Macro & Market Perspectives

The Wall Of Worry: Markets Face More Questions Than Answers

Letter From The Editor, John Norris

Years ago, the rock group Greenday had a pretty massive hit with the song “Wake Me Up When September Ends.” It is a good one, and one of the very few rock songs I can sing somewhat on key when doing karaoke.

Although the tune has nothing to do with the current state of the markets, if for no other reason than it came out in 2004, I suspect more than a few investors were pleased when September ended this year. After all, the 3rd Quarter of 2026 was another roller coaster ride of geopolitical uncertainty, economic head scratching and monetary policy recalibration.

The economy hasn’t been creating a lot of jobs, but businesses don’t seem to be firing a lot of people either. Inflation hasn’t come down the way anyone would like, and the Federal Reserve raised the overnight rate during the quarter. The conflicts in Ukraine and now Iran seem to be playing havoc with the world’s energy markets. When will they be over?

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State of the Economy

Energy prices, interest rates and AI dominated economic conversations during Q3. Read on to discover how they challenged expectations and what they could mean moving forward.

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Fourth Quarter Predictions

From energy prices and interest rates to private markets, corporate earnings, El Niño and global tensions, here’s what our Investment Committee is watching over the next several quarters.

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Third Quarter Equities

Strong corporate earnings collided with rising rates, higher bond yields and oil prices, creating a forecast as unsettled as Gulf Coast weather. What could be in store for markets as 2026 draws to a close?

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Key Takeaways from Q3

What mattered most this quarter? From interest rates and inflation to AI, IPOs and the economy, here are our key takeaways on the developments that shaped the second quarter of 2026.

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Asset Allocations: Third Quarter 2026

Persistent inflation, higher interest rates and increasing concentration within the S&P 500 continue to influence the investment landscape. Amid these conditions, our Investment Committee continues to emphasize a disciplined approach to asset allocation and portfolio diversification.

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Special Report: The Data Center Dilemma

Data centers raise legitimate questions about energy, land use and community impact. But turning one away carries its own economic tradeoffs. What should communities consider before saying no?

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Special Report: The New Mortgage Reality

Data centers raise legitimate questions about energy, land use and community impact. But turning one away carries its own economic tradeoffs. What should communities consider before saying no?

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Macro & Market Perspectives

Fourth Quarter Predictions, 2026

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Macro & Market Perspectives

State of the Economy

During the third quarter of 2026, there seemed to be only three things people wanted to discuss about the economy: energy prices, the Federal Reserve and data centers—and not necessarily always in that order. Energy Prices…