI revenue growth as investors weigh margin pressure, valuation risks and future demand.

Peter Gratton, Ph.D., is a New Orleans-based editor and professor with over 20 years of experience in investing, risk management, and public policy. Peter began covering markets at Multex (Reuters) and has expanded his coverage to include investments ...