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MARKETS & INVESTING

Timely perspectives to help you invest

Our experts from Merrill and Bank of America will help you understand what's happening in the markets, identify trends to watch, and share insights on what it may all mean for your portfolio.

The latest

Is the semiconductor pullback just a speed bump for AI?

Blog | August 19, 2026
Recent volatility in semiconductor stocks has some observers predicting the end of the artificial intelligence (AI) capital investment cycle.
Video time: 25:18
Webcast | June 23, 2026

Midyear 2026: Shifting gears — New drivers of potential market expansion

Concise, conversational, actionable. The 2026 Midyear Outlook webcast brings together expert panelists from the CIO and...
Video time: 25:18
Article | June 23, 2026

Midyear 2026: The pace of change accelerates

As powerful new forces pick up speed, the risks are real, but so are the potential investment opportunities. These ideas could ...
Video time: 11:30
Video | July 13, 2026

How geopolitics could reshape your portfolio

From U.S.-China competition and rare earth minerals to AI and emerging markets, an exploration of potential opportunities...
Video time: 02:55
Video | May 28, 2026

New Fed chair, new timeline on rates

With inflation remaining sticky, what's next for interest rates, and what should investors know?
Video time: 02:24
Video | May 5, 2026

What's behind U.S. equity resilience?

Why U.S. stocks have continued to adapt — even as risks and disruptions persist.
Video time: 08:23
Video | February 6, 2026

Emerging markets: Ready for their closeup?

A rare alignment of global growth, currency shifts and improving fundamentals is reshaping the outlook for emerging markets.
Video time: 2:07
Video | January 28, 2026

Will precious metals keep their shine?

After seeing huge gains in 2025, gold appears poised to keep the momentum going this year. Does it have a place in your portfolio?

Reports and analysis from the Chief Investment Office

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UPDATED TWICE-WEEKLY

Market Update Audiocast
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UPDATED WEEKLY

Capital Market Outlook
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UPDATED MONTHLY

CIO Viewpoint
Trends to watch
Video time: 18:51

Let's get physical: Artificial intelligence's next frontier

Video | June 12, 2026
An exploration of the next steps for AI as it moves beyond chat. "AI is moving from screens to the machines," says Martyn Briggs...
Video time: 06:43
Video

Inside the American wallet

Consumer resilience has powered the U.S. economy so far this year. Is it beginning to show cracks — or will it hold up?
Video time: 11:00
Video

Progress report: Is AI a market bubble?

Despite some speed bumps, artificial intelligence is already radically transforming how we live and work...
Video time: 09:38
Video

New market driver: Scarce supply, big demand

Geopolitical tensions and the resource-heavy demands of innovation are creating shortages in many critical sectors. Here's...
Video time: 03:06
Video

Renewables recharged?

After a breakout year for clean energy investment, are renewables poised to carry that momentum into 2026 — and...
Video time: 06:43
Video

Why renewable energy won't be enough

As the world strives to go green, energy demand is rising. Where will the power come from...
Video time: 07:04
Video

Investors, take note: Gen Z is about to change everything

The first online generation is projected to eventually become the richest, and their financial preferences and social values are already starting to transform industries and markets.

Read the latest from Bank of America Institute

By analyzing Bank of America's proprietary data, the institute team has a deep understanding in near real time of consumer behavior and the economy. They uncover insights and trends that help people and leaders of today make better decisions, inspiring new visions of how business and society move forward.
Portfolio strategies
Video time: 02:04

Using bonds to help steady your portfolio in 2026

Video
When markets get choppy, investors may look to fixed income as part of a portfolio that can act as ballast.
Video time: 08:28
Video

What's new in tax-efficient investing

Designing portfolios for what investors keep — not just what they earn
Article

5 common investing traps — and what you can do to avoid them

These tips can help keep your decision-making aligned with your financial goals.
Article

What can you do when the markets get volatile?

These insights and suggestions from our Chief Investment Office (CIO) can help you navigate periodic ups and downs.
Article

Investing for income — not just growth

These strategies can help you create a steady stream of income for retirement, current expenses or other financial goals.
Article

5 guidelines for investing in retirement

Managing your portfolio after you retire takes careful planning and regular monitoring. Here's how to get started.
Article

How much is too much cash in your portfolio?

You may be tempted to increase your cash holdings when interest rates rise or markets become volatile.
Article

What is tax-loss harvesting and how does it work?

By regularly reviewing your investments for holdings that have dropped in value, you can potentially turn a loss into a savings come tax time.
DIVE DEEPER
Explore these insights from Merrill's Chief Investment Office to help you build and manage your portfolio. Learn more about portfolio guidance.
Meet the experts

Our expert advice

The Chief Investment Office (CIO) team of more than 200 individuals acts as the investment and portfolio strategy engine of Bank of America and Merrill. They provide insights and experience at each stage of the investment process, and keep clients informed about a wide range of topics to help them navigate today's dynamic investment landscape as they pursue their financial goals.

Our expert team members

Expert 1 of 3: 

Christopher Hyzy

Chief Investment Officer
Christopher M. Hyzy is managing director and chief investment officer supporting Bank of America Private Bank and Merrill within Bank of America Corporation. He is responsible for determining the investment view for the wealth management businesses, developing and managing the asset allocation strategy, fixed income and equity management, solutions due diligence, investment policies and guidance, including wealth planning, and supporting the client-focused investment approach. Previously, he served as the chief investment officer and chief investment strategist for The Private Bank.
Before joining Bank of America, Chris was chief investment officer and head of product strategy for the Latin American Market region of the Citigroup Private Bank. He chaired the Global Investment Themes Committee and was a voting member of the Investment Strategy Committee for the Citigroup Private Bank, as well as an active member of the Investment Policy Committee, the Product Strategy Committee and senior leadership team. Before that, he was the director of Merrill's Investment Policy Group and head of the Investment Committee for International Private Clients.
Chris also held investment positions, including director of the Global Portfolio Strategy Group for Private Wealth Advisory and senior international equity strategist for Merrill's Private Client and Middle Markets Group.
Chris received a bachelor's degree in business from Villanova University and earned an MBA in finance from New York University's Stern School of Business. He currently serves as a member of the board of trustees and chairs the investment committee for Villanova University. Chris previously served on the Provost's Board and the Finance Department's Advisory Council at Villanova and is a former member of the Finance and Investment Committee for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.
Expert 2 of 3: 

Marci McGregor

Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Strategy
Marci McGregor is a managing director and head of Portfolio Strategy for the Chief Investment Office (CIO) within Bank of America Corporation, supporting Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank. She leads a team of portfolio strategists and investment analysts in providing investment, portfolio positioning and implementation guidance to high- and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Marci helps set the wealth management businesses' tactical asset allocation and investment policy decisions as a voting member on the Global Wealth & Investment Management Investment Strategy Committee (GWIM ISC). She collaborates with BofA Global Research, independent research firms and third-party managers to identify macro trends and investment opportunities and is responsible for delivering the top-of-the-house investment thinking. Marci regularly appears on CNBC, Bloomberg television and radio, and other media venues.
Previously, Marci led the team of regional investment strategists for the Portfolio Solutions Desk and was responsible for communicating the economic and market outlook to advisors and clients. She also managed the execution of a regional coverage model that connected advisors with BofA Global Research and investment thought leadership. Additionally, Marci managed a suite of publications for advisors that focused on market commentary and investment insights.
Marci began her career in alternative investments, focusing on hedge funds, managed futures, private equity and nontraditional mutual funds. She earned a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University.
Expert 3 of 3: 

Joseph Quinlan

Managing Director and Head of Market Strategy
Joseph Quinlan is managing director and head of market strategy for the Chief Investment Office, supporting Bank of America Private Bank and Merrill within Bank of America Corporation. He leads a team responsible for global market and thematic analysis in support of asset allocation and portfolio construction across the wealth management businesses. He also provides economic and market insights, guiding overall investment strategy both domestically and globally.
Joe served as a senior global economist/strategist for Morgan Stanley before starting his career with Merrill. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science/international affairs from Niagara University and a master's degree in international political economics and development from Fordham University. Joe is frequently cited in publications such as Foreign Affairs, Barron's, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and the Financial Times and regularly appears on CNBC, as well as Bloomberg television, PBS and other media venues. He has co-authored the book Gender Lens Investing: Uncovering Opportunities for Growth, Returns, and Impact; is an author, co-author or contributor to more than 20 books; and has published over 125 articles on economics, trade and finance.
Joe lectures on finance and global economics at Fordham University and has lectured at various universities around the world, including Wuhan University in China. In 1998, he was nominated as an Eisenhower fellow. Presently, he is a senior fellow at the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C. In 2006, the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union awarded Joe the 2006 Transatlantic Business Award for his research on U.S.-Europe economic ties. In 2007, he was a recipient of the European-American Business Council Leadership award for his research on the transatlantic partnership and global economy.
The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., ("Bank of America") and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S" or "Merrill"), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp.").

Merrill makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of BofA Corp. MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Ready to put these insights into action?

Or schedule an appointment with a Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor
Investing involves risk including possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

This information should not be construed as investment advice and is subject to change. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be either a specific offer by Bank of America, Merrill or any affiliate to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service that may be available.

The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., ("Bank of America") and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S" or "Merrill"), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp.").

Please review the applicable Merrill Guided Investing Program Brochure (PDF) or Merrill Guided Investing with Advisor Program Brochure (PDF) for information including the program fee, rebalancing, and the details of the investment advisory program. Your recommended investment strategy will be based solely on the information you provide to us for this specific investment goal and is separate from any other advisory program offered with us. If there are multiple owners on this account, the information you provide should reflect the views and circumstances of all owners on the account. If you are the fiduciary of this account for the benefit of the account owner or account holder (e.g., trustee for a trust or custodian for an UTMA), please keep in mind that these assets will be invested for the benefit of the account owner or account holder. Merrill Guided Investing is offered with and without an advisor. Merrill, Merrill Lynch, and/or Merrill Edge investment advisory programs are offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("MLPF&S") and Managed Account Advisors LLC ("MAA") an affiliate of MLPF&S. MLPF&S and MAA are registered investment advisers. Investment adviser registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
The Chief Investment Office (CIO) develops the investment strategies for Merrill Guided Investing and Merrill Guided Investing with Advisor, including providing its recommendations of ETFs, mutual funds and related asset allocations. Managed Account Advisors LLC (MAA), Merrill's affiliate, is the overlay portfolio manager responsible for implementing the Merrill Guided Investing strategies for client accounts, including facilitating the purchase & sale of ETFs and mutual funds in client accounts and updating account asset allocations when the CIO's recommendations change while also implementing any applicable individual client or firm restriction(s).

You may also be able to obtain the same or similar services or types of investments through other programs and services, both investment advisory and brokerage, offered by Merrill; these may be available at lower or higher fees than charged by the Program. The services that you receive by investing through Merrill Guided Investing or Merrill Guided Investing with Advisor will be different from the services you receive through other programs. You may also be able to obtain some or all of these types of services from other firms, and if they are available, the fees associated with them may be lower or higher than the fees we charge.
Asset allocation, diversification and (auto-) rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
Investments have varying degrees of risk. Some of the risks involved with equity securities include the possibility that the value of the stocks may fluctuate in response to events specific to the companies or markets, as well as economic, political or social events in the U.S. or abroad. Bonds are subject to interest rate, inflation and credit risks. Investments in foreign securities (including ADRs) involve special risks, including foreign currency risk and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. These risks are magnified for investments made in emerging markets. Investments in a certain industry or sector may pose additional risk due to lack of diversification and sector concentration. There are special risks associated with an investment in commodities, including market price fluctuations, regulatory changes, interest rate changes, credit risk, economic changes and the impact of adverse political or financial factors.

Sustainable investing and/or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) managers may take into consideration factors beyond traditional financial information to select securities, which could result in relative investment performance deviating from other strategies or broad market benchmarks, depending on whether such sectors or investments are in or out of favor in the market. Further, ESG strategies may rely on certain values based criteria to eliminate exposures found in similar strategies or broad market benchmarks, which could also result in relative investment performance deviating.

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Investment products offered through Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and insurance and annuity products offered through Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc.:
Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value
Are Not Deposits Are Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency Are Not a Condition to Any Banking Service or Activity

Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities.

Asset allocation, diversification and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
The performance data contained herein represents past performance which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that shares, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. For performance information current to the most recent month end, please contact us.

Net Asset Value (NAV) returns are based on the prior-day closing NAV value at 4 p.m. ET. NAV returns assume the reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain distributions at NAV when paid.

Market price returns are based on the prior-day closing market price, which is the average of the midpoint bid-ask prices at 4 p.m. ET. Market price returns do not represent the returns an investor would receive if shares were traded at other times.

Returns include fees and applicable loads. Since Inception returns are provided for funds with less than 10 years of history and are as of the fund's inception date. 10 year returns are provided for funds with greater than 10 years of history.

Before investing consider carefully the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of the fund, including management fees, other expenses and special risks. This and other information may be found in each fund's prospectus or summary prospectus, if available. Always read the prospectus or summary prospectus carefully before you invest or send money. Prospectuses can be obtained by contacting us.

Mutual Funds and Exchange Traded Funds: Expense Ratio – Gross Expense Ratio is the total annual operating expense (before waivers or reimbursements) from the fund's most recent prospectus. You should also review the fund's detailed annual fund operating expenses which are provided in the fund's prospectus.

Closed End Funds: Expense Ratio – Gross Expense Ratio is the ratio of the fund's total annual operating expense (before waivers or reimbursements) to average net assets as of the date of the fund's most recent annual report. You should also review the fund's detailed annual operating expenses disclosed by the fund in its annual reports, semi-annual reports, and other public filings.

This material is not intended as a recommendation, offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or investment strategy. Merrill offers a broad range of brokerage, investment advisory and other services. Additional information is available in our Client Relationship Summary (Form CRS) (PDF).

Merrill, its affiliates, and financial advisors do not provide legal, tax, or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decisions.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as "MLPF&S" or "Merrill") makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp."). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC popup and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp.").
Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A. and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation ("BofA Corp.").

Merrill Lynch Life Agency Inc. ("MLLA") is a licensed insurance agency and wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

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