Investors' Insights and Market Updates

MAY 28, 2026

New research from several highly regarded institutions suggests that Americans, not foreign nations, are absorbing nearly the full cost of recent tariffs. While tariffs are beginning to reshape global trade flows and create leverage through reduced trade volume, the immediate financial impact is falling much closer to home than many may realize. Watch this week’s episode of Educational Insights, where Ashley Page explains what these findings could mean for consumers, businesses, and the broader economy moving forward. Watch to learn more. <a href="http://fiplanpartners.com/team-new/ashley-page-jd-mba/">Ashley Page</a>, JD, MBA Senior Vice President Wealth Consultant Email Ashley Page <a href="mailto:[email protected]">here</a> Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing. The opinions voiced in this recording are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. To determine which strategies or investments may be suitable for you, consult the appropriate qualified professional prior to making a decision. Economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that strategies promoted will be successful. No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss. Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.The post <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/who-is-carrying-the-cost-of-tariffs/">Who is Carrying the Cost of Tariffs?</a> first appeared on <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com">Fi Plan Partners</a>.

4 MIN

MAY 21, 2026

Markets and the Midterms

Markets and elections often create uncertainty, but history tells an interesting story about how midterm election years have traditionally impacted market performance. In this week’s episode of Educational Insights, Ty Miller breaks down the historical trends, why volatility tends to rise during midterm years, and what past market cycles may suggest about the road ahead. While short-term swings can create concern, the long-term data paints a much more encouraging picture. Watch the latest insight to see why investors may want to keep history and perspective in mind. Watch to learn more. <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/our-team/ty-miller/">Ty Miller</a> Vice President Wealth Consultant Email Ty Miller <a href="mailto:[email protected]">here</a> Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted. No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss. Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P500) is a capitalization-weighted index of 500 stocks designed to measure performance of the broad domestic economy through changes in the aggregate market value of 500 stocks representing all major industries. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.The post <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/markets-and-the-midterms/">Markets and the Midterms</a> first appeared on <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com">Fi Plan Partners</a>.

2 MIN

MAY 18, 2026

Earnings Bonanza

Strong Earnings Continue to Support the Market Markets continue to navigate a range of macroeconomic concerns, including rising gas prices and ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East. Investors are also closely watching the Federal Reserve, as higher yields and interest rates remain a key topic of discussion. Despite these external pressures, one area of the economy continues to stand out: the strength of corporate America. First-quarter earnings season has delivered exceptionally strong results for companies within the S&P 500 Index. As of May 8, 84% of companies had reported earnings above analyst estimates, well above the five-year average of 78%. The breadth of this strength has also been impressive, with seven of the index’s eleven sectors posting year-over-year earnings growth rates of at least 10%. Revenue growth has been equally encouraging. The S&P 500 recorded blended revenue growth of 11.3% in the first quarter, marking the 22nd consecutive quarter of revenue expansion. This sustained growth reinforces the argument that corporate fundamentals remain healthy, even amid broader economic uncertainty. As investors continue to debate whether equity markets are overpriced, current earnings and revenue trends suggest that many valuations may be more justified than critics expected at the start of the year. Corporations have largely met or exceeded expectations, providing strong support for market performance. Why Valuations May Not Be as Stretched as They Appear One of the most common concerns among investors today is whether markets have become too expensive. Questions surrounding a potential artificial intelligence bubble and elevated valuations continue to dominate conversations. While valuations in certain areas of the market may appear stretched on the surface, earnings growth is telling a more nuanced story. A key factor often overlooked is the relationship between stock prices and earnings growth. While market prices have risen, earnings expectations have risen even faster. Current estimates for next 12-month earnings per share have increased by approximately 13%, while the broader market has advanced roughly 8% over the same period. This dynamic has led to what is known as “multiple compression.” In simple terms, even though stock prices are rising, companies are becoming relatively less expensive because earnings growth is outpacing price appreciation. This is the opposite of “multiple expansion,” where prices rise faster than earnings and valuations become increasingly stretched. The result is a market that may actually be cheaper today than it was earlier in the year, despite higher index levels. Strong earnings growth has effectively helped valuations normalize, as prices continue working to catch up with improving corporate fundamentals.   <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/our-team/greg-powell/">Greg Powell, CIMA®</a> President and CEO Wealth Consultant Email Greg Powell <a href="mailto:[email protected]">here</a> <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/our-team/bobby-norman-cfp/">Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®</a> Managing Director Wealth Consultant Email Bobby Norman <a href="mailto:[email protected]">here</a> <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/team-new/trey-booth-cfa-aif/">Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®</a> Chief Investment Officer Wealth Consultant Email Trey Booth <a href="mailto:[email protected]">here</a> <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/our-team/ty-miller/">Ty Miller</a><a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/our-team/bobby-norman-cfp/">, AIF®</a> Vice President Wealth Consultant Email Ty Miller <a href="mailto:[email protected]">here</a>   Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted. No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss. Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.The post <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/earnings-bonanza/">Earnings Bonanza</a> first appeared on <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com">Fi Plan Partners</a>.

4 MIN

MAY 14, 2026

Understanding 530A Accounts

There’s been a lot of buzz recently around the new 530A Accounts, also known as “Trump Accounts,” a savings and retirement vehicle designed specifically for children, even starting at birth. In this week’s episode of Educational Insights, Jason Hatley breaks down how these accounts work, who qualifies, and why families are asking whether this could become a valuable long-term planning tool. From potential government contributions to unique tax advantages, there’s a lot to unpack. Watch to learn more. <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/our-team/jason-hatley-cpa/">Jason Hatley</a>, CFP®, CPA, PFS Senior Vice President Financial Planning Manager Email Jason Hatley <a href="mailto:[email protected]">here</a> Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted. No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss. Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor. Trump Accounts offer tax deferred growth on earnings. Family contributions are made with after tax dollars, and eligible employer contributions may be excluded from the employee’s taxable income. A one time $1,000 federal contribution may be available for eligible children born between 2025 and 2028. Distributions are generally prohibited during the child’s growth period and, once permitted, are taxable as ordinary income and may be subject to a 10% IRS early distribution penalty if taken before age 59½. Contribution limits and other restrictions apply, and some rules remain subject to future Treasury and IRS guidance. Consult a qualified tax advisor or financial professional before making decisions. This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.The post <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/understanding-530a-accounts/">Understanding 530A Accounts</a> first appeared on <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com">Fi Plan Partners</a>.

16 MIN

MAY 11, 2026

What’s China Got to Do with It?

Inflation, Wages, and the Global Impact of China Economic data released over the past two weeks has provided investors with important insight into the health of the U.S. economy and the potential direction of markets moving forward. One of the most significant reports came from the latest jobs data, which showed the U.S. economy added approximately 115,000 jobs. Even more encouraging, average earnings increased 3.6% year-over-year, coming in stronger than many economists expected and offering another sign of resilience in the labor market. While wage growth is a positive development for workers, the next key question is how much of those gains consumers actually get to keep after inflation. This week’s upcoming Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) reports will be closely watched as investors look for clearer signs on inflation trends. These reports remain two of the most important measures of pricing pressures throughout the economy. Energy prices continue to play a major role in the inflation story. Elevated gasoline costs are forcing consumers to dedicate more of their budgets toward fuel expenses, leaving less available for spending in other parts of the economy. Investors will be watching carefully for any signs of “demand destruction,” where higher costs begin slowing consumer activity in other sectors. Adding to the importance of the week, President Trump is expected to travel to China for a high-profile meeting with President Xi Jinping. Discussions are expected to center around tariffs, trade cooperation, and geopolitical concerns involving Iran. Markets will be closely monitoring whether the two countries can make progress toward increasing trade activity between the U.S. and China, which could help ease inflationary pressures globally. China’s own inflation data has shown rising pricing pressures, fueled in part by the conflict involving Iran and the impact on oil markets. As one of the largest buyers of Iranian oil, China’s role in global energy demand remains significant. Any cooperation or policy shifts resulting from these meetings could influence inflation trends, energy markets, and employment conditions both domestically and abroad. With strong economic data already emerging, investors are now focused on how these global developments may shape the market outlook in the months ahead. Broadening Market Strength Supports Investor Confidence Despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Middle East, elevated oil prices, and continued questions about Federal Reserve policy, the stock market has remained remarkably resilient. One of the key reasons for this strength has been the continued momentum in corporate earnings. Coming into the year, many analysts anticipated that market leadership would begin to expand beyond the large-cap technology companies that have dominated returns in recent years. That trend is now beginning to materialize, creating what many investors view as a healthier and more sustainable market environment. From January 1 through April 24, small-cap and mid-cap stocks outperformed the S&P 500, signaling stronger participation across a broader range of companies and sectors. This broadening market participation is an encouraging development because it reduces the market’s dependence on a small group of mega-cap stocks to drive overall performance. A wider range of companies contributing to market gains can help strengthen the market’s ability to navigate uncertainty, whether from geopolitical risks, inflation concerns, or shifting Federal Reserve expectations. Analysts also continue to forecast strong corporate earnings growth across multiple market segments, with some projecting record earnings levels by the end of the year. The combination of resilient earnings, improving participation across the market, and continued economic strength provides a constructive backdrop for investors moving forward. While uncertainty remains a constant factor in financial markets, the expanding strength beneath the surface of the market has become an increasingly positive sign for the remainder of the year.   <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/our-team/greg-powell/">Greg Powell, CIMA®</a> President and CEO Wealth Consultant Email Greg Powell <a href="mailto:[email protected]">here</a> <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/our-team/bobby-norman-cfp/">Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®</a> Managing Director Wealth Consultant Email Bobby Norman <a href="mailto:[email protected]">here</a> <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/team-new/trey-booth-cfa-aif/">Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®</a> Chief Investment Officer Wealth Consultant Email Trey Booth <a href="mailto:[email protected]">here</a> <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/our-team/ty-miller/">Ty Miller</a><a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/our-team/bobby-norman-cfp/">, AIF®</a> Vice President Wealth Consultant Email Ty Miller <a href="mailto:[email protected]">here</a>   Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing. The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly. Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted. No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss. Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.The post <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com/whats-china-got-to-do-with-it/">What’s China Got to Do with It?</a> first appeared on <a href="https://fiplanpartners.com">Fi Plan Partners</a>.

4 MIN

Investors' Insights and Market Updates

Details

Recent Episodes