Global equities rise worldwide; Emerging-market profits >60%
Global equities rise worldwide; Emerging-market profits >60% A mid-year review of the equity market A mid-year review of the equity market As we reach the midpoint of 2026, it is worth asking a simple question: what has actually driven equity markets this year and what does it mean for the second half? The headline is that global equities have made solid progress, despite high valuations and heightened geopolitical uncertainty. Strong corporate earnings have been the main driver, more than offsetting the fall in valuations across most markets. Emerging-market companies have led the way, with profits expected to grow by more than 60% so far in 2026, while US companies are forecast to deliver around 24%. These are strong numbers, and they help explain why share prices have held up even as the world has felt uncertain. ...