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Feb 3, 2025

Emily Roland, co-chief investment strategist at John Hancock Investment Management, says "the soft landing narrative right now is alive and well," but she is watching initial jobless claims and and high-yield bond spreads, both of which have been at levels showing continued economic strength and which aren't signalling any change in that trend. She does say that investors should temper expectations because the market sits at 22 times forward earnings, with the historic peak being 24 times; while that gives some room for more upside, it suggests that solid earnings and great balance sheets -- trading at reasonable prices -- will be essential for delivering positive results. David Trainer, president at New Constructs, puts Quantum Computing in "The Danger Zone,"   warning that a recent decline that cut the stock price in half didn't go nearly far enough given a lack of profits and a questionable business model. Craig Giventer, managing director of portfolio strategies for Focus Partners Wealth, talks about the importance of finding "good businesses at fair prices" -- rather than bad businesses at bargain levels -- in the Market Call.