Market Update 1/20/26

Volatility is back, but not out of the ordinary. 1-3% market moves (and upwards of 5% for any individual stock) on any given day have historically fallen into the “normal/expected” range. This is especially true for any response to rising uncertainty tied to elevated trade tensions. How current dynamics ultimately unfold remains unclear, but history (i.e., 2025) suggests that periods of initial trade escalation are often followed by de-escalation over time. As we have seen repeatedly, investors are best served by remaining steady and avoiding reacting to headline-driven volatility.

Staying Invested Best Serves Investors

A useful reminder comes from last April’s tariff concerns. Investors who exited the market at the height of that uncertainty missed the subsequent and meaningful recovery in stocks. Maintaining long-term allocations and adhering to disciplined rebalancing strategies has historically been rewarded.

It is also important to remember that the market’s strongest days often occur immediately after its weakest. Missing out on those strong days can have a materially negative impact on your long-term financial performance. Since 1990, missing the 10 best days of each year would have resulted in an annual loss of -13% vs. the S&P 500’s annual return of over 10%.

While we remain confident in the strength and resilience of the U.S. economy (which is the most dynamic in the world), investors may want to assess whether their portfolios are overly concentrated in U.S. stocks. Mission Wealth consistently favors diversification over concentration. Within the broadly diversified portfolios we manage, we maintain dedicated allocations to alternative asset classes, including private equity, direct lending, and real assets. These strategies can offer attractive risk-adjusted return potential with less correlation to broader public markets. Additionally, international stocks continue to trade at relatively attractive valuations compared to the U.S. and may benefit from supportive monetary and fiscal policies abroad.

Despite recent volatility, equity markets have delivered strong returns over the past few years. The current environment may present an opportunity to thoughtfully rebalance portfolios, taking some chips off the table while reinforcing diversification and staying aligned with long-term investment objectives.

Looking for perspective on how today’s market volatility fits into your long-term plan?

Our Wealth Advisors help clients stay disciplined through changing market conditions by building diversified portfolios aligned with their goals. Schedule a complimentary conversation to review your strategy and ensure your portfolio remains positioned for the long term.