The Trump administration is taking stakes in chip, defense, quantum, and rare earth companies that align with policy priorities. These “National Champion” stocks could see long-term competitive advantages that aren’t immediately apparent.

Lower income households are getting a raise, increasing capex estimates signal confidence, and small businesses are catching up in their use of AI.

Highlights from the week of July 3 – July 9, 2026.

AI-related debt is now over 15% of the U.S. investment grade bond universe and responsible for multiple $10+ billion private placements, and that’s not even taking into account associated sectors. Here’s where we see potential— and pitfalls—for fixed income portfolios.

Substituting convertible securities for CCC rated bonds in high yield mandates may improve return potential while reducing reliance on distressed credit risk.

With attractive yields, robust covenant protection, and ample liquidity, investment grade private credit is a growing favorite of both investors and borrowers. Here’s what you need to know.

Jim Lydotes flips the timer on a retail energy deal, thinner consumer cushions, and how index rebalancing shows why investors should look beneath the market surface.

The back half of 2026 may hinge on six themes: AI spending, uneven growth, labor supply, sticky inflation, uneasy central banks, and volatile bond markets.

Potential—and pitfalls—in AI debt for insurance allocators.

Jim Lydotes flips the timer on our Grassroots Research on data centers, healthcare companies reinvesting AI dividends, and the breakdown in common value metrics.