Bespoke Investment’s Hickey Discusses 2026 Market Outlook on CNBC’s Squawk Box

On December 29, 2025, at 7:47 AM EST, Paul Hickey, co-founder of Bespoke Investment Group, appeared on CNBC’s Squawk Box to discuss year-end market conditions and the 2026 outlook, stating the firm is “positioned positively for 2026” [1]. Pre-event market data (December 26) showed U.S. indices trading near record levels, with modest daily declines and light volumes due to holiday seasonality [0].

While full details of Hickey’s interview are missing (due to crawler limitations on the YouTube video and unavailable written transcripts), his positive stance aligns with broader 2026 market outlook narratives. These include expectations of a continued bull market (with the S&P 500 nearing 7,000), market broadening beyond the “Magnificent Seven” tech stocks, Fed rate cuts influencing asset prices, and sustained AI sector momentum [2][3][4].

1. Timing Impacts
   : The interview occurred pre-market during late December holiday trading, when thin volumes may limit immediate market reactions [0][1].
2. Narrative Alignment
   : Hickey’s positive positioning for 2026 is consistent with bullish outlooks from financial outlets like Barron’s, which highlight economic resilience and AI drivers [2][4].
3. Potential Overshadowing
   : The Fed’s December meeting minutes (scheduled for December 30) could draw more investor attention, overshadowing the interview’s impact [1].
4. Sentiment Contrast
   : While Bespoke is bullish, a Bank of America survey shows record low investor cash levels, which historically correlate with increased volatility [5].

• Risks
  : Thin holiday trading volumes may exaggerate market moves; high bullish sentiment could increase the potential for a market pullback; Fed minutes could introduce unexpected policy signals [0][1][5].
• Opportunities
  : Market broadening beyond the Magnificent Seven may create new investment openings; ongoing AI sector momentum could drive tech and adjacent industries; Fed rate cuts may support asset prices across sectors [2][3][4].

Bespoke Investment Group has a positive positioning for 2026, as communicated by co-founder Paul Hickey on CNBC’s Squawk Box [1]. Pre-event U.S. markets were near record levels with light holiday trading volumes [0]. Broader 2026 outlook themes include market broadening, Fed rate cuts, and AI sector momentum [2][3][4]. Decision-makers should note the lack of full interview details and December 29 trading data, and monitor upcoming Fed minutes and post-holiday market activity for additional context [1][5].