August 17, 2026

In our last market update email sent a couple weeks ago, we noted how the month of August is off to a strong start.  In the first half of this year, up to the end of July, we saw the Dow Jones and the overall stock market index grinding higher through all of the geo-political and economic uncertainties, while many of the technology and AI related investments being weaker.  There is a saying in Wall Street, to sell in May, and go away.  However, we are finding out that the month of August is quickly giving a strong recovery to many of the technology and AI related investments, and given how the month of August historically and seasonally is a strong month where we see company stock buybacks, I believe that we will see a strong momentum with many of the investments in our portfolio, that these tech and AI investments will resume their leadership, and climb higher as we approach the final months of this mid-term election year.  In summary, our portfolios are seeing a strong performance as we march ahead.  In the month of July, I have shared how the markets look to be finding a bottom with many of the technology and AI related investments, and we are now well off the bottoms.  Short term, I expect the markets to stay near all time highs while the sector rotation again cycles back into Technology, and mid term, I expect the markets to collectively grind higher.  With regard to the Iran war, I believe that as long as oil stays at or under $80 dollar range, the markets are telling us that the war will be less of an impact/influence on the overall economy and markets.  Gold and Bitcoin both look to have bottomed and in looking at the charts, both look to be in positions to steadily climb higher.  I appreciate the trust in our relationship, and I look forward to increasing that level of trust through an ongoing relationship and increasing the opportunities we have together as the year continues.  As always, please feel free to call, text, or email me at any time, and I look forward to our next market update!