1. The Market’s Bull Run Isn’t Over—It’s Rotating

Sector rotation is this weekend’s 2026 Investment Summit. I am presenting at the conference as you are reading this. However, I would be remiss not to share a brief market update as we head into next week. The full newsletter will return next week. That said, U.S. equity markets delivered mixed performance last week. Major indices generally held near record levels even as volatility increased and macro and policy risks surfaced. Notably, breadth has expanded as the rotation from technology to other sectors continued. Such was particularly notable in materials, industrials, and transportation. We noted on January 8th that a rotation into defensive areas was likely. Since then, staples and energy have significantly outperformed. — Lance Roberts

2. The AI Boom Isn’t Ending—It’s Hitting a Power Wall (And That’s Where the Money Is)

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been the megatrend driving markets since ChatGPT launched three years ago. One thing I’ve learned over the past decade is that disruptive megatrends can last longer than you can stay interested. And right now, I’m seeing more and more investors asking the same question: “When does the AI boom end?” It’s easy to be down on AI today. It sounds smart. But as we like to say at RiskHedge, “Pessimists sound smart; optimists make money.” In truth, the AI train hasn’t slowed down at all. But 2025 marked a changing of the guard in where the real investment opportunities are showing up. — Stephen McBride

3. The AI Backlash Was Inevitable—And It’s Creating a Rare Opportunity

Have you noticed how quickly AI went from miracle to menace? Social media is full of creators who are loudly starting to distance themselves from it. Business owners get roasted for mentioning it. And now, POLITICO asks which party benefits from Americans' fear of AI. The backlash is loud, getting louder, and heading into 2026, it's not going away. — Kevin Vaughan

4. The 2026 Marketing Trends Smart Advisors Are Using to Accelerate Growth

For advisor founders in 2026, three marketing shifts matter most: AI‑driven personalization tied to measurable outcomes, integrated omnichannel client journeys, and trust‑first advisor‑authored content. Success will not come from chasing every trend but from piloting one change at a time, assigning ownership, and running a 30‑day process that turns speculation into measurable growth. — Lisa Hinz

5. Do Your Clients Believe These 3 Myths?

As a financial advisor, you’re skilled in helping clients solve and plan for complex financial challenges. In the process, you’ll likely encounter persistent and pesky myths surrounding retirement planning. Clients who subscribe to these misconceptions risk derailing financial goals. In the spirit of empowering you to deliver stellar client service, we wanted to address common retirement myths that are circulating. We also outline clear, actionable strategies related to client education. By addressing this misleading information head-on, you can reinforce your value and help steer clients towards the best outcomes. — Andrew Claussen

6. 2026 Economic & Market Outlook | Raising the Curtain

During the summer months, there was no question that the labor markets had experienced a visible cooling in activity. Interestingly, while certainly far from complete, post-government shutdown data is highlighting more of a somewhat mixed employment setting and has given rise to an economy that is
experiencing a “no hire, no fire” aspect. — WisdomTree

7. Understanding Today’s Advisor Technology Landscape with Jason Quinn

Jason Quinn, CFO and COO of Advisor360º, joins us to discuss how wealth management is moving beyond traditional software toward AI-native platforms. Drawing on his experience scaling technology-driven businesses, Quinn explains how the platform is powered by Advisor360º Wealth OS, which connects data, workflows, and applications to support the full advisor experience across firms at different stages of growth. Rather than forcing firms to stitch together disconnected tools, the platform is designed to deliver a cohesive experience while still allowing advisors to integrate best-of-breed solutions. — Power Your Advice

8. What Today’s HNW Clients Actually Want—and How Smart Advisors Are Delivering It

Advisors are always aiming for more business from high-net-worth clients and their contemporaries in the ultra-high-net-worth camp, underscoring the importance of bespoke services and strategies tailored explicitly for affluent clients. Wealth managers have myriad levers at their disposal to pull in terms of boosting the quality of service aimed at well-heeled clients. It’s a good thing, too, because simple math highlights the importance of these clients. Just a decade ago, high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families controlled 27% of domestic assets, but that figure doubled over those 10 years. —Todd Shriber

9. Turning Your Personal Story Into a Competitive Advantage

Most financial advisors try to differentiate by highlighting their process, designations, or years of experience. But here’s the truth: none of those create emotional connection. People don’t choose advisors because of credentials – they choose advisors they trust. And trust begins with connection. The fastest way to build that connection is through your story. — Maribeth Kuzmeski

10. When Markets Shift, Innovation Matters

We've been celebrating our 120th anniversary at Lincoln Financial, and it's given me a great opportunity to reflect on the nearly two and a half decades I've been here — especially the changes I've seen over the years. One thing that's been consistent is our commitment to innovation. Why does innovation matter so much? Whether we're looking at the early 1900s or today, the answer can be found in the headlines — especially those that are disrupting client confidence (and their portfolios). An annuity industry survey paints a concerning picture for 2025: “a jittery macroeconomic backdrop: fears of recession, rate uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and renewed concern over trade and tariffs.” But there's a positive note: “the mood is not panic — it is strategic adaptation.” — Kim Genovese

11. Estate Planning for Young Homeowners

Estate planning is essential to young homeowners. Estate planning involves putting together a strategy to manage your financial situation, including your home, in an event of incapacitation or death. Additionally, estate planning provides guidance into important topics such as healthcare decisions should something happen as well as guardianship to young children. Estate planning ensures asset protection, legacy, clarity, and care for your loved ones, including your children. Starting estate planning when purchasing your first home is often appropriate as it tends to correspond with other major life events such as having a child or accumulating wealth. Given your home is likely the single largest asset on your personal balance sheet, ensuring your home is handled according to your wishes is particularly important. — Thomas Van Spankeren