After a 2025 buffeted by the winds of changing tariff policy, unbridled AI optimism and macro uncertainty, what economic events await IR professionals in the new year?
Join NIRI Chicago for a discussion of market dynamics, monetary and fiscal policy, and other topics. Guest speaker Michael Reinking, CFA, head of the NYSE Market Access Center (MAC) desk, will share his views on the macroeconomic outlook for 2026. Prior to his role at NYSE, Reinking spent over 15 years on the buyside, as a trader and analyst. He is a regular guest on Bloomberg, Yahoo! Finance and Schwab Network amongst other media outlets. Kick off the new year with a delicious lunch and networking with your NIRI Chicago colleagues at Beatrix in the Loop.
11:30 a.m. - Registration
Noon - 1:00 p.m. - Lunch and Program
NIRI Members: Free
All others: $25
Beatrix Loop
155 N. Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
Map
Speaker:
Michael Reinking, CFA
Senior Market Strategist
NYSE
Profile
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The year 2025 was very good for U.S. risk assets, as these outperformed global markets for the first year in over a decade. The artificial intelligence (AI) trade continues to evolve, driving investments in technology, energy, the industrial sector and related equities. However, “while tech cash flows are incredible, AI spending is devouring them.”
Retail investors have been increasingly active during/since the pandemic, fueled in part by income tax refunds and recent legislation. More affluent investors have been boosted by rising dividend income. Affordability, interest rates and hiring/firing concerns remain key concerns for all types of investors.
Ongoing sources of market volatility include Washington policy, the Treasury market, geopolitical uncertainty, inflation, growth expectations and historically high (“stretched”) valuations.