August 2026 Market Update

Markets continued to navigate competing signals in August as economic growth showed signs of slowing while inflation continued to ease. Despite concerns about softer job growth, weaker retail spending, and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, stocks remained resilient, supported by healthy corporate earnings and continued momentum around artificial intelligence. Investors are increasingly focused on a key question: can inflation continue to improve without pushing the economy into a downturn?

In this month’s Market Update, Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer at Merit Financial Advisors, breaks down the latest labor market data, inflation trends, Federal Reserve decisions, rising long-term interest rates, and the impact of AI on corporate earnings. Watch the full video to learn what these developments could mean for markets and how investors can stay focused on long-term opportunities amid a changing economic landscape.

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