Insights

Clarity, perspective, and a steady framework for navigating the year ahead.

2026 was a strong year for the stock market, even though it rarely felt calm underneath the surface. What comes next depends on three things: interest rates that may stay higher for longer, whether company earnings can keep pace with stock prices, and how the AI build-out plays out. Dave Mantell, CFP®, walks through all three in our 2026 Year-End Market & Economic Update.

Topics Covered Include:

• Inflation, oil, and interest rates: why longer-term Treasury yields kept rising this year even while the Fed held steady, and what that means for savers and borrowers
• The national debt in perspective: what $1 trillion looks like, and why interest on the debt now costs more than defense
• Stocks and earnings: why the market looks pricey by some measures, why earnings have been catching up, and how markets have historically done after midterm elections
• The AI build-out and a wave of very large IPOs: how today’s spending compares to the railroads and the internet, and why diversification matters during big changes like this

https://youtu.be/MdRNg0_8fnM

Whether you’re nearing retirement, investing for the years ahead, or just trying to make sense of today’s headlines, this update offers a calm look at what’s driving the markets and what to keep an eye on in 2027.

*One more note for those of you with Boeing retiree Medicare coverage: We’ve received a number of questions about the large cost increase this year. We put together a short video that reviews the increase and our thoughts on how to approach it. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

We hope you find it helpful. If you would like to talk through your own financial picture, we’d be glad to connect. Feel free to schedule a complimentary phone call or Zoom meeting. Thank you, and we look forward to speaking with you.

You may also want read our recent Q3 2026 Quarterly Compass Economic Update!

team@stablerwm.com | (425) 646-6327

Securities and Advisory services are offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Stabler Wealth Management is not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor.