Tematica’s Chris Versace joined the good folks over at “Topstep TV” on Thursday to talk about the day’s economic data, including the April PCE price index data.
While that conversation was had, it pivoted to the potential U.S.-Iran ceasefire extension that made headlines just moments before. Chris shared his reaction, including why it could be a “buy the rumor, sell the news” moment due in part to the time it will take to re-open the Strait and normalize supply chains, as well as the unanswered questions on two key sticking points.
In the meantime, consumers are grappling with higher prices, and we have some questions about 2H 2026 consensus EPS figures for the S&P 500.
Chris also shared his view on why AI usage is more important to track than AI adoption, and why we’re still in the first third of the game when it comes to AI. He also shares his recent experience with AI, the good and the bad.
The Strategies Behind Our AI & Data Center Ecosystem Models
Artificial Intelligence – Software, chips, and related companies that facilitate the collection and analysis of large data sets and autonomous generation of solutions given non-machine language prompts.
CHIPs Act – Capturing the reshoring of the US semiconductor industry and the $52.7 billion poised to be spent on semiconductor manufacturing.
Cloud Computing – Companies that provide hardware and services that enhance the cloud computing experience for users, such as co-location, security, and edge computing.
Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity - Companies that are integral to the development and the buildout of the infrastructure that supports our increasingly connected world.
Nuclear Energy & Uranium – Companies that either build and maintain nuclear power plants or are involved in the production of uranium.
Power Pain Point – Companies benefiting from the global push to build out new electricity generation, transmission and storage infrastructure, as well as update existing generations old infrastructure.
The Strategies Behind Our Core Exposure Models
EPS Diplomats - Profitable large capitalization companies proven to produce above-average EPS growth and provide investors with the benefit of multiple expansion.
Core Holdings – Companies that reflect economic activity and are large enough to not get pushed around by day-to-day market trends. Low-beta, large-cap names able to better withstand economic turmoil.
International Core Holdings – This model focuses on Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) that provide a range of exposures from ex-US developed market equities to emerging market equities, and global Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Global Core Holdings - This model focuses on Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) that provide a range of exposures from US, and other developed market equities to emerging market equities, and global Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
Market Hedge Model – This basket of daily reset swap-based broad market inverse ETFs protects in the face of market pullbacks, overbought market technicals, and other drivers of market volatility.
The Strategies Behind Our Targeted Exposure Models
Aging of the Population - Capturing the demographic wave of the aging population and the changing demands it brings with it.
Cash Strapped Consumers - Companies poised to benefit as consumers stretch the disposable spending dollars they do have.
Cybersecurity - Companies that focus on protecting against the penetration of digital networks and the theft, ransom, corruption, or destruction of data.
Data Privacy & Digital Identity - Companies providing the tools and services that verify authorized users and safeguard personal data privacy.
Digital Lifestyle - The companies behind our increasingly connected lives.
Digital Payments - Companies benefitting from the accelerating structural adoption of digital payments and financial technology (FinTech).
EV Transition - Capturing the transition to EVs and related infrastructure from combustion engine vehicles.
Guilty Pleasure – Companies that produce/provide food and drink products that consumers tend to enjoy regardless of the economic environment and potential long-term health hazards associated with excessive consumption.
Homebuilding & Materials – Ranging from homebuilders to key building product companies that serve the housing market, this model looks to capture the rising demand for housing, one that should benefit as the Fed returns monetary policy to more normalized levels.
Luxury Buying Boom - Tapping into aspirational buying and affluent buyers amid rising global wealth.
Rebuilding America - Turning the focused spending on rebuilding US infrastructure into revenue and profits.
Safety & Security – Targeted exposure to companies that provide goods and services primarily to the Defense and security sectors of the economy.
Space Economy – Companies that focus on the launch and operation of satellite networks.
The Strategies Behind Our Dividend Income Models
Monthly Dividend Model – Pretty much what the name indicates – this model invests in companies that pay monthly dividends to shareholders.
ETF Dividend Model – High-yielding ETFs that provide a range of exposures from domestic equities, international equities, emerging market equities, MLPS, and REITs.
ETF Enhanced Dividend Model – A group of high-yielding ETFs that utilize options to enhance yield through collecting option income.
Don’t be a stranger
Thanks for reading and if you have a suggestion for an article or book we should read, or a stream we should catch, email us at mabssy@tematicaresearch.com. The same email works if you want to know more about our thematic and targeted exposure models listed above.