Q1 2026 was centered on the idea of an “AI” tech theme and expected interest rate cuts. Now, the Iran war and the oil price shock are the center of focus. The extended sequence of positive returns has paused as the market booked a negative quarter with the S&P falling -4.4%. The adversity and cost of conflict in the Middle East are challenges that have been imposed on society numerous times. Wars produce spikes in energy prices that lead to broad concern about cost and the sp

Originally Published on January 5, 2026 2025 began with optimism carried over from 2024’s rally. Investors embraced AI driven momentum, and tech giants continued dominating headlines. By spring, the mood shifted dramatically. A sudden tariff shock, “Liberation Day,” in April rattled global markets; trillions of valuations were wiped out overnight. Fear surged as the markets reigning emotion, as a prolonged downturn seemed imminent.  TACO ensued as tariffs were rolled back, re

Originally Published on October 7, 2025 U.S. equities had a strong quarter; the S&P 500 has a 14% gain so far this year, Dow Industrials up 9.1% and Nasdaq composite up 17% . Technology led the growth with AI, semiconductors, and communication sectors powering much of the gains. Small caps and cyclical names benefited from expectations of looser regulatory policy and optimism around economic resilience. Equity demand continues while growth held up better than many feared. Con

Originally Published on July 7, 2025 Q2 2025 was one of the most dramatic market quarters in many years. The volatile trading action began with trade / tariff policy shock on April 2, 2025. Investor fears of a world where the United States sought to punitively level high tariffs on the entire world were a frightening revelation. A vigorous rebound then began as the S&P 500 gained 10.9% in the second quarter after April’s tariff-induced selloff, while bonds notched a modest ga