Wealth Intelligence

Stocks were mixed in February as AI disruption concerns and escalating geopolitical tensions weighed on investor sentiment. The S&P 500 slipped 0.87% and the Nasdaq fell 3.38%, while the Dow edged up 0.17%. Canada’s S&P/TSX advanced 7.57%. As attention turns to the Fed’s March meeting and its updated Summary of Economic Projections, markets will be watching closely for signals on the path ahead. From 73% of the world’s maple syrup produced in Canada to a \$1.64 billion global market, this month’s by-the-numbers highlights the industry behind one of North America’s most iconic products.

Monthly Market Insights | March 2026 U.S. stocks struggled in February amid fears that artificial intelligence would disrupt a wide swath of industries, unsettling investors. Late in the month, geopolitical concerns weighed on the market amid tensions in the Middle East.

Valentine’s Day has a way of putting the focus back where it belongs: on the people all this planning is really for. ❤️

Behind every goal, account, and strategy are relationships, commitments, and hopes for the people who matter most.

Here is to the spouses, families, and friends who give real meaning to the work of planning for the future. ❤️

Did you update your retirement contributions for 2026?

It’s February, but you may still have your 401(k) and IRA deferrals set to last year’s numbers, even though the limits went up for 2026.

Here are the key updates to know for 2026.

Workplace Plans - 401(k), 403(b), 457s:
● Employee limit: $24,500
● Age 50+ catch-up: extra $8,000, total $32,500
● Ages 60–63 “super” catch-up: up to $35,750

IRAs (Traditional + Roth Combined):
● Base limit: $7,500
● Age 50+ catch-up: $1,100, total $8,600

🔍 High Earners - A Big Change.
If your 2025 wages were above $150,000, your 401(k) catch-up contributions in 2026 must be made in a Roth account, not a pre-tax one.

If your plan does not offer a Roth option, catch-ups may not be available.

With most retirement accounts, once you reach age 73, you must begin taking required minimum distributions. Roth accounts are the exception. Withdrawal penalties may apply if you take the money before age 59½. Roth IRA distributions must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after the account holder reaches age 59½.

So, if you haven’t already:
● Confirm your current deferral rate reflects the new limits, not last year’s
● Check whether your plan offers Roth and how catch-ups are handled