Where do we go from here?
We entered 2026 on the heels of another strong year of market performance. Global stocks hovered near all-time highs, the economic backdrop was sound, and investors expected a handful of rate cuts from the Federal Reserve in the year ahead. Even so, concerns lingered about stock valuations and the long-running bull market. Threats are always […]
Recognizing Increased Uncertainty
When periods of weakness in the markets occur, it is vitally important for investors of long-term portfolios to “stay the course.” Here at JNBA Financial Advisors, we also believe there are steps that investors can take to potentially improve their long-term outcomes following periods of market weakness. To bridge the gap between long-term strategy and […]
Implications of the Iran Conflict
Financial markets were already in a sensitive spot at the end of February amidst a growing backdrop of challenging economic and inflationary data and heightened vulnerability of companies susceptible to disruption from the advancement of AI technology. The initial strikes on Iran have since grown into a more widespread conflict across the Middle East, sparking […]
AI Disruptions, Geopolitics, and Evolving Risk
February 2026 was another month when it was beneficial to be a diversified investor. Market anxiety surged, driving the S&P 500 to its worst month since March 2025 as February was filled with headlines warning that AI could disrupt various industries or even be the demise of certain companies. On the contrary, mid-cap and small-cap […]
Earnings Season
January has kicked off 2026 with a full sampling of the same themes from 2025: geopolitical concerns, tariff threats, AI developments, and international equity strength, to name a few. While markets have weathered these various concerns so far, a key indication for how 2026 could shape up is already arriving: earnings season. January and February […]
Video Discussion: The Year Behind & The Road Ahead
2025 was an action-packed year for market watchers and investors. There were several factors and events that contributed to uncertainty, not least of which the impact of the trade tariffs that went into effect on“Liberation Day,” April 2, 2025, and recovering from the longest federal government shutdown in history. Will 2026 be as eventful? […]
Three years running: How long can it last?
We entered 2025 on a high note, with the S&P 500 at all-time highs following a post-election surge. The weak start to the year, accelerated by tariff policy uncertainty, was steadily erased, with stocks rallying from April lows to again reach new highs. Despite the strong past performance backdrop, a challenging start to the […]
Data Vacuum
Following the longest recorded government shutdown in U.S. history, markets have ebbed and flowed near all-time highs for the S&P 500. While a historically strong earnings season provided some comfort, recent weeks of increased volatility have created some concerns around AI valuations and the overall economic environment. These concerns are driven by what investors haven’t […]
The benefits of JNBA’s Investment Committee
When it comes to managing finances, one thing that frequently gets overlooked is how many different and competing emotions can factor into the process. Money often represents a lot more to people than just currency and means of exchange. It can feel like freedom, security, a means of generosity, and a way to help provide […]
Market Indicators in Q4 2025 and Beyond
During the 2025 federal government shutdown, economic data reports were not available. These reports, including U.S. Employment Report, Jobless Claims and U.S. Home Sales, are a major resource for the Federal Reserve in determining the need to adjust interest rates. Now that the government is up and running again, and the last Fed meeting for […]