Market Updates

Key take aways for May 2026:

• Markets focus on whether earnings changes are lasting or temporary
• Higher oil prices may slow future economic growth, but markets currently view it as a temporary disruption
• The AI super cycle is a powerful offset to the Iran war, with heavy investment driving multi-year growth

“The more reliable approach to building long-term wealth is to stay disciplined to your long-term investment strategy.” — AssetMark CIO, Christian Chan

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Key take aways for April 2026:

• Extreme uncertainty is driving sharp market swings in both directions.
• The Iranian conflict is unlikely to be resolved quickly, and even when tensions ease, the economic disruption can last much longer. 
• While a prolonged conflict may have lasting economic effects, the impact on the US could be limited.
• Despite uncertainty, history and political incentives point to eventual de-escalation.
• Long-term investment plans incorporate the possibility of wars, pandemics, inflation shocks, and financial crises.

As always, Chan’s advice is: Stay invested, stay diversified and stay focused on the long-term.

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Key take aways for March 2026:

• The main economic risk of the Iran conflict is higher oil prices.
• Higher gasoline and energy prices could impact consumer spending.
• Geopolitical conflicts typically cause short-term volatility, not lasting market declines.
  

TIP: Stay disciplined to your long-term investment plan

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Key take aways for February 2026:

• Markets are calm despite headlines
• So far this year, equity market volatility has been lower than most of 2025 
• Interest rate volatility is near its lowest level in four years
• The US economy remains on solid footing
• Experts suggest current growth is in the 2.5% to 3% range when volatile components are stripped out
• Midterm elections are likely to bring intensified political rhetoric and policy debate

TIP: Ignore the noise! Investor discipline remains key – stay invested, stay diversified, stay disciplined.

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Key take aways for January 2026:

• The AI investment cycle is expected to continue, but with a smaller impact on growth.

• Multiple modest tailwinds are expected to support economic growth in 2026.

• The K-shaped divide is likely to extend to markets, including Big Tech companies.

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Key take aways for December 2025:

• The concentrated AI investment cycle appears likely to continue.
• Large tax refunds and future rate cuts are expected to broaden the economy.
• Market trading at all-time highs typically continue to perform well.

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Key take aways for November 2025:

• Historically, government shutdowns have modest long-term effects.
  
• September‘s lower inflation supports continued Fed rate cuts to boost the economy.
• Higher than expected Q3 earnings helped to keep markets study.

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Key take aways for October 2025:

• Unemployment is still low, but there are signs of softening ahead.
• The big beautiful Bill is expected to provide an economic boost.
• The economy is expected to hold up despite potentially fewer rate cuts.

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Key take aways for September 2025:

Signs we should be cautious: Tariff-related price increases are starting to work their way into inflation data.

Signs we should be optimistic: The housing market is slowing and should translate into lower shelter costs.

Signs we should be cautious: A slowing housing market can negatively impact growth.

Signs we should be optimistic: Consumer spending remains strong due to rising real incomes and solid household finances.

• Watch now to hear more on each topic!

Key take aways for August 2025:

• The S&P is trading near all-time highs, led by software and financial sectors.
• Trade deals are being made, reducing policy uncertainty, which has led to rising markets.
• So far, consumers and companies are adapting well to changing policies.

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Key take aways as we reach the midpoint of 2025:

• This year's policy uncertainty will impact the real economy.
• Big tech is back.
• Pro-growth policies should offset the slowdown from tariffs.

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Hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan's insights on market volatility It only takes 2 minutes of your day it's full of important information.

Hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan's insights on market volatility It only takes 2 minutes of your day and you'll have the opportunity to download On The Mark: Tariffs 2.0.

Hear AssetMark CIO Christian Chan's insights on strong consumer growth, cooling inflation, and steady interest rates. It only takes 2 minutes of your day and you'll have the opportunity to download On The Mark: Tariffs 2.0.

Hear AssetMark's CIO Christian Chan's first update of 2025 and get his take on what's happening in just 2 minutes!

Hear AssetMark's CIO Christian Chan's end-of-year update and get his take on what's happening in just 2 minutes!

Hear AssetMark's CIO Christian Chan's post-election update for the month of November - get his take on what's happening in just 2 minutes!

Hear AssetMark's CIO Christian Chan's update for the month of October - get his take on what's happening in just 2 minutes!

Hear AssetMark's CIO Christian Chan's update for the month of September - get his take on what's happening in just 2 minutes! 

Hear AssetMark's CIO Christian Chan's update for the month of June - get his take on what's happening in just 2 minutes!