
The equity market has gained for six consecutive weeks, driven primarily by technology stocks, especially the Mag 7 and semiconductor sectors. Momentum, high beta, and growth stocks lead the rally, while value and defensive sectors along with commodities like oil lag behind. Non-U.S. markets such as South Korea and Taiwan outperform due to their semiconductor exposure benefiting from the AI trade. Despite concerns like high valuations, geopolitical tensions, and persistent inflation, investor optimism supports continued market gains over the next nine months.