Matt Levering
Joseph Chott
What a strong way to kick off 2026. Our January 15 breakfast marked our first meeting at Merchantville Country Club, and the feedback couldn’t have been clearer — people want to keep meeting there, so we will.
We had a wide-ranging and candid conversation about the forces most likely to shape the business and economy in 2026. Topics included tariffs, interest rates, crypto, AI, the Middle East, global trade, and what CEOs are seeing firsthand when it comes to labor, hiring, and retention. These weren’t theoretical takes — they were grounded in real operating experience.
The big takeaway? The economy and markets appear to be performing better than many expected, and the outlook for the tech sector — and tech valuations — remains very strong for 2026. AI continues to dominate the conversation, and we also explored how political perspectives influence market sentiment, which led to a thoughtful and lively exchange.
Huge thanks to Joe Chott and Matt Levering of Brown Brothers Harriman for guiding the discussion, and to everyone who attended and was ready to contribute.
