Insights

Market commentary and strategic analysis by institutional portfolio managers in our Investment Management group.

William Blair’s thought leaders provide insights across asset classes, investment styles, and regions.

Articles

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Papers and Videos

Thursday, September 3, 2026

U.S. Small-Cap Equities—Why Now May Be the Moment to Lean In

The investment landscape for small-cap equities has evolved, with several positive factors—pro-U.S. policies, a less restrictive regulatory backdrop, and sustained demand from AI infrastructure spending—contributing to what we believe is an increasingly favorable environment.
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Monday, July 6, 2026

The Materials Boom Behind the AI Buildout

AI data centers, electrification, and rising infrastructure spending are driving a powerful demand cycle for core materials products.
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Monday, July 6, 2026

Where Global Defense Demand Is Shifting

While U.S. contractors remain central, rising costs and constrained supply chains are accelerating demand for more accessible defense solutions from Asia.
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Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Navigating a Split Consumer Landscape

Supportive factors such as tax refunds are helping parts of the consumer economy, but geopolitical risks and inflation uncertainty continue to cloud the broader outlook.
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Tuesday, June 30, 2026

AI’s Biggest Healthcare Impact Isn’t Where You Think

Despite excitement around drug development, AI’s most tangible healthcare benefits today are in reducing administrative burden and enhancing diagnostic imaging.
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Monday, June 29, 2026

Inside China’s AI Boom

As China develops an increasingly independent AI ecosystem, new investment opportunities are emerging across software, semiconductors, and digital infrastructure.
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Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Emerging Markets—The New Engine of Global Growth

We believe the case for emerging markets (EMs) has become increasingly compelling.
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Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Trucking’s Tight Turn

After years of overcapacity, supply is exiting trucking just as demand strengthens—driving rising rates, flatbed tightness, and potential upside to earnings into late 2026 and 2027.
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Tuesday, May 5, 2026

REITs Repriced

After years of underperformance, a rate backdrop and demand for tangible assets create a compelling setup across both deep value and capital-advantaged REITs.
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