Stonebridge Capital Advisors

August Monthly Market Commentary

August Monthly Market Commentary

July was a reminder that opportunities can be found across the market, even during periods of uncertainty. While the largest technology companies faced headwinds, strength broadened into other sectors, reinforcing the value of maintaining a diversified portfolio. At the same time, higher interest rates continue to create attractive opportunities in fixed income, allowing investors to lock in compelling yields while remaining focused on their long-term financial goals.

Key Takeaways:

  • Broader Market Leadership: Market gains expanded beyond the largest technology companies, reinforcing the value of a diversified portfolio.
  • Stay Disciplined: Recent volatility highlights the importance of staying focused on long-term goals rather than reacting to short-term market swings.
  • Markets Remain Data-Driven: Inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical events continue to influence market performance and create new investment opportunities.
  • Fixed Income Opportunities: Higher Treasury yields and attractive municipal bond valuations continue to create compelling income opportunities.

 

Read Article Here

2026 Q2 Stonebridge Economic Outlook

This April edition of the Stonebridge Economic Outlook assesses a U.S. economy increasingly shaped by policy shocks, geopolitical risk, and unsettled trade dynamics. It outlines the key assumptions behind the forecast and highlights how inflation, interest rates, employment, and consumer spending may evolve as uncertainty remains unusually elevated.

Key Takeaways:

  • Policy shocks (war, tariffs, and fiscal decisions) are making the outlook unusually volatile and harder than normal to forecast.
  • Elevated oil prices and tariffs are expected to keep price pressures higher for longer, limiting how soon rate cuts are likely.
  • Consumer demand has some support from transfer income and the wealth effect, but slower real income gains and a gradually higher unemployment rate point to softer GDP and PCE growth.

Providing his new forecast, our Chief Economist, Daniel E. Laufenberg, Ph.D., details what lies ahead for 2026.

Read Outlook Here

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