Dylan Mitchell - Guide Wealth Partners

Strong portfolios don’t fail all at once. They erode gradually.

Inflation reduces what your wealth can buy. Taxes compound in the background. Concentrated positions introduce risk that only shows up when conditions change.

Individually, these are manageable. Together, they can materially reshape long-term outcomes. Taking a step back to evaluate how these forces interact across your full balance sheet can reveal risks that performance alone will never show.

Small-cap stocks have had a standout start to the year.

The Russell 2000 Index has climbed more than 21%, putting it on track for its strongest first-half performance since 1991.

One major driver has been the expansion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. While large technology companies often get most of the attention, smaller companies tied to semiconductors, equipment, components, and connectivity have also benefited from increased AI-related spending.

The rally also reflects what some market watchers describe as a valuation catch-up after years of small-cap underperformance compared with large-cap stocks.

Still, interest rates remain an important factor. Smaller companies can be more sensitive to higher borrowing costs because they may carry more floating-rate debt or face greater refinancing needs.

For investors, the broader takeaway is that market leadership can shift over time — and major themes like AI may affect more than the biggest names in the market.


Source:

Small-cap stocks enjoy their best first half in 35 years. Here's what's driving it The advance marks a sharp turnaround after years of underperformance versus large-cap peers.

If your kids are starting a summer job, why not look into a Custodial Roth account? Talk to your kids about how they can get started with tax-advantaged savings. Whether they put money in the account or you get it started for them with a gift, it’s a good way to start a great habit. For more information or to set up a meeting, drop us a note today!

We can explain the pros and cons of Custodial Roth IRA, and introduce you to some of the unique features of custodial accounts, including when kids can take control of the asset. Also, remember, with a Roth IRA, to qualify for the tax-free and penalty-free withdrawal of earnings, a Roth must meet a 5-year holding requirement and occur after age 59½. Tax-free and penalty-free withdrawals can also be taken under certain other circumstances, and the original Roth IRA owner is not required to take minimum annual withdrawals.

🎒 Attention students and families 🎒

Don't forget that FAFSA submissions close June 30 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Markets don't take vacations. But your strategy is built for the bumps.

A common online security tool is now being used in a new type of scam.

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts — the familiar “I’m not a robot” checks — to trick users into taking actions that can compromise their devices.

Instead of a simple verification, these prompts may ask users to click “Allow,” enable notifications, or follow additional steps that can lead to persistent pop-ups, phishing attempts, or unwanted software.

These scams often appear through ads, suspicious links, or redirected web pages, making them harder to spot at first glance.

Security experts note that legitimate CAPTCHA tests do not require enabling notifications, downloading files, or entering system commands — making those requests a potential red flag.

As these tactics evolve, staying cautious when interacting with unexpected prompts can help reduce exposure to online threats.


Source:

CAPTCHA scams are surging as hackers exploit a security tool Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake CAPTCHA prompts to trick users into enabling malware and scam notifications Security experts warn the ta

Tax reminder! Your second-quarter estimated income tax payment is due on June 16, 2026.

If you're self-employed or earn income that isn't subject to withholding, now is the time to make sure your payment is on track. Don't wait until the last minute—a missed or underpaid estimated tax payment can mean penalties come filing season.

Not sure how much to pay? A good rule of thumb is to pay at least 90% of what you'll owe this year, or 100% of last year's tax liability—whichever is smaller. If you want more specific information, check with your tax, legal, or accounting professional.