With AI everywhere in the headlines and the stock market reaching new highs, a lot of investors are asking the same question: Are we in another bubble, like the dot-com era? It’s a fair question, and one I take seriously. There’s no doubt that valuations are high and that enormous sums are being poured into AI infrastructure. So today, I want to address those concerns directly.
For long-term investors, managing cash is increasingly difficult as short-term interest rates fall. Although cash seems safe, holding too much can undermine long-term financial goals. Right now, there’s a record $7.3 trillion sitting in money market funds, reflecting a shift toward cash as investors wait out market uncertainty.
As we begin the final quarter of the year, investors are facing conflicting signals. The S&P 500 reached new all-time highs in the third quarter as markets continued to be supported by strong corporate earnings and enthusiasm for artificial intelligence. At the same time, the labor market has weakened considerably since the beginning of the summer, raising concerns over the underlying economy and the financial health of consumers. Despite this, GDP growth has been strong, and inflation has largely stayed in check.
“Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation.” This quote from former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop highlights a powerful truth: for many, the ultimate goal isn't just financial security—it's leaving a meaningful legacy. Over the next two decades, an estimated $84 trillion will pass from the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers to their heirs, in what's been dubbed the Great Wealth Transfer. But this shift is about more than money. It’s already transforming how families think about financial planning, charitable giving, and legacy-building.
We’re going to talk about what happened in the markets in August—and what it could mean for your portfolios going forward. Stocks hit all-time highs and bonds had a strong month. That’s a pretty solid outcome, especially given all the uncertainty we’re still facing—things like tariffs, Federal Reserve policy, and some concerns about the tech sector. All this and more.
The challenge facing investors today isn't whether artificial intelligence will transform the economy, but how to maintain portfolio balance as the market climbs to new all-time highs. While it’s tempting to focus exclusively on companies that have performed well recently, investing for long-term goals requires a thoughtful approach to both growth and risk management.