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A Tale of Two Economies: Divergences Shaping Financial Services in H2 2026

By Barbara Tague, Financial Research Leader

Structural disruption has become a new norm within the investment industry heading into the second half of 2026. A convergence of geopolitical shock, persistent stagflation, and deepening economic bifurcation are creating headwinds for managers focused on creating value and executing sound investment strategies.

In this report, we explore key expert and analyst perspectives on the relevant themes shaping the financial services landscape for H2, including scaled AI infrastructure, diversification and asset re-positioning, a deepening K-shaped economy bearing resemblance to the ’70s, and a wave of IPO and deal activity prevailing despite macroeconomic headwinds.


About the Author
  • Barbara Tague, Financial Research Leader

    Barb is a Financial Research Leader covering the financial services segment at AlphaSense. Previously, she spent more than a decade at institutional investment managers and at a SaaS startup leading business development, content, and product initiatives.

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EMEA Outlook 2026: Navigating Inflation, Manufacturing Shifts and AI Adoption

The extent to which EMEA economies can tame inflation, manage weakness in the auto sector, and harness AI for growth will be key to their economic prosperity in the months to come. In this report, we explore how these themes will impact EMEA in the second half of 2026.
Report cover for 'EMEA Outlook 2026: Navigating Inflation, Manufacturing Shifts and AI Adoption' by Shelly Hagan, featuring a globe and an upward trend arrow.

Top AI Use Cases for Life Sciences Market Intelligence

Across life sciences functions, platforms like AlphaSense are streamlining the entire decision cycle. This report covers the top AI use cases that have transformed how the industry’s leading teams reach defensible answers.
Top AI Use Cases for Life Sciences Market Intelligence, with illustrations of a DNA helix, bar chart, and building on a blue grid.

Mid-Year AI Checkpoint: The Shift from Wow to Work

The first half of 2026 marked a turning point for AI. The focus shifted away from breakthrough demos to the harder questions of deployment, integration, and real-world impact. As AI became more deeply embedded in products, workflows, and business operations, organizations faced new questions around measurement, governance, workforce impact, trust, and control.
Mid-Year AI Checkpoint: The Shift from Wow to Work, by Sarah Hoffman. A graphic with a timeline, a sparkling marker, and an AIAIAI logo.

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