In this NYSE Live interview, Jay Woods, Chief Market Strategist at Freedom Capital Markets, discusses the factors driving markets as investors prepare for a major week featuring Federal Reserve decisions, key economic data releases, and earnings from some of the world's largest technology companies.

Speaking with JD Durkin, Woods analyzes recent market volatility and explains how weakness in semiconductor and AI-related stocks has influenced overall market sentiment.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the artificial intelligence trade. Woods notes that while concerns have emerged around capital spending and infrastructure investments, many AI-related companies continue to demonstrate strong fundamentals despite recent share-price weakness.

The interview also explores investor rotation into defensive sectors. Consumer staples, healthcare, utilities, and other traditionally defensive areas of the market have attracted investor interest as traders navigate uncertainty surrounding growth expectations and interest rates.

Another major theme is technical analysis. Woods highlights key chart levels and discusses how market participants are watching support areas across major equity benchmarks and leading technology stocks.

The conversation further examines Federal Reserve policy. Woods expects policymakers to hold interest rates steady while focusing attention on future inflation trends, economic data, and any clues provided during post-meeting communications.

The interview also addresses inflation, Treasury yields, and economic uncertainty. Higher borrowing costs and ongoing inflation concerns remain important variables influencing both equity and fixed-income markets.

Another important topic is earnings season. Woods points to major reports from companies including Microsoft, Amazon, and Alphabet as potential catalysts that could influence broader market direction and investor confidence in the technology sector.

Additionally, the discussion explores how market sentiment can sometimes diverge from underlying corporate fundamentals. Woods believes many technology companies continue to generate strong earnings and cash flow despite heightened volatility across the sector.

The conversation also touches on market performance during election cycles and the historical tendency for equities to perform favorably following midterm elections, regardless of political outcomes.

Looking ahead, Woods expects investors to remain highly focused on corporate earnings, inflation data, Federal Reserve policy, and leadership within technology as they evaluate opportunities across financial markets.

Throughout the discussion, Woods shares perspectives on artificial intelligence, technology stocks, market rotation, technical analysis, Federal Reserve policy, inflation, earnings season, investor sentiment, interest rates, and portfolio strategy.

Disclaimer: Informational content only. NYSE does not endorse or recommend investments, strategies, companies, products, or services discussed.