As we get ready for 2026, investors are faced with some uncertainty about the path ahead. Consumer confidence has deteriorated, the jobs market seems to be slowing, and inflation has started to tick up. But against this backdrop, the market still seems positioned for another year of solid gains. So, what are the risks—and the opportunities—as we begin a new year?
2026 Outlook: What’s the Big Picture?
As we enter 2026, we do so with the combined power and efforts of LPL Financial and Commonwealth. In the spirit of that partnership, we encourage you to check out the LPL Research team’s 2026 Outlook,* available now. I think you’ll find the team’s analysis and insights to be valuable as you help clients plan for the year ahead. With that same goal in mind, I’d like to provide my thoughts on what investors can expect in 2026.
Market Thoughts for December 2025 [Video]
After declines in early November, a late-month rebound brought the S&P 500 and Dow Jones to positive territory, although the technology-heavy Nasdaq ended the month down 1.45 percent. Turning to the economy, a delayed employment report showed a rebound in hiring in September, following modest job losses in August. But the unemployment rate rose to 4.4 percent, marking the highest level since late 2021.
The Market Observatory: When Will the Economic Data Return? [Audio]
The government shutdown is over, but when will the economic data return? That’s the big question for the Fed—and for investors. In this month’s episode of the Market Observatory, Sam and I discuss which economic data we’re likely to see soon, what the quality of that data will be, and whether there are some reports we may not get at all.
As the Government Reopens, Can Investors Breathe a Sigh of Relief?
The government shutdown came to an end last night after 43 days, making it the longest shutdown in history. We will leave it to the political commentators to pass judgment on what it means for the decision-makers in Washington. From our perspective, though, we recognize that the shutdown was beginning to have a significant impact on the economy.
Market Thoughts for November 2025 [Video]
The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq posted positive returns in October, with falling short-term interest rates and strong corporate earnings supporting markets. In fact, the average Q3 earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 stood at nearly 10.7 percent at the end of October, above analysts’ 7.9 percent estimate at the end of September.









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Ashley has been working in the customer service field since she started her first job at age 16. For the past ten years she worked in an office setting handling accounts payable and receivable as well as some receptionist work. She is very excited to learn more about the investment field.
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