Quarterly Market Review – 3rd Quarter 2026

Quarter two ended  just 1.5% shy from the ALL TIME HIGH but still up nearly 15% for the quarter (using the S&P 500 for these numbers). But the pundits were SCREAMING that higher gas prices and inflation would tank the economy and the stock market. HMMM, how'd that work out for them.

Well… WE hit another all time high in Q3, ended up slightly above (2%) where WE started, and just a little off (2%) the all time high.  Notice I said WE.  That's because WE are the economy and the market….

I look at investing the stock market as investing in the intellectual capacity of society.  Companies are nothing more than a collection of their employees AMAZING capabilities.  And when you invest in the market, you invest in people.  And I like that bet!!!  Over time the creativity is going to expand.  Now, the bad news is that as companies are people, sometimes they can do goofy things and deliver TERRIBLE results.  However, over the long time my belief is that (i) people are going to deliver more and more creativity, and (ii) people are going to continue to want better lives for their families.  And that - in my mind - is a recipe for the continued growth of the economy; and, in turn, the financial markets.

Will Q4 bring a new all time high OR will we have a unforeseen catastrophe that tanks the market?  I…DO…NOT…KNOW…What I do know is…

The important thing to remember is that investing is about the LONG term.  And when you look at the performance for the past 1/5/10/15/20 years (see attached), you'll notice a solid upward pattern.  Across time and across markets.  Persistent and pervasive.

Relying on the market has been the best course of action for decades.  And we feel strongly it will continue that pattern going forward.

And, the observant reader will notice those last two paragraphs are IDENTICAL to what was shared last quarter.  That's because we have a strong, well proven investment strategy that we're sticking with through thick and thin!!!

If you have questions about investing in general or about your specific situation, we're always available to connect.

Curt

View our Q3 Quarterly Market Review

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Feel free to send us an email or give us a call. We'd love to have the opportunity to help you find a bit more peace of mind when it comes to investing.

F5 Financial

F5 Financial is a fee-only wealth management firm with a holistic approach to financial planning, personal goals, and behavioral change. Through our F5 Process, we provide insight and tailored strategies that inspire and equip our clients to enjoy a life of significance and financial freedom.

F5 Financial provides fee-only financial planning services to Naperville, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Aurora, Oswego, Geneva, St. Charles, Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Lisle, Chicago and the surrounding communities; to McDonough, Henry County, Fayette County, Atlanta and the surrounding communities; to Venice, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Cape Coral, Osprey, North Port, and the surrounding communities; and nationally.

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