Montgomery & Company Financial Advisors

Some brief commentary from Commonwealth/LPL Financial on Oil’s supply routes in the Middle East. A good but short read will catch you up on current conditions.

Oil Rallies as Supply Routes Come Under Pressure LPL Research examines the latest developments in the oil market and how renewed geopolitical tensions are impacting supply.

Well deserved. Commonwealth Financial Network and myself are laser focused on client service.

Thank you to our incredible community of independent advisors for our 13th consecutive #1 JD Power ranking. This recognition reinforces what we’ve always believed: shaping our service model on your feedback, trust, and expertise is the path to shared success.
Together with LPL Financial, we’re as committed as ever to delivering the service you rely on to move your business forward. https://bit.ly/4y99Hk5

Commonwealth received the highest score among independent advisors in the JD Power 2010, 2012–2014, and 2018‒2026 U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction Studies. Presented on July 9, 2026, for December 2025 to April 2026, it is based on responses from 4,503 advisors employed by or affiliated with the firms included in the study. Not indicative of the firm’s future performance. Your experience may vary. The study is independently conducted, and the participating firms do not pay to participate. Use of study results in promotional materials is subject to a license fee. Visit https://bit.ly/2JH6BM6 for more details.

A few thoughts on the Stock Market by Commonwealth's Chief Market Stratagist Chris Fasciano.

What Risks Could Test the Upbeat Market Narrative? LPL Research discusses risks to the consensus — from inflation, AI spending shifts, and rates — that could challenge the strong earnings market narrative.

I absolutely love it when we have unexpected visitors in the office for absolutely no reason ❤️. We did some sucker sucking and some coloring as well. These sweeties are always welcome!

Thoughtof the week

The Strait of Hormuz has been closed since the U.S.-Iran
conflict began, cutting off the world’smost important
energy chokepoint. The result has been higher global
energy prices, with WTI crude peaking at $112 per barrel,
and increased scrutiny of countries’ strategic petroleum
reserves, as import-dependent economies receive less oil at
a significantly higher cost.
Many countries appear well positioned in terms of net
import coverage. Several Asian economies reliant on
imports have among the highest reserve coverage globally,
with Japan and South Korea holdingmore than 200 days of
reserves. Despite having the world’s largest reserves, China
has similar coverage to Europe and Taiwan at roughly 120
days. The U.S. holds the second-largest reserves globally
but is a net exporter of oil,making comparisons less relevant.
Following the closure, the International Energy Agency (IEA)
announced its largest emergency oil stock release on
record, with 32member countries set to release 400million
barrels over the comingmonths,more than twice the
amount released during the 2022 Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Strategic reserves are not designed to eliminate energy
shocks, but to provide temporary flexibility during periods of
disruption. During geopolitical crises or supply chain interruptions,
the ability to stabilize domesticmarkets and support
critical industries becomes increasingly valuable.
Finally, while the releasemay appear substantial, the world
consumes roughly 100million barrels of oil per day, about
20% of which flows through the Strait of Hormuz. This is
equivalent to roughly 4 days of global consumption, or 20
days of Strait flows, which underscores the importance of
reopening the Strait.

*Source: JP Morgan Guide to the Markets Dated 5/11/2026

Comments from our Chief Market Strategist, Chris Fasciano regarding Oil Prices and the conflict with Iran.

Surging Oil Prices Threaten Market Consensus Views What will surging oil prices mean for investors and markets? Commonwealth's Chris Fasciano explores the geopolitical risks of the Middle East conflict.

Gold is at $5,103 and Silver is up $12.20 to $116.21 !!! Silver is more than DOUBLE its' price since the Hunt Brothers cornered the market in 1980 ! And this has occured in the last 6 months or so. Foreign Central Bank buying and speculation is behind this, and it appears there is no end in sight.