Hightower's Stephanie Link on what she likes in the market right now

CNBC Television | August 31, 2026 at 12:30 PM UTC
Bullish 75% Confidence
Watch on YouTube

Key Points

  • Fed's inflation fight: Core PCE at 3.3% vs. 2% target, but trailing 3-month CPI annualized at 1.6%.
  • Economy is 'hot' with Atlanta Fed tracker at 4.6% GDP growth, suggesting resilience even with potential rate hikes.
  • Recommends EQT (natural gas producer) due to power demand from AI, and Estee Lauder (EL) after a good quarter and stock dip.
  • Positive on AI's broader impact across sectors (hyperscalers, data centers, grid manufacturers, power) and cybersecurity (Palo Alto), also likes Broadcom (AVGO).

AI Summary

Stephanie Link discusses the Fed's inflation fight, noting that while core PCE is high, trailing CPI is low, suggesting a nuanced view on further rate hikes. She believes the economy is hot and productivity gains from AI will be a tailwind. She highlights specific stock picks in natural gas, beauty, and tech, emphasizing growth and valuation opportunities.

Model Analysis Breakdown

Model Sentiment Confidence
Gemini 2.5 Flash Bullish 75%
Consensus Bullish 75%