We hope everyone had a fun and safe 4th of July. Happy 250th Birthday America!!
Now seems to be a good time to take a breath and look back at the path we’ve been on. The past months have certainly kept us on our toes, characterized by the type of volatility that has become a hallmark of the past few years.
The major indices have seen some dramatic intraday swings as markets digest a constant stream of breaking headlines. Much of the turbulence stems from the conflict with Iran and oil price surges which affect many sectors of the market. Now that the Memorandum of Understanding is off the table, a new layer of complexity has been added to the market and may prolong some of the geopolitical volatility.
While these swings are significant, the underlying fundamental health of corporate America remains remarkably strong. Next week, the second-quarter earnings season begins, and analysts have steadily revised their full-year corporate estimates upward which points toward continued growth. This resilience shows that despite rising energy inputs and macro pressures, companies are finding efficiencies.
As always, our focus remains on long-term goals rather than short term noise. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would love to hear from you!
"As we reach the midpoint of 2026, a recognizable theme has emerged. In the first few months of the year, stocks have reached a series of new highs in the face of daunting world events. Market volatility triggered by wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, fluctuating oil prices, elevated inflation, nervous consumers and concerns about a potential AI bubble — has so far failed to derail the upward march of key market indexes."
"Some rebalancing activity is to be expected, which could translate into short-term volatility.
There are now more that 800 venture-backed companies valued at over $1 billion, and a handful of private companies that have raised capital at valuations near $1 trillion. When these companies eventually IPO, they could become meaningful components of public stock indices and ordinary investors' portfolios."
"For decades, parents and grandparents saving for their children have relied on a familiar set of tools: 529 plans as an education-focused solution, Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (OGMA) or Uniform Transfer to Minors Act (UTMA) accounts for broad-use savings and custodial IRAs for retirement savings when a child has earned income. The introduction of Trump Accounts in July 2026 as a retirement vehicle for minors adds another dimension to that landscape."
"With the launch of Trump Accounts, you may have questions about how savings accounts for minors can be used in specific situations. This comparison chart can help you sort out the options, considering factors such as goals, contribution limits and tax treatment."