Market Updates

By Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer After two strong years in financial markets, 2026 begins at a moment of meaningful transition. The economic environment remains constructive, but many forces that propelled returns in 2023 – 2025 are evolving. This year could potentially reward investors who stay balanced, disciplined, and focused on companies and asset…

By Brian Andrew, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer The beginning of 2026 has already been interesting from a market perspective, resulting from the transformation happening in the stock and bond markets. Geopolitics have also played a role and we believe that will continue to be at the forefront of investors’ minds as the global order is…

In our December market update, Merit Financial Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, reviews a choppier but resilient period for U.S. markets as 2025 comes to a close. Despite increased volatility, U.S. equities held near record highs, supported by broadening market leadership beyond mega-cap technology. Brian discusses the Federal Reserve’s latest rate cut, the…

In this November market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, explains how markets managed modest gains over the past month despite mixed economic signals. Resilient consumer spending and a strong third-quarter earnings season, driven in part by standout results from Amazon and Microsoft, helped support equity performance. At the same time, uncertainty around interest…

In this October market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, discusses how U.S. equities extended their advance last month, with the S&P 500 up roughly 3% amid renewed investor confidence and resilient corporate earnings. Market breadth continued to improve, as gains broadened beyond mega-cap leaders to include industrials, utilities, and consumer sectors. While volatility…

In this September market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, looks at how markets extended their strength last month, with the S&P 500 and Dow reaching new highs as corporate earnings held firm and small- to mid-sized companies began to outpace mega-cap leaders. Inflation ticked slightly higher to 2.9% amid rising energy costs and…

In this August market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, looks at how markets continue to present opportunities and challenges for investors. The S&P 500 climbed another 3% in July, bringing year-to-date gains above 16%, with much of that strength concentrated in a handful of mega-cap technology stocks, Microsoft, Amazon, Google, Nvidia, and Meta,…

In this June market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, reflects on a strong market rally fueled by individual investor optimism, solid corporate earnings, and continued enthusiasm around AI. Despite rising tariff rates and geopolitical tensions, the Fed’s steady policy stance has supported sentiment. Merit remains cautiously positioned, favoring high-quality equities, watching valuation levels…

In this May market update, Chief Investment Officer Brian Andrew, CFA®, discusses how ongoing tariff tensions and a growing federal deficit are weighing on markets and shaping fiscal conversations. With the Fed holding rates steady amid uncertainty, Merit is adjusting its strategy, favoring large-cap stocks, keeping bond maturities short, and incorporating alternatives to stay flexible…