Stocks Post Best Quarter in Years Amid Cautious Optimism for Economy, Risks Remain
• Stocks had best Q1 performance since 2019 amid soft landing hopes for economy and inflation • Strategists debate whether more gains are ahead or a pullback is due after 5 straight positive months • Downside risks include too optimistic earnings expectations for big tech or higher rates spurring recession • Upside scenarios see continued broad rally or further tech outperformance on AI hype • Wall Street sentiment still largely bullish based on economic strength, but positioning not yet stressed