BofA Senior Strategist Unveils Bullish 2026 Market Outlook, Emphasizing AI Growth and Cybersecurity Risks

This analysis is grounded in the CNBC Market Domination video published on December 16, 2025 [1], featuring BofA Senior Investment Strategist Lauren Sanfilippo. On the video’s release date, market data [0] shows the NASDAQ Composite gained +0.56% and the Tech sector rose +0.86%, reflecting ongoing momentum in technology-focused markets. Sanfilippo outlines a bullish 2026 outlook, with artificial intelligence (AI) cited as the primary driver of market growth. Internal analytical data [0] supporting this outlook identifies two key sectors poised for growth: utilities (tied to data center infrastructure that powers AI operations) and chip stocks (critical for AI hardware development and deployment).

1. The positive momentum in the Tech sector on December 16, 2025 [0] aligns with BofA’s forward-looking bullish stance on AI, suggesting market participants may already be pricing in long-term AI growth potential.
2. BofA’s inclusion of utilities (a traditionally defensive sector) in its growth forecast underscores the indirect yet significant impact of AI infrastructure needs on non-tech industries, revealing cross-sector interdependencies in the AI ecosystem.

• Opportunities
  : AI-related sectors, including semiconductor stocks (AI hardware) and utilities (data center energy support), are positioned for potential growth in 2026 per BofA’s outlook [0]. The December 16 tech sector gains [0] also indicate near-term market receptivity to AI-focused assets.
• Risks
  : The video explicitly highlights cybersecurity risks associated with broader AI adoption [1]. As AI systems become more integrated into global businesses, vulnerabilities in AI infrastructure could pose threats to market stability or individual company performance.

This report synthesizes insights from the CNBC video and accompanying market data to outline BofA’s 2026 bullish market outlook, driven by AI growth. Key benefiting sectors include utilities and chips, while cybersecurity risks linked to AI adoption are noted. The analysis provides context on current tech sector momentum and cross-sector AI impacts, offering objective information without prescriptive investment recommendations.