Markets were mixed last week, but the real story to start 2026 requires a deeper inspection of a key emerging trend. Although at the broad index level, markets appear to be doing reasonably well, under the surface, the movements seem a bit more precarious. The biggest news recently has been the bloodbath in software stocks, as AI’s continued evolution threatens the once-perceived moats of many software companies. ​

Money is one of the most practical parts of daily life and, conveniently, one of the most emotionally charged topics in family households. While many families struggle to communicate about finances in a way that feels constructive, collaborative, and stress-reducing, others are finding that discussing finances isn't as intimidating as they seem. Openly talking about finances, from goals to habits to struggles, can transform relationships and long- and short-term financial outcomes.

​Markets have started the new year on a strong note, led by small-cap stocks. It is still very early, but the recent performance, first of international equities, and now small caps, is an encouraging sign. A much-anticipated broadening of returns, away from the usual leadership, is a positive development for stock markets and is something investors should be watching.

Markets stumbled into the new year, with modest losses for US equities. International stocks continued to perform well, and after a long period of underperformance, one of the key questions for 2026 will be whether they can carry the momentum they built. 2025 was also a rare year in recent history where most markets provided solid returns; stocks, bonds, and commodities all generally performed well. Of course, we had our ups and downs at different points, but few would complain about the end results.

During this period of complexity and opportunity, we have continued to invest in StraightLine itself. Our team has grown, adding depth and experience to better support you. We have also expanded our technology and planning tools so that we can deliver clearer insights, more efficient processes, and an even higher level of service. Our goal is simple: to make sure you feel informed, prepared, and supported – not just when markets are calm, but especially when they are noisy.

As always, we encourage you to reach out if you would like to talk through the markets, your financial plan, or anything on your mind. Thank you for your continued trust in StraightLine, and we wish you a wonderful and peaceful holiday season. 
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--- Mike

​Stock markets came roaring back last week, enough to eke out a small gain for November. The bubble fears seem to be abating, while there seems to be an increasing likelihood of another Fed rate cut this month. The ongoing sluggishness in labor data has investors and some Fed officials feeling as though another rate cut is needed.

​There is no shortage of topics we could write about; however, the biggest news might be the lack of volatility over the last few months, as markets enjoyed fairly uninterrupted growth. It often feels like the volume is turned all the way up on any number of issues, but markets sometimes can tune out the noise and take things at face value. Of course, this does not mean that risks are absent or that everything happening in markets is good, but when you have a quarter like the one that just passed, it is worth taking some time to appreciate the calm.