Market Update | August 2026

Get caught up on what's been happening in the financial markets over the last month, and what it could mean for you and your money, with WHZ Senior Managing Partner & Chief Strategist James Zahansky, AWMA.

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Transcript

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Welcome to the monthly market update on You and Your Money. I'm Jim Zahansky, senior managing partner and chief strategist at WHZ Strategic Wealth Advisors. recap. What's going on? It's been an interesting year. I mean, everyone who's probably listening, all of your listeners watch the headlines and Obviously, we've been going through with the conflict in Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, and it's open, it's not open. But as we sit here today, if you've been an investor in the markets, you've been rewarded. You know, the stock market from an S&P 500 index is up 13.9% year to date. If you've been on the tech side, NASDAQ is up 17.8% year to date. So, you know, maybe your 401s are higher depending on how you've been invested. And certainly if you've been invested, you've been rewarded. But there are always risks and opportunities in the market that we look for. And we see from an opportunity standpoint that there's broader leadership amongst companies. So some of these mega stocks, the tech companies have grown really well, but there's broader leadership out there. We can broaden where you can go. That may be into healthcare, financials, industrials, infrastructure. You know, that's also one, and some dividend growers. There's meaningful income from higher quality bonds right now. And on the risk side, though, there are elevated valuations from companies. So, you know, where you put your money does matter because some companies may not grow as fast. And we're obviously watching inflation and interest rates and jobs. You know, the jobs piece is really important. It's going to parallel what happens with AI. Globally, and it's something that's important because you and I are spending money and consuming, and that's how companies meet their earnings, which is how the stock market performs. So if you've— if so, net-net is if you've been invested this year and stayed invested, you've been rewarded. As we look forward, there's always risks and opportunities, and that's how we help our clients navigate the markets and their portfolio risk. sa. For more information regarding wealth management and customized financial planning with WHZ Strategic Wealth Advisors, please visit whz wealth.com whz strategic wealth Advisors offer securities and advisory services through Commonwealth Financial Network Member FINRA sipc, a registered investment advisor Fixed insurance products and services offered through CES Insurance Agency. They practice at 697 Pomfret Street Pomfret Center Center, CT 06259 and 392AMerrow Road, Toland, CT 06084. They can be reached at 860-928-2341. WHZ Strategic Wealth Advisors do not provide legal or tax advice. The tenured financial services team strives to support clients in achieving their financial life goals while providing absolute confidence and unwavering partnership for life.