Keeping You Informed 

Mid-Year Outlook 2026: Key Investor Lessons for the Second Half of the Year.

Consumer spending is the engine of the U.S. economy, accounting for roughly two-thirds of overall economic activity. In theory, when consumers feel financially secure and optimistic, they tend to spend more, driving corporate profits and economic growth. When they feel uncertain, they may tighten their belts. In reality, how consumers behave depends on many factors, especially because not all consumers are alike. For this reason, having a holistic understanding of the financial health of consumers is one of the most important ways for long-term investors to make sense of the current environment.

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

Alan Greenspan once said "since I've become a central banker, I have learned to mumble with great incoherence." Greenspan, who passed away recently at the age of 100, served as the Chair of the Federal Reserve from 1987 to 2006 and became one of the most influential economic figures of the 20th century.1 As we reflect on his legacy just days after Kevin Warsh chaired his first Fed meeting, the parallels between the two leaders highlight several changes in how the Fed might operate in the coming years.

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

The U.S. and Iran announced a preliminary agreement intended to end the four-month conflict that has weighed on the global economy. Financial markets have reacted positively to this development, with the stock market climbing, oil prices falling, and interest rates declining. How should investors interpret this agreement and what does it mean for portfolios?

IPOs from high-profile private companies like SpaceX can generate a lot of headlines, so it's important to understand both the opportunities and the nuances involved. How does the SpaceX IPO affect long-term investors?

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

Despite its importance, a 2025 survey found that fewer than one in three Americans report having a will, and more than half say they have no estate plan at all.1 This gap between intention and action is significant. Without a thoughtful structure in place, wealth that took decades to build can be eroded by taxes, legal complications, and unintended distributions. Advanced estate planning addresses this challenge by creating a coordinated approach designed to maximize the efficient transfer of assets to the people and causes that matter most.

Discover why starting early is often more powerful than saving more. This article uses a side-by-side comparison of two hypothetical savers to illustrate the remarkable impact of compound growth over time.

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

The S&P 500 recently surpassed 7,500 for the first time, marking another milestone in a year that has seen many new all-time highs. This is positive for investors, especially because several sectors have contributed to this rally. These trends have also fueled enthusiasm for IPOs, particularly ones related to artificial intelligence, after years of relatively few companies going public. This is occurring despite ongoing concerns over inflation, high oil prices, and hopes for a peace deal in Iran that has not yet materialized. In contrast to the stock market, these challenges have weighed on the bond market, pushing long-term interest rates higher. The 30-year U.S. Treasury yield, for instance, briefly reached a nearly 20-year high before settling back toward 5%. Since headlines like these can create uncertainty for markets, maintaining perspective and balance are more important than ever.

How will the Fed Under Kevin Warsh Impact Markets?

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

What does the recent rise in inflation mean for the economy and markets? The just-released Consumer Price Index report for April showed prices rising 3.8% over the past 12 months, the highest level since mid-2023.

Macroeconomic events have increasingly driven markets. Today, oil prices, new OPEC developments, and tariffs are creating uncertainty. How should long-term investors keep these events in perspective?

The Week In Perspective combines market activity, financial events, commentary and analysis for individual investors.

Starting in 2026, families can open 530A accounts — also known as "Trump Accounts" — for eligible children under 18. Learn how they work, who qualifies, contribution limits, and how they may factor into long-term family savings.