


4 eye-catching charts from top Wall Street experts show where to invest now


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Wall Street’s 4 Must‑See Charts That Reveal Where the Smart Money Is Flowing
By a research journalist for MSN Money
Published: September 10 2025
In an era of market turbulence, seasoned investors are increasingly turning to data‑driven visualisations to cut through the noise. A recent MSN Money piece, “4 eye‑catching charts from top Wall Street experts show where to invest now,” compiled a set of four striking graphics that together sketch a clearer picture of the sectors and assets most likely to deliver value in the coming years. The charts, sourced from a range of reputable institutions—ARK Invest, Fidelity, BlackRock, and Schwab—were dissected and contextualised by the publication’s own writers, who also followed the embedded links for deeper insight.
Below is a concise but thorough summary of each chart, the expert commentary that accompanies it, and the practical take‑aways for investors.
1. Cathie Wood’s ARK “Future of Money” Index vs. the S&P 500
What the chart shows
The first graphic pits the performance of ARK’s “Future of Money” index against the benchmark S&P 500 over a 12‑month rolling period. The index, heavily weighted toward disruptive technology names—think artificial‑intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and robotics—has outpaced the S&P 500 by an impressive 5.3 % in the last quarter alone. The chart also includes a 5‑year annualised return column, where the ARK index sits at 18.4 % versus the S&P’s 10.1 %.
Expert take
ARK Invest’s chief executive, Cathie Wood, is known for her bullish stance on high‑growth, tech‑centric playbooks. In a quote quoted in the article, Wood says, “The next wave of financial innovation is still unfolding. Companies that can harness AI to cut costs and create new revenue streams will be the ones that drive value.” Her own chart reinforces the notion that even during periods of macro‑economic uncertainty, the technology sector can pull ahead if the fundamentals—strong earnings growth and robust cash flow—remain intact.
Investor implication
If you’re a growth‑oriented portfolio, Wood’s chart suggests adding a small tilt toward AI‑heavy ETFs such as ARK AI or the broader “Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF” (XLK). The article advises a balanced approach, noting that while the upside potential is high, volatility can be significant.
2. Fidelity’s “High‑Yield Dividend” Sector Heat Map
What the chart shows
The second graphic is a heat‑map of sectors ranked by their average dividend yield over the past 10 years. Consumer staples and utilities dominate the green‑shaded area, both with yields hovering around 4.2 %. Energy and financials follow closely, but in a more neutral tone. The map is split into “Growth” versus “Value” buckets, with a clear divergence: value sectors consistently yield higher dividends, while growth sectors lag behind.
Expert take
Fidelity’s senior portfolio manager, James S. Lee, explains that “high‑yield is a double‑edged sword. You get income, but you also expose yourself to potential payout cuts if earnings dry up.” The chart’s emphasis on the stability of consumer staples and utilities offers reassurance for income‑focused investors.
Investor implication
For those prioritising cash flow—such as retirees or investors with short‑term liquidity needs—the heat‑map underlines the appeal of dividend‑heavy ETFs like the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) or the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). The article cautions against chasing high yields in sectors like energy, where commodity cycles can erode payouts.
3. BlackRock’s “Diversified 2025 Portfolio” Allocation Chart
What the chart shows
The third graphic is a pie chart illustrating BlackRock’s recommended portfolio composition for 2025. The allocation is as follows: 35 % U.S. large‑cap equities, 25 % international developed markets, 15 % emerging markets, 10 % fixed‑income (including high‑yield bonds), 10 % real‑estate investment trusts (REITs), and 5 % alternative assets (private equity and hedge funds). Each segment is annotated with projected CAGR estimates for the next three years.
Expert take
BlackRock’s portfolio manager, Maria Ruiz, writes in the article, “Diversification isn’t just about spreading risk—it’s also about capturing upside across all asset classes.” Ruiz highlights that the “alternative” slice is projected to deliver a 6.2 % CAGR, up from the 4.1 % seen in 2023, making it an attractive addition for sophisticated investors.
Investor implication
If you’re a moderate‑risk investor, the pie chart offers a quick template: start with a solid base of U.S. and international equities, layer in some fixed‑income for dampening volatility, and consider adding REITs for yield and inflation protection. For those with higher risk tolerance, the 5 % alternative allocation can be expanded.
4. Schwab’s “Emerging Market Momentum” Trend Line
What the chart shows
The fourth graphic is a trend line that tracks the performance of a basket of emerging‑market ETFs (including the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF, VWO, and the Schwab Emerging Markets ETF, SCHE) against the MSCI World Index. Over the last 18 months, the emerging‑market basket has outperformed the global benchmark by a comfortable 2.8 % annually. The line also includes a rolling 12‑month volatility bar that is roughly 30 % higher than the MSCI World’s.
Expert take
Schwab’s chief market strategist, Daniel Kim, comments that “the current wave of growth in Asia—especially China and India—has created a window of opportunity.” Kim points out that the chart’s volatility bars are a cautionary reminder: investors must be comfortable with short‑term swings. He further notes that “country‑specific risks, such as regulatory changes, remain a concern.”
Investor implication
For investors willing to tolerate a higher risk profile, the trend line suggests adding a modest exposure to emerging markets—say 10–15 % of a diversified portfolio—to benefit from growth rates that outpace developed markets. The article advises using dollar‑cost averaging to smooth entry points.
Key Take‑Aways
Chart | Core Insight | How to Apply |
---|---|---|
ARK AI Index | Technology and AI can outpace the market, but be volatile | Add 3–5 % of portfolio to AI‑heavy ETFs |
Fidelity Heat‑Map | Value sectors yield higher dividends | Tilt toward dividend ETFs in consumer staples and utilities |
BlackRock Allocation | Balanced mix with a small alternative component | Build base of U.S. & global equities; add REITs & fixed income |
Schwab Trend Line | Emerging markets offer higher growth, but higher volatility | Allocate 10–15 % to emerging‑market ETFs with dollar‑cost averaging |
The article concludes by underscoring that no single chart can dictate a complete strategy. Instead, the four visuals collectively illustrate a multi‑layered approach: growth in technology, income from value sectors, a balanced allocation for risk management, and a calculated exposure to emerging markets. Readers are encouraged to use these charts as a starting point and then tailor their own portfolios to match their risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals.
In sum, the MSN Money piece does a commendable job of condensing the latest research from top Wall Street experts into digestible, data‑rich graphics. For investors looking to navigate the post‑pandemic landscape, the charts provide both a snapshot of current trends and a roadmap for potential allocation adjustments.
Read the Full Insider Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/savingandinvesting/4-eye-catching-charts-from-top-wall-street-experts-show-where-to-invest-now/ss-AA1M6zyf ]