Podcast episode
Episode 214 – Marks on the Market: Kicking off 2026 in the Markets & Economy | Brandon Pizzurro
Join Richard Cunningham and John Coleman for the first Marks on the Markets episode of 2026 as they welcome Brandon Pizzurro, President & Chief Investment Officer at GuideStone Capital Management, to unpack what investors need to know heading into the new year. After three consecutive years of double-digit returns, the conversation explores whether markets can sustain this momentum, the future of AI investing, and the opportunities emerging in small caps and private markets.
All opinions expressed on this podcast, including the team and guests, are solely their opinions. Host and guests may maintain positions in the companies and securities discussed. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as specific investment advice for any individual or organization.
Episode Notes
Join Richard Cunningham and John Coleman for the first Marks on the Markets episode of 2026 as they welcome Brandon Pizzurro, President & Chief Investment Officer at GuideStone Capital Management, to unpack what investors need to know heading into the new year. After three consecutive years of double-digit gains, the question on every investor’s mind is whether this generational bull run can continue—and where the next opportunities lie.
Brandon and John unpack the surprises of 2025, including Liberation Day’s muted economic impact, the ongoing Mag 7 dominance, and why markets continue to reward mega-cap stocks despite stretched valuations. The conversation explores whether 2026 will finally bring the long-anticipated rotation to small and mid-cap stocks, what Fed policy changes to expect, and why private equity and IPO markets are poised for a significant thawing after years of constrained liquidity.
Beyond market mechanics, this episode addresses the stewardship questions that matter most to faith-driven investors: How do we navigate unprecedented market concentration? What does it mean to invest with eternal perspective when returns have been extraordinary? And how do we balance gratitude for God’s provision with wisdom about potential risks ahead?
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Holiday Reflections
00:39 Welcome to Marks on the Markets 2026
02:28 Looking Back at 2025: What Surprised Us
02:58 Liberation Day and Market Resilience
05:05 Tariff Policy and Supreme Court Implications
08:42 Market Outlook for 2026
09:21 Brandon’s Temperature Check on Markets
10:26 John’s Bullish Case for the Economy
14:04 Shock and Awe: 10 Headlines in 10 Trading Days
15:09 Mag 7 Dominance vs. Small Cap Opportunity
19:12 Market Concentration Concerns
20:28 Interest Rate Sensitivity and Small Caps
21:06 Fed Policy: How Many Cuts in 2026?
24:07 The Future of the Federal Reserve
26:08 John’s Defense of the Fed System
28:24 AI’s Impact on Employment and Productivity
30:32 Productivity Growth and the National Debt
32:48 Private Equity and IPO Markets Thawing
34:47 The Private vs. Public Market Conundrum
37:54 Could Apple Buy OpenAI?
38:14 Geopolitical Risks and International Markets
42:04 Emerging Markets Opportunity
43:44 Spiritual Goals for 2026
44:18 Brandon: Being Present (Matthew 6:34)
45:10 John: Serving Under Authority
46:31 Closing Thoughts