We are pleased to share our Q1 2026 Quarterly Market Review, along with a few key observations and perspectives:
The Markets:
Global equity markets experienced a challenging start to the year, with U.S. stocks declining modestly while international developed and emerging markets held up relatively better. A notable theme during the quarter was the outperformance of Value stocks relative to Growth stocks across most regions—a reminder that leadership in markets can and does shift, often when least expected.
Geopolitical Ramifications:
The quarter was also marked by heightened geopolitical uncertainty, particularly surrounding the Iran conflict, which contributed to increased volatility and sharp movements in commodities such as oil. While these events can be unsettling, history consistently shows that markets are forward-looking and incorporate new information quickly. Attempting to reposition portfolios in response to unfolding headlines has rarely proven to be a reliable strategy.
Diversification Matters More Than Ever:
Periods like these reinforce the importance of diversification—before, during, and after uncertainty arises. A well-constructed portfolio is designed not only to participate in growth, but also to help manage the inevitable shifts in leadership and unexpected global events. The dispersion of returns we saw this quarter, particularly between Value and Growth and across regions, is exactly why diversification remains a cornerstone of long-term investment success.
To read our Quarterly Market Review for Q1 2026 in full, click here!
As always, we encourage you to focus on your long-term plan and reach out with any questions.