H2 outlook The pillars remain supportive
- **AI Capex Cycle Acceleration**: AI-related investment contributed ~0.97pp to real GDP growth in 2025 Q1, exceeding dot-com peaks; hyperscaler capex to exceed $1T annually by 2026-27, driving sustained US investment/growth through 2027.
- **Earnings Diversification & Momentum**: S&P 500 ex-Mag-7 earnings growth accelerating (vs.
- Mag-7 dominance), with 85% of companies beating EPS in Q2 and 67% raising guidance (strongest since 2021), confirming broad-based strength beyond tech mega-caps.
- **Midterm Election Volatility Risk**: Historical S&P 500 drawdowns average 18% in midterm years (vs.