Sandra Swirski gives the D.C. perspective on markets for 2026, paying special attention to the labor market. AI is stifling hiring, she argues, which creates pressure on politicians as their constituents struggle. “In the short run, we’re going to see a lot of angst.” The “K-shaped recovery” `continues to haunt affordability. She stresses that young people should figure out how to include AI as part of their skill set.