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In a month filled with geopolitical tension and stubborn inflation, markets showed impressive resilience. Strong corporate earnings and a tech-led rally pushed major indexes sharply higher, even as energy prices stayed elevated. With consumers holding steady and interest rates remaining supportive for income investors, the foundation for continued growth remains intact—though the path forward may include some bumps along the way.
Markets pulled back in March as escalating tensions in the Middle East pushed oil above $100 and raised concerns about inflation and Fed policy. Rising energy prices pressured bonds, lifted yields, and put potential rate cuts at risk.
While U.S. consumers may get a short-term boost from tax refunds, broader supply chain disruptions and higher gas prices could weigh on the economy. Until there’s clarity on the conflict, expect continued market volatility—but remember, geopolitical shocks tend to be temporary, not trend-defining.
February’s flat S&P 500 masked meaningful turbulence under the hood. AI disruption concerns sparked sector-by-sector volatility, while leadership rotated away from mega-cap tech stocks that drove the past three years of growth.
Strength emerged from overlooked areas of the market, with energy and consumer staples reaching new highs. This broader participation helped diversified investors stay resilient as mega-cap momentum cooled — a reminder that leadership changes, but opportunity remains.
Markets are pricing in two potential rate cuts in 2026, though expectations lean toward one late-year cut. Meanwhile, tariff uncertainty continues after the Supreme Court struck down IEEPA tariffs, which were replaced by a broad 10% tariff under the 1974 Trade Act.
January markets pushed higher despite geopolitical tensions, with all major U.S. indices finishing the month in positive territory and the Dow nearing 50,000. Gold surged, the U.S. dollar weakened, and international stocks outperformed. The Federal Reserve held rates steady, bond markets remained supportive, and while economic data stayed resilient, consumer sentiment showed signs of strain.
The big takeaway: volatility may grab headlines, but the broader investment backdrop remains constructive for long-term investors.
Markets wrapped up a remarkable year with the S&P 500 posting another double-digit gain and setting multiple record highs. As we head into 2026, the outlook remains constructive, supported by cooling inflation, strong economic growth, and continued innovation—particularly in technology.
That said, a softer labor market, shifting Fed policy, and elevated valuations could lead to more volatility and more modest returns. After several years of outsized gains, the focus now turns to steady growth, quality companies, and disciplined planning.
After an impressive run, the major players in the AI space driving this year’s equity rally hit a patch of volatility in November. This is not unusual. Pullbacks are quite normal. In fact, given elevated valuations, periods of volatility may occur. The future of AI and the mega-cap companies that invest in it continues to look promising. For the long-term investor, the market outlook remains positive. That’s what we’ll review in this month’s market recap!
Even with a government shutdown looming, the stock market keeps pushing higher — thanks to cooler inflation, another Fed rate cut, and easing U.S.–China trade tensions. But with tech stocks soaring and valuations now in the top 1% of the past 20 years, is a pullback around the corner?
In this video, I break down what’s driving the rally, what could derail it, and how investors should be thinking right now. That’s what we’ll review in this month’s market recap!
If you or your family have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime for a free consultation. [email protected] | 972.502.9324
Despite inflation remaining a concern, the Federal Reserve (Fed) cut interest rates in response to weakening jobs numbers, allowing small-cap equity performance to lead a month that was generally positive across sectors, cap sizes and asset classes.
Small caps tend to be more reactive to short-term rate fluctuations, and the market is accounting for several rate cuts by the end of 2026, which might reflect exuberance beyond the Fed’s cautious approach and our view of two more rate cuts in 2025 and one in 2026. That’s what we’ll review in this month’s market recap!
While tariffs continue to be a source of unease for many investors, the strong indication of upcoming rate cuts by the Fed presents an opportunity for economic growth in the near term. While nothing is guaranteed, Chairman Powell’s comments alongside short-term bond activity paint a rather clear picture of what’s to come.
With the markets continuing to hit all-time highs even in the face of significant headwinds, the outlook is positive overall. That’s what we’ll review in this month’s market recap!
If you or your family have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out anytime for a free consultation. [email protected] | 972.502.9324
The US equity markets continued to march higher in July, fueled by a trifecta of earnings resilience, optimism around trade negotiations and the passage of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The S&P 500 has notched 15 record highs in 2025 – setting 10 new records in July alone – but tariff headwinds loom.
That’s what we’ll review in this month’s market recap!