Insightful Ideas

The human brain is excellent at finding patterns, a skill that has evolved to help us across many parts of life. However, it can also lead us astray when there is no real pattern at all, such as when we see shapes in clouds and ink blots. When it comes to investing, this is relevant because some patterns are important, such as the long-term relationship between the market and the economy, while others may be due to pure coincidence. Distinguishing between what makes for interesting trivia versus true investing principles is a challenging but important part of achieving long-term financial success.

The first quarter of 2026 underscores just how critical financial preparation and sound investing principles truly are. Following robust gains in 2025, markets have contended with a confluence of geopolitical shocks, elevated oil prices, and renewed economic uncertainty.

Today we’ll walk through what’s been happening in the markets as a surge in headline volatility has shaped what we’re seeing. AI concerns have hit industries one by one prompting a “sell now, ask later” reaction – we’ll cover why in this episode of Charts that Matter.

It’s normal to feel a little uneasy when you hear about job losses or rising unemployment- so today let’s talk about the slowing job market and what it means for the economy and your portfolio.

Anytime headlines start throwing around terms like “stagflation” or “global economic downturn,” it can feel unsettling. So today we’re going to address the rising tensions in the Middle East and the recent jump in oil prices. It’s natural to wonder how all of this impacts markets, the economy, and even your personal financial plan.

Anytime there’s a leadership change at the Fed, it naturally creates a bit of uncertainty, because the Fed plays such a central role in setting monetary policy and guiding interest rates.