Insights

Markets rallied to start the year, with international stocks outperforming U.S. companies. Rising long-term interest rates weighed on bond returns; however, investment-grade and high-yield bonds were still able to post modest gains for the month. Read more in this month’s Market Update.

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January Market Update January 13, 2026Presented by Tony Daniel, CFP®, CPFA In a holiday-shortened trading week, the lackluster performance of U.S. equities was the theme. All major

November was a mixed month for markets, as concerns about AI caused an early month sell-off. Solid fundamentals and growing expectations for an interest rate cut in December helped support markets later in the month and led to a Thanksgiving week rally that offset some of the earlier losses.

Markets continued their rally in October, driven by improving fundamentals and supportive monetary policy. Looking forward, risks remain but economic growth and market appreciation remain the most likely path.

Markets continued their upward climb in September, with U.S. stocks reaching new record highs despite the month’s historically weak reputation. Falling interest rates and stronger-than-expected earnings helped fuel the rally, while economic data showed steady growth. Although some risks remain, the overall tone was optimistic heading into the final quarter of the year.

August was another strong month for markets, with major U.S. stock indices reaching new highs despite some early volatility. While economic data showed some signs of slowing—particularly in the labor market—overall market fundamentals remained supportive as summer comes to a close.

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July brought continued gains for U.S. stocks, driven by strong corporate earnings and easing trade tensions. While international markets and bonds showed mixed results, economic data remained solid. With broad-based earnings growth and a healthy economic backdrop, investors entered August with cautious optimism despite ongoing geopolitical and policy uncertainties.

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