2026 Mid-Year Market Review: Record Highs, Surprises & What’s Next

2026 Mid-Year Market Review: Record Highs, Surprises & What’s Next

The first half of 2026 is officially in the books – and what a six month it’s been! Major US indexes reached new all-time highs, the S&P 500 posted its best quarter since 2020, small-cap stocks had their strongest first half since 1991, and corporate America is on fire with earnings growth expected to exceed 20% for the full year. At the same time, inflation has reemerged as a major concern, geopolitical conflicts have pushed oil prices higher and the AI trade and its beneficiaries changed. This week on the Pickers Market Podcast, we look back at the biggest market themes of 2026 so far and give an outlook on what the second half of 2026 might bring. We end with what the team plans for the 4th of July weekend – BBQ, lake fun and a roadtrip!

VIX Spikes, Mag 7 or Lag 7 and Hidden Investing Opportunities

This week on The Pickers Market Podcast, we tackle one of Wall Street's most misunderstood topics: volatility. Is a spike in the VIX, the market's "fear gauge", something investors should fear, or does it create opportunity? We discuss why higher volatility can improve pricing for certain investment strategies and how uncertainty can sometimes work in investors’ favor. We also discuss: • The difference between VIX and VXN and what each is telling investors today • Why volatility can create opportunities for certain investment strategies • Are the Mag 7 becoming laggards Plus, we recap our recent trip to Mexico and share our upcoming summer travel plans.

SpaceX, the Iran Peace Deal & Margaritas - From Mexico with Love

The Pickers Market Podcast goes international! 🌴☀️ This week, we're coming to you from the beautiful beaches of Mexico for a special edition of the podcast. We share why the Gradient family gathers in Mexico each year for the annual Gradient Gala - bringing together advisors, their families, and the Gradient team to celebrate another successful year and the relationships that make our community so special. Joining us is a very special guest, our Chief Distribution Officer, Brian Lucius, sporting the legendary Gorilla mask! 🦍 He shares the story behind Gradient's iconic mascot, how the Gorilla tradition began, and why it has become such a memorable part of our company culture. We also discuss: • The latest market updates • SpaceX and its historic IPO • The Iran-U.S. peace agreement and what it could mean for markets Whether you're an investor, financial advisor, or simply enjoy staying informed, this episode offers market insights with a fun twist from the beach.

From World Cup to Wall Street: Jobs, Inflation and Apple's AI Future

The World Cup is officially underway, and while soccer fans are focused on the matches, investors are watching a different scoreboard. This week, we discuss a stronger-than-expected jobs report, the latest CPI inflation data, and what both could mean for the Federal Reserve's next move. We also break down Apple's WWDC announcements and ask whether the tech giant is falling behind in the AI race or taking a smarter long-term approach. Plus, we kick things off with some World Cup talk and wrap up with a fun discussion about our upcoming trip to Mexico and why hundreds of financial advisors are heading to one of Gradient's biggest events of the year.

SpaceX Mania, Google's $80B Raise & The AI Capital Spending Boom

This week, we break down Google's surprise $80 billion capital raise and what it signals about the future of artificial intelligence spending. After spending years buying back stock, Google is making a dramatic shift by tapping equity markets for the first major common stock issuance in nearly two decades. Is this simply smart financial planning - or evidence that the AI arms race is becoming more expensive than investors expected? We also dive into the unprecedented enthusiasm surrounding the SpaceX IPO with investors scrambling for exposure. Is SpaceX becoming the most sought-after company in history? Join Tyler Ellegard, Keith Gangl, and Lisa Schreiber for markets, insights, and a little fun!