Impact Financial Advisors

Markets ended 2025 on a quiet note, but Q4 closed with gains across all major U.S. indexes as investors weighed lower interest rates, mixed labor data, and ongoing economic delays from the October shutdown. The S&P 500 rose 2.35% for the quarter, while the Dow led with a 3.59% gain. As we kick off the new year with resolutions and fresh starts, many of us reach for our favorite morning brew. But have you ever wondered about the global love affair with coffee and tea? Check out this month's by-the-numbers.

Quarterly Market Insights | January 2026 U.S. stocks notched a solid gain in the fourth quarter as investors cheered lower interest rates and solid corporate profits while navigating limited economic updates due to the U.S. government shutdown.

2025 wasn't just another year; it rewrote the rules for tax, estate, and investment strategies.

If you haven't reviewed your approaches since July, you're potentially leaving money on the table (or perhaps exposed to unnecessary risk).

Here’s What Changed: Tax Reform Got Real

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made sweeping changes, including:

→ $15 million estate exemption per person ($30 million per couple)
→ Expanded State and Local Tax deduction to $40,000 (through 2029)
→ New $6,000 senior bonus deduction for those 65+
→ First-ever auto loan interest deduction up to $10,000

But here's the catch: Many of these provisions are temporary and set to expire in the coming years.

Markets Recovered—Then Rallied. Remember "Liberation Day" on April 2? The S&P 500 dropped following the tariff news. It then recovered within a month and continued to climb through the year. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Why 2026 Is Critical:
The elevated estate exemption is labeled "permanent," but we all know tax laws change. For families with significant wealth, this is a window, not a guarantee.

Families who act early to align their tax, estate, and investment strategies with the new landscape will be positioned for decades of advantage.

Have you reviewed your strategy since these changes took effect?

📋 Work with your tax, legal, and accounting professionals before making any changes due to the new tax law. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged index that is considered representative of the overall U.S. stock market. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.

🎉 It’s National Ugly Sweater Day!

Whether the office is decked out in festive knits or not, today is all about bringing a little extra cheer (and a laugh) into the season.

In a year filled with serious conversations about markets, strategies, and goals, moments of lighthearted fun are just as important.

Here’s to finishing the year in style, even if the sweater isn’t!