November Market Commentary: What Brad & Tim Are Watching

As we head into the final stretch of the year, Brad and Tim gathered for November’s Monthly Market Commentary to break down what’s been happening in the markets — and what investors should keep an eye on as we move into 2026. Dark mornings and cold days aside, there’s plenty happening behind the scenes in the economy that’s worth unpacking.

A Strong Market Finish to the Month

The conversation opens with a look at recent performance:
Markets have posted several strong days, especially heading into the last full week of November. Growth sectors — including technology — continue to drive much of the momentum, even as investors keep a close eye on whether the AI trade is becoming too crowded.

Despite short-term noise, the underlying story remains steady: investors are responding positively to signs of economic resilience and improving corporate earnings.

What the Federal Reserve May Do Next

The Federal Reserve continues to dominate market conversations, and for good reason. With inflation cooling from last year’s highs and the economy holding up better than many expected, markets are increasingly confident the Fed will begin cutting rather than raising rates in the coming year.

Brad and Tim discuss how the Fed’s decisions ripple through nearly every part of the financial system — mortgages, borrowing costs, consumer spending, and valuation multiples. A shift toward lower rates in 2026 could provide a tailwind for both stocks and bonds after a challenging two-year rate cycle.

Corporate Earnings: Still a Bright Spot

One of the biggest supports for the market this year has been earnings. Companies across multiple sectors have continued to beat expectations, showing that consumers are still spending and businesses are adapting well to a higher-rate environment.

A healthier earnings backdrop helps stabilize markets and gives long-term investors more confidence heading into a new year.

AI, Innovation, and Market Leadership

Tim notes the ongoing excitement — and caution — around AI-driven companies. While innovation remains a powerful growth driver, concentrated enthusiasm can sometimes lead to elevated valuations. Brad calls attention to the importance of balance: participate in innovation, but avoid getting overexposed to any single theme.

This is where diversified portfolios and disciplined rebalancing remain essential.

The Big Picture: Steady Progress Amid Uncertainty

Even with geopolitical tension, election-year chatter starting to build, and ongoing rate speculation, the broader economic picture is more stable than many anticipated this time last year.

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