Magnolia Wealth Advisors

09/04/2026

Markets pushed higher in August as AI-driven optimism helped investors look past softer economic data. The S&P 500 gained 2.62% and the S&P/TSX Composite rose 2.96%, even as softening retail sales kept consumer spending in focus. Back-to-school season adds another data point to that story, with spending expected to reach \$146.8 billion in the U.S. and \$4.5 billion in Canada this year.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index advanced 2.62 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 3.93 percent. The Dow Jones Industrial Average lagged, adding 1.34 percent. The S&P/TSX rose 2.96 percent.1,2

09/01/2026

📊 Weekly Market Recap | August 23–29, 2026

📈 Markets Pause Near Record Highs
Markets moved sideways to slightly lower after reaching new highs, as investors weighed several economic and geopolitical concerns. Strong second-quarter earnings, including standout results from NVIDIA, continued to provide support.

🛢️ Oil, Trade and Debt Remain in Focus
The ongoing Iran conflict continues to create uncertainty around oil supplies, while new tariffs between the U.S. and Canada added another economic consideration. Rising Treasury yields also reflected concerns about the nation’s growing debt and budget deficits.

🏦 Fed Faces a Challenging Balancing Act
Economic growth remained modest, with second-quarter GDP holding at 1.5%. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve continues to weigh elevated inflation against a slowing economy and uncertainty surrounding interest rates.

🔍 Looking Ahead:
• July Job Openings (JOLTS)
• August ADP Employment Report
• Federal Reserve Beige Book
• Weekly Unemployment Claims
• August Employment Report & Wage Growth

Despite ongoing challenges, corporate earnings and innovation remain encouraging. Maintaining a long-term perspective can help keep short-term market noise in context.

08/25/2026

📊 Weekly Market Recap | August 16–22, 2026*

📈 Markets Pull Back as Bond Yields Rise
U.S. markets broke a three-week winning streak as bond yields climbed. The $40 trillion national debt milestone brought renewed attention to the nation’s fiscal position and its potential impact on financial markets.

🛢️ Oil and Geopolitical Uncertainty Continue
The ongoing conflict involving Iran remains unresolved, keeping oil prices vulnerable to further disruption. Higher energy prices could add pressure to inflation and household budgets if the situation worsens.

🏦 Fed Signals Greater Openness to Rate Hikes
Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting showed that three of 12 voting members supported raising interest rates. The discussion reflects continued concern about inflation and the potential economic effects of higher oil prices.

🔍 Looking Ahead:
• Consumer Confidence & New Home Sales
• Second Estimate of Q2 GDP
• Personal Income, Spending & PCE Inflation
• Weekly Jobless Claims
• University of Michigan Consumer Confidence & Chicago PMI

Markets continue to balance economic growth, inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty. Staying focused on the long term can help keep short-term market movements in perspective.

08/21/2026

A team lunch to welcome the newest members of the Magnolia Wealth family. 🎉 We’re so excited to have Elizabeth and Jeanette joining our First Impressions team!

08/18/2026

📊 Weekly Market Recap | August 9–15, 2026*

📈 Markets Reach New Records
The S&P 500 climbed above 7,800 for the first time, marking its 27th record close of the year and extending its winning streak to three weeks. Strong second-quarter earnings, particularly among technology and AI-related companies, continued to support markets.

🛢️ Oil and Geopolitical Risks Remain
The ongoing stalemate surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz kept oil prices volatile, with crude moving above $80 during the week. Rising energy costs remain an important factor for consumers and the broader economy.

🏦 Inflation Cools, but the Fed Remains Divided
July inflation data showed some moderation, with CPI rising 3.4% from a year earlier and producer prices also easing. Markets reduced expectations for a September rate hike, while Fed officials remain divided on the path ahead.

🔍 Looking Ahead:
• Empire State Manufacturing & NAHB Housing Market Index
• Housing Starts & Industrial Production
• Federal Reserve meeting minutes
• Weekly Jobless Claims & Philadelphia Fed Survey
• Flash Manufacturing & Services data

Markets continue to navigate strong earnings alongside geopolitical and inflation risks. Staying focused on long-term goals remains important amid short-term uncertainty.

08/14/2026

Thank you to Beveridge Roofing & Construction,LLC for having us out for another Lunch & Learn! We always enjoy spending time with your team and are grateful for the opportunity to help your team build confidence in their financial future.

08/13/2026

📊 Weekly Market Recap | Aug. 2–8, 2026

💼 Jobs Show Signs of Weakness
July saw a loss of 23,000 jobs, while June was revised sharply lower. Weak employment data is raising concerns about the broader economy.

📈 Markets Keep Setting Records
Despite disappointing jobs numbers, the Dow and S&P 500 reached new highs as strong earnings and hopes for progress with Iran continued to support markets.

🛢️ Oil Prices Retreat
Oil fell below $80 per barrel as talks with Iran resumed, easing some pressure on inflation and markets.

🔍 Looking ahead:
• CPI & PPI inflation data
• Weekly jobless claims
• Consumer confidence
• Fed speakers & rate outlook
• Continued Q2 earnings strength

Strong earnings continue to support markets, but weakening jobs data and elevated inflation create a challenging backdrop — making it important to stay vigilant and focused on the long term.

08/12/2026

Charlotte and Makenzie recently attended Foundational Team Training hosted by Advisors Excel in Topeka, Kansas!

Spending time at the AE headquarters, connecting with others in the industry, exchanging ideas, and continuing their education are all part of our commitment to providing the best possible experience for our team, our community, and our clients.

A big thank you to Advisors Excel and everyone who helped make this such a valuable and memorable experience!

08/07/2026

Markets navigated mixed signals in July. Inflation eased, tech faced pressure, and energy surged. Meanwhile, Americans are planning record travel spending in 2026: \$1.37 trillion. What's shaping your household budget this summer?

Stocks were mixed in July as investors navigated a cross-current of news on the outlook for AI spending and Q2 corporate reports.

08/04/2026

📊 Weekly Market Recap | July 26 – Aug. 1, 2026*

📈 Markets React to Global Events & Economic Data
Markets experienced increased volatility as tensions in the Middle East escalated, contributing to higher oil prices. Meanwhile, second-quarter GDP grew 1.5%, below expectations, though underlying consumer spending and business investment remained resilient.

🛢️ Oil Prices, Inflation & Strong Earnings in Focus
Oil prices climbed back near $85 per barrel, adding renewed pressure to inflation. Despite those concerns, corporate earnings season has been strong, with most S&P 500 companies reporting results that exceeded earnings and revenue expectations.

🏦 Fed Holds Rates Steady but Signals Caution
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at its July meeting while emphasizing its commitment to bringing inflation back to its 2% target. Markets are now watching closely for the possibility of a rate increase before year-end if inflation remains elevated.

🔍 Looking Ahead:
• JOLTS Job Openings Report (Tuesday)
• ADP National Employment Report (Wednesday)
• Weekly Initial Jobless Claims (Thursday)
• July Employment Report & Unemployment Rate (Friday)
• Ongoing second-quarter corporate earnings reports

While short-term headlines may create market volatility, keeping a long-term perspective remains important as investors navigate changing economic conditions.