BBC News: Michael Landsberg Discusses Market Direction on Business Today

April 22, 2026

While geopolitical risks and policy shifts remain active variables, Michael Landsberg, Chief Investment Officer of Landsberg Bennett Private Wealth Management, pointed out that earnings continue to anchor market direction.

In his discussion with BBC News, he framed the outlook around a growing disconnect between resilient corporate earnings and rising macro uncertainty.

At the same time, he highlighted emerging pressure from higher inflation and reduced forward visibility, noting that both could begin to shape interest rate expectations and influence how businesses guide performance in the months ahead.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Fed Policy Will Be Data-Driven: Landsberg noted that any shift in monetary policy will depend heavily on incoming data. With inflation trending higher, it may become more difficult to deliver the level of rate cuts markets or policymakers are hoping for.
  1. Earnings Remain the Core Market Driver: Despite geopolitical uncertainty, he stressed that corporate earnings continue to anchor market performance. “At the end of the day, it’s about earnings,” reinforcing that consistent profit growth is what supports equities over time.
  1. Market Looking Past Political Noise: He highlighted that markets have largely looked through short-term geopolitical headlines, focusing instead on underlying business performance and profitability trends.
  1. Sustained Earnings Momentum: The market is experiencing an extended stretch of strong earnings growth, which continues to support valuations even as uncertainty rises in other areas.
  1. Reduced Visibility From Corporations: Landsberg expects companies to become more cautious with forward guidance. Ongoing geopolitical tensions and rising energy costs create uncertainty, giving management teams less clarity on future conditions.
  1. AI and Fundamentals Coexisting: He described the current environment as a mix of traditional business strength and emerging technological themes. While innovation continues to play a role, core fundamentals remain just as important in driving results.
  1. Expectations Management by Leadership Teams: With uncertainty elevated, companies may use the environment to reset expectations. This creates flexibility to outperform later, especially when future conditions remain unclear.

Landsberg’s perspective underscores a market still grounded in earnings strength but increasingly shaped by uncertainty around inflation and global events. While fundamentals remain intact, reduced visibility and shifting policy expectations suggest a more cautious tone ahead. The focus remains on staying aligned with earnings trends while recognizing that external risks could influence sentiment and direction in the short term.

Request Information


Landsberg Bennett is a group comprised of investment professionals registered with Hightower Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. Some investment professionals may also be registered with Hightower Securities, LLC (member FINRA and SIPC). Advisory services are offered through Hightower Advisors, LLC. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC.

This is not an offer to buy or sell securities, nor should anything contained herein be construed as a recommendation or advice of any kind. Consult with an appropriately credentialed professional before making any financial, investment, tax or legal decision. No investment process is free of risk, and there is no guarantee that any investment process or investment opportunities will be profitable or suitable for all investors. Past performance is neither indicative nor a guarantee of future results. You cannot invest directly in an index.

These materials were created for informational purposes only; the opinions and positions stated are those of the author(s) and are not necessarily the official opinion or position of Hightower Advisors, LLC or its affiliates (“Hightower”). Any examples used are for illustrative purposes only and based on generic assumptions. All data or other information referenced is from sources believed to be reliable but not independently verified. Information provided is as of the date referenced and is subject to change without notice. Hightower assumes no liability for any action made or taken in reliance on or relating in any way to this information. Hightower makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information, for statements or errors or omissions, or results obtained from the use of this information. References to any person, organization, or the inclusion of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement (or guarantee of accuracy or safety) by Hightower of any such person, organization or linked website or the information, products or services contained therein.

Click here for definitions of and disclosures specific to commonly used terms.