Joel Elconin – Market Year in Review: Broadening Rally, AI Reality Check & 2026 Outlook
In this KE Report daily editorial, we wrap up the year with Joel Elconin, co-host of the PreMarket Prep show and founder of the Stock Trader Network. Joel shares his high-level takeaways from a volatile but ultimately constructive market year, breaking down what worked, what faded, and which themes may carry into 2026.
Key discussion points include:
- 2025 Market Recap & Broadening Participation – A look at index performance, the shift away from mega-cap dominance, and why broader sector participation has been a healthy development.
- Small Caps, Rates & Rotation – How easing rate expectations supported small caps and value, and why rotation beneath the surface matters more than headlines.
- AI Trade: Winners, Losers & Reality Checks – From overheated valuations to infrastructure “picks and shovels,” Joel outlines where AI enthusiasm cooled and where fundamentals are reasserting control.
- Macro Wildcards: Fed, Inflation & Politics – Tariffs, inflation data, rate cuts, and political noise – what markets are watching and what investors may be underestimating.
- Sentiment, Risk & Positioning – Why this bull market continues to climb a wall of worry, plus practical thoughts on portfolio positioning based on time horizon and risk tolerance.
Click here to visit Joel’s PreMarket Prep website – https://www.premarketprep.com/
Click here to visit the Stock Trader Network – https://www.stocktradernetwork.com/
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Investment disclaimer:
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any security. Investing in equities and commodities involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Do your own research and consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Guests and hosts may own shares in companies mentioned.
When BTC was around $1-2k, I was arguing with an old family friend, who was a crypto true believer, that BTC could never be money. She went on to become ultrawealthy (tens of millions) in the subsequent years off of BTC. I am sure she has sold quite a lot of it to live a luxurious life and provide the same for her family, so even if it goes to zero, she has gotten value out of her investment.
I have never changed my thesis on BTC. I do not begrudge anyone for making a fortune speculating, but I am sure some of my friends and relatives will be completely blindsided if (more like when) BTC completely evaporates.
The greater fool theory applies to all asset classes at times, like TSLA today and for years, but it applies to the crypto space 100 percent of the time and since the beginning. The real question was always how the masses would would perceive it. The timing was perfect to capture the interest of the herd which loves novelty especially when it’s driven by tech. The banksters bought a lot of time by luring the herd away from learning about gold and the monetary system.
Cryptos are going much lower.
https://schrts.co/xzgspYyb