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Casual Friday: Financial InsightsAuthor: Ford Financial Group
Welcome to Ford Financial Group's Casual Friday Podcast, where we review subjects relevant to investing, and topics that impact our clients and their plans for retirement.Investment advice is offered through Ford Financial Group, a Registered Investment Advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial. The Financial Advisors of Ford Financial Group are also Registered Representatives with and securities are offered through LPL Financial, Member SIPC, www.sipc.org.For a list of states in which we are registered to do business, please visit www.FordFG.com.1-856451 Language: en-us Genres: Business, Business News, Investing, News Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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2026 Market Outlook: What Policy-Driven Markets Mean for the Economy, Stocks, and Bonds
Friday, 26 December, 2025
In this episode, Brian and Ryan break down the LPL Research 2026 Outlook and translate Wall Street research into plain-English takeaways for investors.The big theme for 2026: markets are being driven less by traditional fundamentals and more by policy decisions, momentum, and investor behavior. Brian and Ryan discuss what that means for the economy, stock market expectations, and fixed income—and how investors should think about positioning portfolios heading into the year.Rather than reacting to headlines, this conversation focuses on staying disciplined, patient, and aligned with long-term goals in what is likely to be a more volatile, policy-sensitive market environment.The Economy: Slower First, Stronger LaterExpectations for a modest economic slowdown early in 2026Why AI investment and fiscal spending may help prevent a recessionCooling labor markets, easing inflation pressures, and what that means for Federal Reserve policyWhy rate cuts are expected to be gradual, not aggressive Stocks: Bull Market, But With More BumpsWhy the bull market may extend into 2026—but with more tempered gainsElevated valuations and the likelihood of increased volatility in a mid-cycle yearThe role of AI enthusiasm in supporting equity marketsWhy patience and selective opportunities matter more than chasing headlinesLPL Research’s S&P 500 fair value range of 7,300–7,400 for 2026 Bonds and Cash: Income Over Price AppreciationWhy bonds are again offering meaningful income opportunitiesExpectations for 10-year Treasury yields in the 3.75%–4.25% rangeWhy returns on cash are likely to decline as rates fallThe case for high-quality, intermediate-term bonds for long-term investors Markets may be noisier and more policy-driven in 2026—but discipline, diversification, and patience remain the most reliable tools investors have. This episode helps cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters.Check out LPL Research's Outlook: CLICK HERE**Connect with Us:**- Share your stories or questions: info@FordFG.com- Find us on the Web: FordFG.comThe opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted.The advisors of Ford Financial Group are Registered Representatives with and securities are offered through LPL Financial member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Perennial Investment Advisors, a registered investment advisor. Ford Financial Group and Perennial Investment Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial. Ford Financial Group, Perennial Investment Advisors, and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice or services.Send in your questions!







