While a number of risks to the markets bear watching, there’s cause for long-term optimism, believes Kirsten Cabacungan, Investment Strategist for the Chief Investment Office (CIO), Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank.

Watch the video above for her informed perspective on the factors — like healthy consumer spending and corporate earnings strength — that bode well for future market performance. “Looking at those kinds of fundamentals is usually a good way to take the pulse on where we are in the market cycle,” Cabacungan says.

For more insights into the markets and economy, read the CIO’s weekly Capital Market Outlook.