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New market driver: Scarce supply, big demand

Geopolitical tensions and the resource-heavy demands of innovation are creating shortages in many critical sectors. Here’s what investors need to know.

May 6, 2026

WITH MARKETS AT ALL‑TIME HIGHS despite ongoing geopolitical tension, persistent inflation concerns, and rising government deficits, many investors are questioning what makes sense for their portfolios in the months and years ahead. Beneath the surface, shifting global dynamics are changing how capital is allocated — and where long‑term risks and potential opportunities may emerge.

 

“This decade is all about supply,” says Michael Hartnett, Chief Investment Strategist at BofA Global Research, underscoring a fundamental shift in the forces driving markets today.

 

In this video, Hartnett sits down with Chris Hyzy, Chief Investment Officer of Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank, to discuss how evolving geopolitics, supply constraints and a global race for critical resources are reshaping market outcomes and investor decision‑making. They explore what a supply‑driven environment could mean for equities, bonds, commodities and global diversification over both the near and long term.

 


Four investment areas to watch:

  • Semiconductor chips
  • Commodities
  • The consumer
  • China

Artificial intelligence lurks amid much of today’s market conversation, reshaping how capital is deployed and how economies compete. From infrastructure spending to energy demand, its footprint is widening in ways that resemble earlier periods of world‑changing investment. “This is a technological revolution that can only be compared to the railroads,” says Hartnett, a reminder that some shifts reveal their full impact only over time.

 

Go deeper with the video, “Six portfolio strategy ideas for 2026.”  And for more timely market insights from the CIO, tune in regularly to the Market Update audiocast series.

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The opinions expressed are as of 4/28/2026 and are subject to change. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal.

 

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

 

Asset allocation, diversification and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.

 

Investments have varying degrees of risk. Some of the risks involved with equity securities include the possibility that the value of the stocks may fluctuate in response to events specific to the companies or markets, as well as economic, political or social events in the U.S. or abroad. Bonds are subject to interest rate, inflation and credit risks. Investments in a certain industry or sector may pose additional risk due to lack of diversification and sector concentration. Investments in foreign securities involve special risks, including foreign currency risk and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. These risks are magnified for investments made in emerging markets. 

 

Investing in commodities or the securities of companies operating in the commodities market involves a high degree of risk, including strategies and investment practices that may increase the risk of investment loss, including the principal value invested. Investments may be highly illiquid and subject to high fees and expenses. The value of the underlying commodity may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. Certain commodities may be produced in a limited number of countries and may be controlled by a small number of producers. Other risks not listed may also affect the value of commodity investments.

  

This information should not be construed as investment advice and is subject to change. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be either a specific offer by Bank of America, Merrill or any affiliate to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service that may be available.


The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).

 

BofA Global Research is research produced by BofA Securities, Inc. (“BofAS”) and/or one or more of its affiliates. BofAS is a registered broker-dealer, Member SIPC and wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.