Taylor L. Bottom, CRPC - Rise Wealth Management & Planning

Markets navigated mixed signals in July. Inflation eased, tech faced pressure, and energy surged. Meanwhile, Americans are planning record travel spending in 2026: \$1.37 trillion. What's shaping your household budget this summer?

Monthly Market Insights | August 2026 Stocks were mixed in July as investors navigated a cross-current of news on the outlook for AI spending and Q2 corporate reports.

Markets posted solid second-quarter gains as investors responded to upbeat economic reports, continued diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers. The S&P 500 rose 14.87%, the Nasdaq gained 21.41%, and the Dow picked up 12.90%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 6.37%. Looking ahead, markets may continue to react to Middle East updates, oil prices, inflation trends, and the pace of global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. From U.S. home price growth to Canadian housing forecasts, this quarter’s by-the-numbers highlights the data behind one of North America’s most closely watched markets.

Quarterly Market Insights | July 2026 Stocks saw solid gains in the second quarter, riding a wave of enthusiasm over upbeat economic reports, ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers.

Stocks surged in April, delivering their strongest monthly gains in five years as solid economic data, easing geopolitical tensions, and upbeat first-quarter earnings lifted investor sentiment. The Nasdaq climbed 15.29%, the S&P 500 rose 10.42%, and the Dow gained 7.14%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 3.65%. With no Fed meeting in May, attention turns to remarks from Fed officials and how evolving economic data may shape expectations moving forward. From \$34.1 billion in U.S. spending to the popularity of Mother’s Day dining and gifts, this month’s By the Numbers highlights how families celebrate the occasion.

Monthly Market Insights | May 2026 Stocks surged in April, notching their best month in five years as investors cheered upbeat economic news, efforts to lower tensions in the Middle East, and first-quarter results.

U.S. stocks slipped in Q1 as AI disruption fears and Middle East tensions rattled investors. The S&P 500 fell 4.63%, the Nasdaq dropped 7.11%, and the Dow lost 3.58% — though six of eleven S&P 500 sectors still finished in the green, led by Energy's standout 37.91% gain. As the weather warms up and spring gets us outside, it turns out Americans are right there with you — over 181 million U.S. residents participated in outdoor recreation in 2024. Check out this month's by-the-numbers for more on the outdoor recreation economy.

Monthly Market Insights | March 2026 U.S. stocks struggled in February amid fears that artificial intelligence would disrupt a wide swath of industries, unsettling investors. Late in the month, geopolitical concerns weighed on the market amid tensions in the Middle East.

Stocks were mixed in February as AI disruption concerns and escalating geopolitical tensions weighed on investor sentiment. The S&P 500 slipped 0.87% and the Nasdaq fell 3.38%, while the Dow edged up 0.17%. Canada’s S&P/TSX advanced 7.57%. As attention turns to the Fed’s March meeting and its updated Summary of Economic Projections, markets will be watching closely for signals on the path ahead. From 73% of the world’s maple syrup produced in Canada to a \$1.64 billion global market, this month’s by-the-numbers highlights the industry behind one of North America’s most iconic products.

Monthly Market Insights | March 2026 U.S. stocks struggled in February amid fears that artificial intelligence would disrupt a wide swath of industries, unsettling investors. Late in the month, geopolitical concerns weighed on the market amid tensions in the Middle East.

Stocks climbed in January as solid economic data offset geopolitical tensions. The S&P 500 rose 1.37%, the Dow gained 1.73%, and Canada's TSX picked up 0.66%, setting multiple record highs early in the month. The Fed held rates steady as expected, with all eyes now on the March meeting. From \$27.5 billion spent in the U.S. to \$97.80 per person in Canada, Valentine's Day spending spans the globe. Check out this month's by-the-numbers.

Monthly Market Insights | February 2026 Stocks climbed in January as the tailwinds of solid economic data offset the headwinds of geopolitical tensions that rattled investors during the month.

Markets ended 2025 on a quiet note, but Q4 closed with gains across all major U.S. indexes as investors weighed lower interest rates, mixed labor data, and ongoing economic delays from the October shutdown. The S&P 500 rose 2.35% for the quarter, while the Dow led with a 3.59% gain. As we kick off the new year with resolutions and fresh starts, many of us reach for our favorite morning brew. But have you ever wondered about the global love affair with coffee and tea? Check out this month's by-the-numbers.

Quarterly Market Insights | January 2026 U.S. stocks notched a solid gain in the fourth quarter as investors cheered lower interest rates and solid corporate profits while navigating limited economic updates due to the U.S. government shutdown.

Markets ended November on a five-day winning streak, softening earlier losses driven by concerns over tech valuations, consumer sentiment, and rate uncertainty. While the Nasdaq slipped 1.51 percent, the S&P 500 held steady and the Dow inched up 0.32 percent. All eyes now turn to the Fed's final meeting of the year on December 9–10.

Monthly Market Insights | December 2025 The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 0.13 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite declined 1.51 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.32 percent.1

October marked the sixth straight month of gains for U.S. markets, with the Nasdaq gaining 4.70% and the S&P 500 climbing 2.27%, powered by strong Q3 corporate earnings that overcame government shutdown concerns and trade tensions. The Fed delivered a quarter-point rate cut on October 29, though Chair Powell signaled a December adjustment wasn't a "foregone conclusion." As families prepare for Thanksgiving, last year's feast for 10 averaged \$58.08, with the turkey alone representing 43% of the total cost at \$25.67.

Monthly Market Insights | November 2025 Stocks advanced for the sixth consecutive month in October as major averages pushed through a government shutdown and trade jitters. Robust Q3 corporate results drove momentum over a month that is notorious for market declines.

U.S. markets surged in Q3, with the S&P 500 up nearly 8% and the Nasdaq leading with double-digit gains. Strong corporate results, resilient consumer spending, and a long-anticipated Fed rate cut all fueled momentum. Globally, the MSCI EAFE Index rose over 4%, with China, Korea, and Japan posting standout performances. European markets were mostly positive, though Germany lagged.

Quarterly Market Insights | October 2025 Stocks powered ahead in the third quarter as solid economic data, strong corporate results, and a positive shift in Fed policy drove market momentum.