Akoner: This is the year of small caps and the average US stock

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 14, 2026 at 12:06  |  4:26  |  CNBC
Speakers
Lale Akoner — Global Market Analyst, eToro

Summary

Lale Akoner of eToro argues that recent equity selling reflects rotation within risk assets rather than an exit from risk. She favors banks, small caps, the average US stock, and consumer-sensitive areas for 2026, with PNC as a top pick. She also recommends commodities as a diversifier against equity volatility and geopolitical headline risk.

  • Guest characterizes current market flows as rotation within risk assets, not risk-off.
  • Rate cuts, QT ending, and rising reserves are expected to ease financial conditions.
  • Banks are favored on a steepening yield curve, deregulation potential, and better reserves.
  • PNC is highlighted as a 2026 top pick with strong net interest income outlook.
  • Small caps and average US stocks are expected to lead in 2026.
  • Consumer-sensitive stocks are favored over growth tech within the rotation, though growth exposure should not be eliminated.
  • Commodities are recommended for diversification amid equity volatility and geopolitical risks.
Ideas
Lale Akoner Global Market Analyst, eToro 0:49
Favor consumer-sensitive stocks in rotation.
As part of her 2026 rotation view, she wants to move away from growth tech toward more consumer-sensitive stocks, supported by the rate-cutting cycle, QT ending, and expected financial deregulation.
XLY MED
Lale Akoner Global Market Analyst, eToro 0:51
Banks favored on steepening yield curve.
She favors banks as a 2026 rotation pick because the rate-cutting cycle, end of QT, and potential financial deregulation support the sector, while a steepening yield curve helps bank earnings.
KBE HIGH
Lale Akoner Global Market Analyst, eToro 1:38
Small caps and average stocks favored.
She believes 2026 will be the year of small caps and the average US stock, and investors should not miss that opportunity. She cites a rare policy setup with rate cuts, QT ending, and rising bank reserves easing financial conditions and supporting broader risk assets.
US Small Caps average US stock HIGH
Lale Akoner Global Market Analyst, eToro 2:36
PNC is top 2026 bank pick.
PNC is her top pick for 2026. She cites the steepening curve, one of the strongest bank outlooks, expected $1 billion growth in net interest income, a recent acquisition, QT ending helping reserves, potential deregulation aiding intermediation, a strong US consumer, expected strong capital markets activity, and a diversified, largely rate-agnostic balance sheet.
PNC HIGH
Lale Akoner Global Market Analyst, eToro 4:02
Commodities diversify against equity volatility.
She recommends commodities as a diversification tool against volatility in equities, especially amid geopolitical and headline risks.
DBC MED
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This CNBC video, published January 14, 2026, features Lale Akoner discussing XLY, KBE, US Small Caps, average US stock, PNC, DBC. 5 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Lale Akoner  · Tickers: XLY, KBE, US Small Caps, average US stock, PNC, DBC