Live Oak Investors

10/08/2026

Stocks finished the third quarter mixed. The S&P 500 gained 2.03%, and the Nasdaq Composite rose 2.47%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 2.70%. Halloween is next on the calendar, with U.S. consumers expected to spend \$13.5 billion USD this year and 6.26 million Canadian children in their trick-or-treating years.

Quarterly Market Insights | October 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks were mixed in the third quarter as economic, geopolitical, and corporate earnings news pushed the broad market higher while weighing on the Dow Industrials. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 2.03 percent, while the Nasd...

10/07/2026

It's World Financial Planning Day!

Today is a great reminder that thoughtful, intentional financial planning helps individuals, families, and businesses prepare for the future with confidence. Whether it’s building a budget, strengthening savings habits, reviewing insurance needs, or planning for life’s unexpected moments, small steps taken today can create meaningful impact tomorrow.

At Live Oak Investors, we believe that clear guidance and consistent action are the foundation of long‑term financial success. Let’s make today count as you continue building a stronger financial future.

10/05/2026

Stocks ended last week mixed as a tug-of-war between strong economic data, cooler job growth, and decades-high Treasury yields played out.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged down 0.27 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index rose 0.45 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.26 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, fell 1.81 percent.1,2

A Mixed Week
Stocks fell at the start of the week as Treasury yields continued to rise. They steadied over the next session with Treasury yields still in the spotlight. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield topped 5.29 percent, up 133 basis points from its year-to-date low in late February.3,4

Markets perked up midweek after a revision to Q2 GDP showed the economy grew faster than originally estimated. Quarterly earnings results for a large semiconductor also supported markets, while rising oil prices kept enthusiasm in check.5,6

After a soft jobs report, stocks opened higher on Friday, with investors wondering whether the Fed would adjust rates at the end of the month. The AI trade roused once again to lead the Nasdaq to a fresh intraday record and end the week on a high note.7

https://liveoakinvestors.com/weekly-market-insights-nasdaq-record-jobs-report-face-off-in-mixed-week/

10/01/2026

📊 October is Financial Planning Month — the perfect time to take a closer look at your financial health and set actionable goals for a more secure future.

Whether you’re preparing for retirement, reviewing insurance needs, or looking for guidance to create a more stable financial outlook, now is the time to take meaningful steps forward.

At Live Oak Investors, our team is here to help you navigate your financial journey designed around your unique goals.

📞 Contact us today to start building a stronger financial plan.

09/30/2026

Why So Bearish?

09/29/2026

09/28/2026

Stocks advanced last week as the broad market looked past inflationary pressures and focused on falling oil prices, declining bond yields, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.

Choppy Trading
Stocks bolted out of the gate to start the week, rebounding thanks to AI stocks, falling oil prices, and bond yields. The Nasdaq hit a record intraday high during Monday’s session.
The broad market went sideways on Tuesday as traders kept an eye on developments in the Middle East, while oil prices and Treasury yields slid further.3,4

Markets then fell midweek amid investor concerns over comments from one Fed official and two inflation updates. All three major averages were under pressure. The malaise hung on into Thursday, but stocks began to climb late in the day on upbeat reports out of the Middle East.5,6

All three major averages continued their recovery Friday, ending the day with some momentum going into the close.7

https://liveoakinvestors.com/weekly-market-insights-stocks-advance-investors-attention-on-whats-next/

09/23/2026

No two clients are the same. Nor are their portfolios.

The strategies that serve someone building wealth at 55 look very different from those preparing for retirement at 65. That's why it's critical to take a multi-layered approach that allows us to use a mix of strategies to pursue your goals.

What mix works best for you?

09/17/2026

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged education savings plan. Before choosing a plan, it's important to consider not only the state tax treatment but also any associated fees and expenses. Availability of a state tax deduction will depend on your state of residence, as state tax laws and treatment may vary from federal tax laws. If you make nonqualified distributions, earnings will be subject to income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax.

This material is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement for real-life advice. Consult your tax, legal, and accounting professionals if you are considering a 529 strategy.

If you have questions about 529 plans or how they may fit into your overall financial strategy? Give us as a call and we will be happy to help guide you.