Talbot Financial Designs

The Week in Review:

Major US indexes rebounded during last week's holiday-shortened trading week, snapping a five week losing streak. The Nasdaq led gains with 4.46%, followed by the S&P 500, which rose 3.38%, while the Dow Jones was up 2.98%. International markets also showed signs of recovery, with international developed equities posting a gain of 3.08% and emerging markets rising a more modest 0.34%.

Despite last week’s rebound, both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declined for a second consecutive month. For the first quarter of 2026, all three major US indexes recorded their largest quarterly losses in nearly four years.

Meanwhile, oil prices spiked again as the ongoing Middle East conflict refueled concerns about a prolonged interruption of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. US crude oil prices traded around $112 per barrel last week — the highest since mid-2022.

You can use this link to set up a meeting (https://calendly.com/talbotfd/60min) or text me (515-575-9282) to set up a time to talk.

Rob

The Week in Review:

It was another challenging week for US equity markets, as ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. The Nasdaq declined 3.22%, followed by the S&P 500, which fell 2.10%, while the Dow Jones was down 0.90%. Both the Nasdaq and the Dow Jones entered correction territory last week, each falling more than 10% from their most recent record highs. International markets were mixed, with international developed equities posted a modest gain of 0.09%, while emerging markets declined 1.73%.

With the first quarter of 2026 now behind us, market behavior closely resembled the volatility experienced in the first quarter of 2025, characterized by sharp price swings. This year, geopolitical conflict in the Middle East has been the primary driver of uncertainty, whereas tariff-related concerns fueled volatility during the same period last year. Despite different catalysts, both environments raised similar concerns around potential inflationary pressures and slowing economic growth.

Looking ahead, US and most international markets will be closed on Friday, April 3 in observance of Good Friday.

You can use this link to set up a meeting (https://calendly.com/talbotfd/60min) or text me (515-575-9282) to set up a time to talk.

Rob