The arrival of midsummer marks not only a change in season, but a meaningful point for reflection. As we look ahead to the second half of 2026, this edition highlights what shaped the investment landscape, the importance of keeping your plans aligned with life's evolving milestones, and several upcoming events we hope you'll enjoy.
W H A T W E ' R E W A T C H I N G
Halftime at the Halfway Point
Somehow, we're already at the halfway whistle of 2026 — and what a first half it's been. Between America's 250th birthday and a World Cup unfolding on home soil, this summer feels less like a lull and more like the main event.
Like any good halftime, it's a moment to check the scoreboard and decide what to adjust before the second half kicks off. For us, that means asking a few simple questions: Has life shifted in ways your plan should reflect? Any new chapters — a graduation, a wedding, a loss, a move — worth folding in? Are beneficiaries and estate documents still telling the right story?
A mid-year huddle almost always beats a year-end scramble. If something's on your mind, we'd love to hear it before the second half really heats up.
Until then, enjoy the fireworks, the fútbol, and everything this remarkable summer has to offer.
M A R K E T H A P P E N I N G S
We're officially at halftime for the year, or to put it another way, the beginning of the third quarter. First of all, second quarter earnings season is about to begin and expectations are fairly high. Corporate earnings have remained resilient, and what companies report over the next few weeks will help shape expectations for the rest of the year. At this point, the outlook for earnings remains generally positive.
Secondly, we've already worked through a wide range of headlines and geopolitical events this year. Some have come and gone, while others are still unfolding. And as we move through Q3, investors will also begin paying closer attention to the midterm election cycle, which could create some periods of market volatility along the way.
Finally, the S&P 500 index is sitting just a couple of percentage points below its all-time high, while the equal weighted S&P 500 index is at all-time highs. That tells us that investors are staying invested in stocks for now, but that the leadership is broadening beyond the Magnificent Seven and into other sectors of the market.
There will be plenty to watch as we move through the summer, and as always, we will keep you posted.
B H G T E A
Postcards from the First Half
Kelly recently returned from a grand adventure in Croatia with her family. They walked the ancient walls of Dubrovnik, island-hopped up the Dalmatian Coast, and wandered through Diocletian's Palace in Split — built all the way back in 300 AD. Her favorite highlights? The kind people, the incredible seafood and wine, singing along to ABBA while sailing between the islands, and the kind of cherished core memories that only travel with the ones you love can create.
Summer Happy Hour Series
We're exited to bring back our Summer Patio Happy Hour Series! Below are upcoming summers dates
July 22nd 4:00 - 6:00pm
August 12th 4:00 - 6:00pm
A D M I N I S T R A T I V E R E M I N D E R S
BHG Experts Unplugged Featuring Heath McAteer!
Join us on July 22nd for our next Experts Unplugged featuring our tax specialist Heath McAteer. This session will cover timely topics and practical strategies as we head into the second half of the year.
July Baird Wealth Strategies Call
The July 15th Wealth Strategies webinar will feature cybersecurity experts discussing practical steps you can take to help safeguard your financial life in today's digital world.
July Modified Office Hours
Our office will be closed on FridayJuly 3rd in observance of Independence Day.
B O N U S : G O O D R E A D
Halftime at the Halfway Point
Mid-year is the perfect moment for a check-in. A favorite Baird piece of ours, Financial Plans Evolve Through Every Stage of Life, says it well — the real value of a trusted advisor is in the steady guidance across every season of life.
→Read Financial Plans Evolve Through Every Stage of Life
As always, thank you for your trust and confidence.
Tom, Kelly, Alex, Jesus, Larry & Ashley