In 2025, blogs that utilized historical perspectives to analyze current market dynamics garnered significant reader engagement. Topics such as market concentration, small-cap cycles, private-equity challenges, geopolitical changes, and advancements in artificial intelligence were particularly resonant. The year’s most-read post, which focused entirely on historical quotes, exemplified the impact of concise, insightful analysis on contemporary issues.
Mark J. Higgins, CFA, CFP, and Rachel Kloepfer guided readers through centuries of market insights, identifying recurring behavioral patterns that investors can recognize in today’s environment. Meanwhile, Daniel Fang, CFA, CAIA, examined the structural and cyclical influences that affect the performance of small versus large-cap stocks, detailing previous turning points in market history.
A collaboration among Bill Pauley, CFA, Kevin Bales, CFA, and Adam Schreiber, CFA, CAIA, analyzed historical concentration periods that led to prolonged underperformance, revealing the risks associated with over-dependence on a small number of stocks. Higgins further identified indicators suggesting rising risks in private markets, offering investors tools to assess vulnerabilities in late-cycle scenarios.
In discussions of Federal Reserve rate-cutting cycles, Pauley, Bales, and Schreiber, along with Ty Painter, mapped the sector and risk trends that follow monetary policy changes. Kanan Mammadov provided a forward-looking examination of how tariff adjustments and geopolitical issues were projected to shape the global economy through 2025, supported by macroeconomic context.
Other contributors, including Markus Schuller and his team, presented lessons from the integration of AI in investment processes, while Sandeep Srinivas highlighted the practical challenges of applying discounted cash flow models. Paul Lavery, PhD, elaborated on the complexities of private-equity buyouts, emphasizing the importance of understanding their structural foundations.
Why this story matters: Highlights the relevance of historical analysis in contemporary investment strategies.
Key takeaway: Historical context can enhance understanding of current market trends and investment risks.
Opposing viewpoint: Some may argue that focusing on historical data can overlook the unique factors shaping today’s market landscape.
