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AI Adoption Accelerates Across Financial Services as Firms Scale Deployment

Kevin Levitt, director of global business development for financial services at Nvidia, joins Remy Blaire to discuss new survey data showing how AI adoption is driving revenue, efficiency, and operational scale across financial services.

Remy: Artificial intelligence is no longer a future bet for financial services. It is already a core driver of how money moves. It is rapidly reshaping how the industry operates and according to a new industry survey of more than 800 financial professionals, does show AI adoption at record levels. And firms are not just testing the tech, they are scaling it across core functions like fraud prevention, customer service and risk management to drive real returns.

Joining me with the insights into the sixth annual Nvidia State of AI and Financial Services report is Kevin Levitt, director of global business development for financial services at Nvidia. Good morning and thank you so much for joining me. The 2026 survey was just released, and nearly 90% of respondents say AI is boosting revenue or cutting costs.

So where is the payoff biggest right now and where is the hype ahead of reality?

Kevin: I think that was one of the most exciting aspects of this report is when we asked these respondents around where they’re generating ROI from their investments in AI. It’s on both sides of the coin, so to speak. It’s both generating new revenue and reducing their annual costs. And that’s driving this near 100% response rate. we asked the same group of individuals, you know, will your financial services firm increase your spending and at least maintain budgets for AI in 2026?

And it was a resounding almost 100% that said they would. And so we’re really excited to see the continued momentum for AI and financial services. And as you said, it’s not about testing or pilots and POCs. It’s about actually deploying AI enabled applications into production and financial services.

Remy: Building on that, open source models are becoming core to strategy when it comes to AI. So can you walk us through how they change the competitive balance for financial institutions?

Kevin: Yeah. Happy to. You know, 84% of respondents said that open source software is moderately to extremely important to their organization in financial services and their AI strategy. The reason for that, and this is one of the biggest swings of the pendulum, that we’ve seen over the last few years is this migration away from off the shelf, proprietary AI solutions to leveraging open source models. Because what the banks want to do is take open source models and marry that with their proprietary data to build more accurate outcomes from generative AI and energetic AI capabilities. The other benefit that they’re seeing is that by using open source foundation models, the banks are able to keep their proprietary data in-house.

They don’t need to export it to a third party. So really, the intelligence of the enterprise and financial services stays within the bank’s data center within their four walls, and they’re able to deliver more accurate, AI enabled applications to either internal employees and or their external customers.

Remy: You just mentioned agentic AI, AI agents, it goes without saying or moving from theory to deployment. So for the layperson out there, can you tell us what tasks they’re handling today and how fast they’re actually scaling?

Kevin: Yeah. Happy to. I mean, they’re handling everything from knowledge management and retrieval of information. Uh, they’re helping with internal process automation. They’re engaging customers through support channels. And, you know, the real power of agentic AI now is all the sophisticated reasoning models that these agentic AI are powered by. And we used to use large language models, and they would generate sort of a one shot response just immediately give us the answer to the question. Now with the agentic AI, these models are actually reasoning, and that long thinking requires 100 times the amount of compute than traditional LLMs. Now, the benefit of that long thinking in that compute is that you’re able to get more accurate answers. that’s why banks are investing at scale in Nvidia’s accelerated computing platform, because it’s powering not just the training of these models and financial services, but also their deployment inference, because you need accurate outcomes and low latency that our platform enables.

Remy: Before I let you go, 2026 is well underway and we’re hearing from companies, given the fact that it is earnings season. In addition, there are plenty of IPOs that we’re closely watching. But with AI budgets rising across the board, what gets priority next based on your perspective, is it more use cases, better execution or the infrastructure to support it?

Kevin: That’s exactly where we’re seeing companies say they’re going to invest in 2026. They want to, of course, identify additional use cases, optimize their existing workflows, and importantly, continue to build and provide access to AI infrastructure. What we’re seeing is banks investing at scale in AI factories, and this is a foundational platform that sits across the enterprise, because AI is going to touch every function, every line of business within the bank. You need an accelerated computing platform to deliver these AI enabled applications at scale reliably, to enable all of these functions that are supporting not just hundreds of use cases today, but it will be thousands into the future of financial services.

Remy: Well, Kevin, we will have to leave it there. But thank you so much for sharing the findings from the latest report. I appreciate your time and all of your insights.

Kevin: My pleasure. Thank you.

Venture Debt Gains Traction as Fintech Startups Face Tighter Markets

Kyle Brown, CEO of Trinity Capital, joins FINTECH.TV’s Remy Blaire to discuss how venture debt is playing a growing role for fintech startups navigating tighter valuations, longer fundraising timelines, and evolving capital markets in 2026.

Holocaust Remembrance Day Message Echoes at NYSE

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Holocaust survivor and educator Nate Leipciger shared his life story and reflections with J.D. Durkin at the New York Stock Exchange in recognition of Holocaust Remembrance Day. His testimony offered a sobering reminder of the responsibility carried by individuals, institutions, and societies to remember history and to actively uphold justice, equality, and human dignity every day of the year.

Leipciger spoke about the defining moment of his life, recalling how, 82 years ago, he stood before the gas chambers at Auschwitz-Birkenau and witnessed flames consuming the lives of countless people, including members of his own family. That memory, he explained, is not only a personal tragedy but a historical warning. Remembrance and education, he stressed, are essential tools to prevent such atrocities from ever happening again.

He emphasized that Holocaust Remembrance Day represents a commitment to honor those who were murdered simply for being Jewish. Remembering is not an abstract exercise, but a moral obligation. Leipciger warned that denial or minimization of the Holocaust amounts to erasing victims a second time, reinforcing why historical truth must be protected and taught across generations.

During the conversation, Leipciger connected remembrance to the modern world, including the responsibility carried by industries shaping the future, such as technology and artificial intelligence. As innovation accelerates, he argued, values must keep pace. Tools that influence society at scale must be guided by conscience, empathy, and respect for human life rather than division or hatred.

Leipciger highlighted his work with March of the Living, alongside partnerships with companies such as Pfizer, as examples of how remembrance, education, and corporate responsibility can intersect. These collaborations demonstrate how businesses and institutions can honor history while contributing positively to society.

A central theme of Leipciger’s message was that remembrance cannot be confined to a single day. He called for year-round commitment to reflection and moral responsibility, urging individuals and organizations alike to act in ways that promote justice and equality. Hope, he shared, was essential to survival during the darkest moments of his life, and it remains essential today.

Looking forward, Leipciger expressed cautious optimism. Through education, dialogue, and intentional action, he believes societies can learn from history and choose a better path. His message serves as both a warning and an invitation: to remember the past honestly, to confront hatred wherever it appears, and to ensure that compassion and responsibility guide the future.

As his remarks made clear, honoring the victims of the Holocaust is not only about memory, but about action. By choosing empathy, truth, and accountability in daily life and professional decisions, individuals and institutions alike help ensure that history is not repeated and that humanity moves forward with purpose and integrity.

Theo Outlines NYSE Push for 24/7 Tokenized Markets

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Iggy Ioppe, chief investment officer at Theo, joined J.D. Durkin on Taking Stock to discuss where tokenized markets are headed and why the next phase of financial innovation may arrive sooner than many expect. The conversation centered on the New York Stock Exchange’s ambitions to build a 24/7 tokenized trading ecosystem and what that could mean for investors, liquidity, and the structure of global markets.

Ioppe described the NYSE’s vision as a decisive break from incremental modernization. Rather than simply upgrading legacy systems, the exchange is exploring an on-chain, decentralized trading environment designed to support atomic settlement. That means transactions could settle instantly, without intermediaries or delays, across blockchain networks. In contrast, Ioppe noted that other exchanges appear focused on improving existing infrastructure without fully embracing blockchain-native architecture.

The move toward continuous trading is one of the most consequential shifts under discussion. A 24/7 market would give investors flexibility well beyond traditional trading hours, while tokenized stocks would allow fractional ownership based on dollar amounts rather than whole shares. Together, these features could dramatically lower barriers to entry, opening markets to a broader global audience and increasing overall participation.

At Theo, Ioppe outlined plans to bring tokenized equities to market, starting with gold. With gold recently trading above $5,000, he described it as a logical foundation for tokenization. Gold has functioned as a store of value and medium of exchange for thousands of years, yet historically it has carried costs tied to storage, insurance, and security. Theo’s approach aims to remove those frictions while introducing yield-generating mechanisms, transforming gold from a static asset into a productive one.

Looking ahead, Ioppe highlighted regulation and liquidity as the two defining challenges for tokenized markets. Regulatory frameworks around tokenized assets continue to evolve, and while approval processes may take time, he argued that institutional involvement, particularly from exchanges like the NYSE, will accelerate acceptance and legitimacy. Clear rules, in his view, are essential to scaling decentralized trading safely.

Liquidity is the other critical piece. For 24/7 markets to function effectively, deep and reliable liquidity must exist beyond traditional trading windows. Ioppe stressed that building these mechanisms is central to Theo’s mission and to the broader success of tokenized markets worldwide.

Beyond efficiency and access, Ioppe framed tokenization as part of a broader shift toward responsible and sustainable investing. Blockchain-based systems can increase transparency, reduce operational waste, and support financial structures aligned with long-term economic and societal goals. In that sense, tokenization is not just a technical upgrade, but a rethinking of how capital markets operate.

Ioppe’s perspective reflects a financial system in transition. As institutions like the NYSE explore decentralized, always-on markets and firms like Theo develop tokenized assets with real-world utility, the boundaries between traditional finance and blockchain continue to dissolve. The result may be a faster, more inclusive, and more resilient global trading ecosystem, reshaping how investors engage with markets in the years ahead.

Investor Sentiment Signals Strength Beneath Market Volatility

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Caleb Silver, editor-in-chief at Investopedia, joined J.D. Durkin on Taking Stock to break down market conditions during a volatile trading week marked by sharp swings in sentiment and headline-driven risk. Drawing on fresh data from Investopedia, Silver outlined how optimism remains intact beneath the surface, even as investors navigate an unusually dense news cycle.

According to Silver, investor sentiment started the week on strong footing but was quickly tested by a wave of geopolitical and economic headlines. In just a few days, markets absorbed what felt like a year’s worth of news. Even so, optimism has been persistent. Investopedia data shows bullish sentiment in 8 of the past 11 weeks, while global fund managers’ cash positions have fallen to record lows. At the same time, hedging activity against market declines is near multi-year lows, signaling continued confidence despite elevated uncertainty.

Silver also pointed to signs of broad-based momentum across key market segments. He highlighted what he described as a potential Dow Theory trifecta, with Dow Transports, Dow Industrials, and semiconductor stocks all reaching 52-week highs last week. That strength was reinforced by a growing share of stocks trading above their 50-day moving averages, a technical signal that suggested healthy market breadth before headline risks temporarily disrupted momentum.

Another notable factor is the large pool of capital still sitting on the sidelines. Silver estimated that roughly $7 to $8 trillion remains parked in money market funds. If earnings growth continues and market conditions stabilize, that capital could begin flowing back into equities, providing additional fuel for upside, particularly in sectors benefiting from government spending and long-term policy support.

On the retail side, Silver noted that Nvidia remains one of the most widely held stocks among individual investors, reflecting continued enthusiasm for AI-related exposure. At the same time, retail investors appear to be rotating into more defensive positions, particularly defense stocks, as expectations build around increased military and security spending under the current administration. This shift suggests a more cautious but still engaged retail investor base.

Demand for precious metals has also accelerated. Gold and silver are trading at record highs in the U.S., reinforcing their role as hedges during periods of market stress. Silver emphasized that metals are increasingly being viewed not just as safe havens, but as core components of diversified portfolios, particularly as investors weigh inflation, geopolitical risk, and equity volatility.

Looking ahead, Silver stressed the importance of the upcoming earnings season and key macro events, including the Federal Reserve’s press conference and new economic data releases. These developments are likely to shape near-term direction across equities, cryptocurrencies, and emerging areas such as blockchain and AI-driven investments.

As markets continue to balance optimism with uncertainty, Silver’s insights underscore the importance of understanding investor behavior beneath the headlines. By tracking sentiment, capital flows, and sector-level trends, investors and entrepreneurs can better position themselves to take advantage of opportunities while remaining prepared for potential volatility.

Coinbase Backs Push for Clear Crypto Market Structure

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Paul Grewal, chief legal officer at Coinbase, recently joined J.D. Durkin on Taking Stock to discuss the evolving state of cryptocurrency regulation in Washington, with particular focus on the Clarity Act. As legislative momentum builds, Grewal outlined why this moment represents a turning point for both the crypto industry and the broader financial system.

Grewal explained that Coinbase has been deeply engaged in policy discussions over the past year, especially around stablecoins and market structure. He pointed to the passage of the GENIUS Act as a meaningful milestone, noting that it delivered long-needed clarity around a core segment of the crypto ecosystem. According to Grewal, these developments signal that lawmakers are beginning to understand the importance of establishing clear and durable rules for digital assets.

A central theme of the discussion was the unusually strong bipartisan support surrounding crypto legislation. Grewal highlighted that both Democrats and Republicans now broadly agree on the need for regulatory clarity. He noted that the House’s recent passage of a market structure bill reflected cooperation rarely seen in Washington, underscoring that crypto policy has moved beyond partisan lines and into the realm of mainstream financial reform.

Despite this progress, Grewal acknowledged that politics can still slow the legislative process. With midterm elections approaching, competing priorities and political strategy could influence timing. Even so, he emphasized that the scale of crypto adoption in the United States makes inaction increasingly difficult. More than 52 million Americans now participate in the crypto economy, making digital asset policy a voter issue as much as a financial one.

Several unresolved issues remain on the table, including how stablecoin rewards should be treated and how tokenized equities fit into existing regulatory frameworks. Grewal expressed optimism that these topics can be resolved through continued bipartisan cooperation. He argued that a well-structured regulatory environment would benefit all participants, from institutional investors to individual users, by promoting innovation while protecting consumers.

The conversation underscored how far crypto regulation has come in a relatively short period of time. What was once viewed as a fringe issue is now a central focus of financial policy discussions in Washington. Grewal emphasized that this shift reflects a growing recognition of crypto’s role in economic growth, financial inclusion, and market modernization.

As lawmakers continue to debate the Clarity Act and related proposals, Grewal made clear that collaboration will be essential. Establishing transparent, consistent rules is critical to ensuring the long-term stability of the crypto market. With bipartisan alignment gaining strength, the regulatory framework taking shape could define the next phase of digital finance in the United States.

Hearing delayed, Bitmine Ethereum, Mining curtailed, BlackRock ETF

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In today’s episode of the Crypto Daily Download, we highlight several key developments in the cryptocurrency market. First, we highlight that the Senate Agriculture Committee has postponed its crypto market structure markup hearing to Thursday due to a winter storm affecting much of the U.S. This hearing will include debates and votes on proposed amendments to the bill, alongside a joint appearance by the SEC and CFTC chiefs, also rescheduled for Thursday.

We highlight Bitmine Immersion’s significant move last week, where they made their largest Ethereum purchase of the year, acquiring 40,000 Ethereum for nearly $117 million. This brings their total holdings to over 4.24 million tokens, representing about 3.5% of Ether’s total supply, with their overall crypto and cash assets now totaling $12.8 billion.

Additionally, we discuss the impact of the Arctic blast on Bitcoin mining operations in the U.S., where rising electricity costs have led some large-scale mining companies, like Riot Platforms, to shut down parts of their operations. This situation may benefit Bitcoin miners outside the U.S. due to reduced competition.

Lastly, we cover BlackRock’s recent filing of an S-1 for an iShares Bitcoin Premium Income ETF. This product aims to track Bitcoin’s price while generating income through options trading, which could introduce new dynamics in the BTC-linked derivatives markets. Jane King with the latest from the NYSE.

Enterprise AI Shifts From Pilots to Operational Scale

As 2026 unfolds, artificial intelligence is entering a decisive phase inside enterprise environments. The conversation is no longer about experimentation or proof-of-concept tools, but about operational scale, governance, and measurable value. In a recent discussion with Pavlé Sabic, senior director of Generative AI Solutions and Strategy at Moody’s, the focus turned to how AI is reshaping enterprise decision-making, efficiency, and competitive positioning.

A central theme of the discussion was the rise of Agentic AI. Unlike earlier generations of automation, Agentic AI systems are designed to operate autonomously within defined guardrails, supporting complex workflows rather than executing isolated tasks. Sabic explained that many enterprises have moved beyond the innovation phase, but full operational adoption remains uneven. The next stage of AI maturity will emphasize multitasking capabilities, allowing AI systems to simultaneously support risk assessment, operational analytics, and supply chain optimization within core business processes.

Market expectations are also evolving. With a wave of anticipated AI-focused IPOs expected in 2026, including firms such as Databricks, Anthropic, and CoreWeave, investor scrutiny is sharpening. Sabic noted that markets are shifting away from aspirational narratives toward tangible performance metrics. Revenue growth, customer adoption, margin expansion, and demonstrable operational integration will matter more than vision alone. Companies that cannot clearly articulate how AI drives sustainable value may find public markets less forgiving.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in regulated sectors like financial services and healthcare, governance and compliance are emerging as non-negotiable priorities. Sabic stressed that successful deployment of Agentic AI begins with clear standards around data interoperability, auditability, and regulatory alignment. Enterprises that build governance into their AI foundations from the outset are more likely to scale responsibly and avoid costly setbacks as regulatory scrutiny increases.

The widening gap between AI leaders and laggards is becoming increasingly visible. According to Sabic, organizations that excel are those that integrate AI directly into business workflows rather than treating it as a standalone tool. These firms use AI to enhance critical functions such as risk management, client onboarding, and decision support. By contrast, companies that delay integration or struggle with fragmented data systems risk falling behind. Talent development also plays a decisive role, as enterprises must ensure their workforce is trained to collaborate effectively with AI-driven systems.

Concerns about AI-driven job displacement remain part of the broader conversation, but Sabic offered a more nuanced view. Rather than eliminating workforces, AI is reshaping them. Routine and repetitive tasks are increasingly automated, while demand grows for roles centered on judgment, oversight, and strategic decision-making. Enterprises that adopt an AI-first mindset and invest in reskilling their employees are better positioned to unlock productivity gains without eroding institutional knowledge.

As enterprises move deeper into 2026, AI integration represents both a major opportunity and a structural challenge. Agentic AI, when deployed with strong governance and workforce alignment, has the potential to redefine how organizations operate at scale. The coming year is likely to set lasting standards for enterprise AI adoption, shaping not only technology strategy but also the future intersection of finance, data, and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Gold Surges Past $5,000 as Tokenization Scales

In the evolving landscape of global finance, gold has reached a historic milestone, surging past the $5,000 mark for the first time. The breakout underscores gold’s enduring role as a store of value at a moment when traditional economic systems are facing mounting pressure. As inflation risks, geopolitical uncertainty, and currency debasement continue to dominate the macro narrative, investors are increasingly turning back to tangible assets. Offering perspective on this shift is Björn Schmidtke, CEO of Aurelion, who outlines how blockchain and tokenization are reshaping the future of gold ownership.

Gold has long been viewed as a financial safe haven, and its recent performance reinforces that reputation. With a combined market capitalization of roughly $35 trillion across gold and silver, precious metals remain the largest asset class globally. Schmidtke points to a meaningful change in central bank behavior, noting that governments are increasingly diversifying their reserves away from traditional instruments like T-bills and toward gold. This trend reflects what he describes as the ongoing debasement trade, where investors seek protection against inflation, currency erosion, and financial instability.

One of the most significant developments in the gold market is the emergence of tokenized bullion. Schmidtke highlights Tether Gold, a tokenized product backed by physical gold stored in Swiss vaults, as a prime example of how blockchain technology can address long-standing inefficiencies in gold ownership. Historically, gold investing has faced challenges around transparency, portability, and accessibility. Tokenization solves many of these issues by allowing investors to hold digital representations of physical gold while retaining the ability to redeem tokens for the underlying asset.

Schmidtke believes tokenized gold could eventually represent as much as 10% of the total gold market, potentially creating a multi-trillion dollar digital asset category. By lowering barriers to entry and increasing transparency, tokenization expands gold’s appeal beyond institutional investors and into a broader global audience. In contrast to many crypto-native assets, tokenized gold offers a clear link to real-world value, reinforcing trust in an increasingly fragmented digital finance ecosystem.

Aurelion has embraced this shift by incorporating Tether Gold into its treasury strategy. Schmidtke describes the firm’s approach as one centered on stewardship and long-term utility rather than speculation. By treating digital gold as both a reserve asset and a financial instrument, Aurelion reflects a growing institutional mindset that views tokenized commodities as foundational to future financial systems.

The conversation also touches on the relationship between gold and Bitcoin. Schmidtke acknowledges Bitcoin’s strong narrative and growing adoption but emphasizes that gold remains far larger and more deeply entrenched as a global asset. While Bitcoin often trades in correlation with technology stocks in the short term, Schmidtke suggests its long-term trajectory may increasingly align with gold as a hedge against debasement. For investors navigating this environment, he advocates a balanced approach that includes both assets, recognizing the distinct role each plays in portfolio construction.

As financial markets continue to evolve, the convergence of traditional assets and blockchain technology is becoming increasingly apparent. Schmidtke’s insights highlight how gold’s historic role as a store of value is being reinforced, not replaced, by digital innovation. For investors focused on sustainability, asset preservation, and long-term resilience, understanding the growing interplay between tokenization and tangible assets like gold may prove essential in the years ahead.

Markets Navigate Fed Meeting as Earnings Momentum Builds

The financial landscape is moving through a period of heightened uncertainty as markets brace for a pivotal Federal Reserve meeting and a wave of corporate earnings. Trading has opened with mixed signals across major stock averages, reflecting investor caution ahead of the Fed’s two-day policy gathering, where guidance on interest rates and the broader economic outlook will take center stage.

Speaking with FINTECH.TV’s Remy Blaire, NYSE senior market strategist Michael Reinking outlined the key forces shaping current market behavior. With tech earnings accelerating and government shutdown negotiations lingering in the background, investors are navigating a market influenced by both corporate fundamentals and political risk.

Early trading patterns reveal a notable divergence. The Dow has faced pressure, while broader futures excluding the index have shown modest strength. Healthcare stocks have underperformed, partly in response to recent comments from President Donald Trump. Reinking pointed to a recent rotation that has caught investors’ attention, as small- and mid-cap stocks have ceded momentum back to mega-cap technology names. This shift suggests renewed confidence in large-cap tech as earnings season ramps up, particularly with several high-profile reports approaching.

Expectations for tech earnings remain elevated, driven by continued spending among hyperscale companies. However, Reinking emphasized that guidance will matter more than headline beats. While earnings beat rates have come in slightly below long-term averages so far, strong performance from major technology firms could help stabilize sentiment and reinforce the market’s recent rebound.

Trade policy has re-emerged as another source of volatility. Reinking noted that tariff rhetoric has evolved over the past year, moving from aggressive posturing to a more measured tone. Still, the President’s recent reinstatement of tariff threats has reintroduced uncertainty, particularly as markets await clarity on related legal and policy developments. Combined with the backdrop of upcoming midterm elections, trade policy remains a variable investors are watching closely.

As attention turns to the Federal Reserve, expectations remain centered on policy stability. No immediate rate cuts are anticipated, but Reinking highlighted that commentary from Fed Chair Jerome Powell will be closely scrutinized. In addition, speculation around future leadership at the Fed has gained traction in prediction markets, adding another layer of intrigue to this week’s meeting.

From a macro perspective, economic data suggests underlying resilience, though a potential partial government shutdown could introduce short-term disruptions. Reinking noted that markets have historically absorbed similar events without lasting damage, suggesting any impact may be limited if such a scenario unfolds.

Beyond equities, movements in alternative assets are also drawing attention. Trading volume in silver ETFs has surged, signaling increased interest in precious metals amid market volatility. Meanwhile, the Japanese yen remains sensitive to global rate expectations and geopolitical developments, particularly shifts in Treasury yields and potential intervention from Japanese authorities. Currency fluctuations could have downstream effects on multinational earnings, further underscoring the interconnected nature of global markets.

Overall, the current environment reflects a complex intersection of earnings momentum, monetary policy, and geopolitical risk. As markets move through this critical stretch, insights from strategists like Michael Reinking offer valuable context for investors seeking to remain agile. With multiple catalysts converging, disciplined positioning and close attention to guidance will be essential as markets look toward the weeks ahead.