Midyear Outlook 2026

Looking back at the first half of 2026, markets faced some challenges expected by investors, and some that were unexpected. A new Federal Reserve (Fed) chair stepped into one of the most difficult monetary policy environments in years. Conflict in the Middle East pushed oil prices sharply higher and sent ripples through global markets. And a technology spending boom, unlike anything seen before, began reshaping the corporate landscape in ways that are still playing out.

Through it all, stocks climbed, the economy kept growing, and corporate profits surprised meaningfully to the upside.

As we turn our attention to the second half, we remain constructively optimistic. Optimistic because the fundamental drivers of this bull market, including real earnings growth, artificial intelligence (AI) execution, and a resilient economy, remain intact. Cautiously constructive because we recognize that markets have already priced in a great deal of good news, and that the months ahead will bring their own set of tests, from a new Fed chair navigating a tricky inflation environment to the approach of midterm elections in November.

LPL Research created this report so you and your financial advisor can apply these insights to your goals and aid in finding the right balance for your portfolio.

Review the full report here.

Justin Hurd, MSFS, CFP®, ChFC®

Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor

(510) 903-7691

Justin.J.Hurd@lplfinancial.com

Justin Hurd is a wealth management professional with over 40 years of experience in the financial industry. Justin's extensive experience in financial planning has shown him the importance of tailoring financial plans to fit...

David Earl Spencer, MS, ChFC®

Vice President, Financial Advisor

(510) 903-7693

David.Spencer@lplfinancial.com

David Earl Spencer is a skilled and compassionate financial advisor. He has over two decades of extensive experience in product development and marketing in the banking industry, including that for credit unions and insurance companies...

George Alessandria, MA

Vice President, Financial Advisor

(510) 903-7695

George.Alessandria@lplfinancial.com

George Alessandria is an experienced financial advisor who specializes in helping his clients with everything from investing to retirement planning. He has been a member of Broadway Wealth Management team for the last five years,...

Brandy Ebron, ChFC®

Financial Advisor

(510) 903-7694

Brandy.Ebron@lplfinancial.com

Brandy Ebron has been working in the financial services industry since 2000. She began her career in the industry as a client associate and has worked as a financial advisor since 2019. From the beginning of her journey over...

Sylvia Jorgensen

Vice President, Financial Advisor

(510) 903-7692

Sylvia.Jorgensen@lplfinancial.com

Sylvia Jorgensen has worked as a financial advisor with the Broadway Wealth Management team for the last five years. She has years of experience in the industry providing help to her clients as they strive to reach their financial...

Jenny Watt

Client Service Associate

510.903.7696

Jenny.Watt@lplfinancial.com

Jenny Watt has dedicated her career in the financial services industry focusing on investment management and banking. Prior to joining the team as a Client Service Associate, she supported employee and client communications, marketing,...

Katelyn Wobrock

Client Service Associate

510-903-7697

katelyn.wobrock@lplfinancial.com

Katelyn Wobrock has worked in the Financial Services Industry since 2018 and has held a variety of positions, from Operations Assistant to Admin Solutions Consultant to Client Services Associate. During this time, she has most enjoyed...

Clarence – The Broadway Mascot

Rollover Specialist

Clarence is the official mascot of Broadway Wealth Management. Affectionately known as Justin’s “Road Dog”, Clarence travels with Justin just about everywhere. Clarence enjoys playing catch (chasing the balls Justin throws), boating,...