To make calls on momentum, we look at several factors, including stocks trading above or below key trendlines, highs and lows, and indices versus moving averages. Right now, market momentum is mixed.

For the past decade-plus, the performance record has favored growth stocks over value. Yet the tide may be changing. In 2025, value stocks and growth stocks had similar returns, with growth advancing 13.8% and value returning 13.6%. More than halfway through 2026, value stocks have climbed 16.8% while growth stocks have returned 5.7%. The post COVID-19 economy gave a lift to some of the cyclical companies (energy and regional banks), and value stocks outpaced growth stocks that year. While growth stocks led for a few years after that, history has shown other instances where value stocks have outperformed. Value stocks tend to be more resilient in times of market uncertainty and higher volatility as they are less likely to overreact to economic news. Another factor, in our view, has been the level of interest rates. If interest rates are high, discount rates will be high, and future profits will be worth less, creating an unfavorable environment for growth stocks. In any event, the value sector is the place to achieve income.

State Street is a leading provider of financial services, including investment servicing, investment management, and investment research and trading. With approximately $54 trillion in assets under custody and administration, and $5.7 trillion in assets under management, as of Dec. 31, 2025, State Street operates globally in more than 100 geographic markets and employs about 51,500 worldwide.

State Street is a leading provider of financial services, including investment servicing, investment management, and investment research and trading. With approximately $54 trillion in assets under custody and administration, and $5.7 trillion in assets under management, as of Dec. 31, 2025, State Street operates globally in more than 100 geographic markets and employs about 51,500 worldwide.