A Wild and Wacky Start to 2026. Markets, Tariffs, and the Return of Volatility
Thu Feb 05 2026
Welcome to Top of Mind with Consilio Wealth!
Hao Dang and Alex Dorell kick off 2026 with a timely market update, breaking down a volatile start to the year driven by political headlines, tariff uncertainty, and shifting interest rate expectations. They discuss why international markets outperformed in 2025, how currency swings boosted global returns, and what a weaker U.S. dollar could mean for investors ahead.
The episode also explores today’s K-shaped economy, where higher-income consumers continue to spend while other segments face growing pressure. Hao and Alex unpack what’s happening with Fed policy, bond markets, and government deficits — and why not all market swings signal deeper economic trouble. They close with their outlook for the rest of 2026, including valuations, diversification, and the risks of too much consensus on Wall Street.
We discuss: ➡️ A volatile start to 2026 and renewed market swings ➡️ International outperformance and the impact of currency move ➡️ Tariffs, Treasury yields, and shifting “safe haven” trends ➡️ Fed policy vs. market-driven interest rates ➡️ The K-shaped economy and changing consumer behavior ➡️ Manufacturing vs. services and what PMI data is showing ➡️ Market valuations and the danger of consensus forecasts ➡️ Why diversification still matters in an unpredictable year
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Welcome to Top of Mind with Consilio Wealth! Hao Dang and Alex Dorell kick off 2026 with a timely market update, breaking down a volatile start to the year driven by political headlines, tariff uncertainty, and shifting interest rate expectations. They discuss why international markets outperformed in 2025, how currency swings boosted global returns, and what a weaker U.S. dollar could mean for investors ahead. The episode also explores today’s K-shaped economy, where higher-income consumers continue to spend while other segments face growing pressure. Hao and Alex unpack what’s happening with Fed policy, bond markets, and government deficits — and why not all market swings signal deeper economic trouble. They close with their outlook for the rest of 2026, including valuations, diversification, and the risks of too much consensus on Wall Street. We discuss: ➡️ A volatile start to 2026 and renewed market swings ➡️ International outperformance and the impact of currency move ➡️ Tariffs, Treasury yields, and shifting “safe haven” trends ➡️ Fed policy vs. market-driven interest rates ➡️ The K-shaped economy and changing consumer behavior ➡️ Manufacturing vs. services and what PMI data is showing ➡️ Market valuations and the danger of consensus forecasts ➡️ Why diversification still matters in an unpredictable year