Defensives Rallied as AI Disruption Concerns Persist

Sawgrass Market Musings

Sawgrass Market Musings
Defensives Rallied as AI Disruption Concerns Persist
Mar 05, 2026
Advisors Asset Management, Inc.

Liridon Gila, CFA, Portfolio Manager, discusses the S&P 500's decline of -0.8% in February as the market broadening and sector rotation continued, and defensive stocks generally rallied on perceived "safety" from the AI disruption risks. He highlighted three near-term potential catalysts including 1) ongoing concerns over AI-driven disruption, 2) an escalation of geopolitical tensions, and 3) uncertainty over monetary policy and persistent inflationary trends. He expects quality to outperform in 2026 as markets continue to digest the disruptive impact of AI, the Fed continues to ease rates, and the valuation gap between mega-cap growth and the rest of the market remains elevated.

Episode Artwork Defensives Rallied as AI Disruption Concerns Persist 4:31 Episode Artwork Markets Still Climbing, but with Volatility Ahead? 4:08 Episode Artwork Renewed Focus on Fundamentals 4:08 Episode Artwork A Pause in the Magnificent Tech Trade 4:09 Episode Artwork Still High on AI 3:41 Episode Artwork AI Euphoria 3:43 Episode Artwork Will Summer Momentum Last in Q4? 4:01 Episode Artwork A Peaceful Ascent 3:31 Episode Artwork Strong Start to Summer 3:11 Episode Artwork Is the May Rally Here to Stay? 3:04 Episode Artwork Tariff Turbulence 3:24 Episode Artwork Market Madness 3:11 Episode Artwork The Longest February Ever 3:21 Episode Artwork A New U.S. Administration, Tariffs and the Emergence of a Lower-Cost AI 4:15 Episode Artwork Drivers of Potential Market Volatility in 2025 3:31