Market Update - Q1 2026

The Q1 2026 Quarterly Market Update highlights a U.S. economy that slowed late in 2025 but avoided recession, with weakening job growth offset by falling unemployment, rising real wages, and moderating inflation. Demographic headwinds remain a long-term challenge, while housing affordability is strained despite some relief from lower interest rates. The Federal Reserve’s rate cuts in 2025 supported a soft landing, stabilizing GDP growth and lowering recession odds for 2026.

Markets delivered strong returns in 2025 across stocks, bonds, and hard assets, though gains were highly concentrated among a small group of large-cap stocks and select sectors. International equities and emerging market assets benefited from a weaker dollar, while fixed income posted robust, lower-volatility returns. Looking ahead, elevated equity valuations, potential mean reversion in U.S. large caps, and shifting market leadership underscore the importance of diversification across geographies, asset classes, and private markets.

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