Sequoia Financial Group

The first quarter of the year has offered an early reminder that markets rarely move in straight lines. After the extraordinary enthusiasm that carried investors through 2025, much of it centered on the promise of artificial intelligence, the new year has quickly reintroduced elements of uncertainty.

Equity markets staged a meaningful recovery last week, driven by optimism of a ceasefire in Iran. The S&P 500 returned 3.4 percent, the NASDAQ gained 4.5 percent, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average added three percent – the best weekly performance in recent memory.

Generational wealth doesn’t disappear because families fail to invest well. It disappears because the knowledge, communication, and decision-making structures surrounding that wealth were never intentionally passed down.

For ultra-high-net-worth families, the landscape of wealth stewardship is evolving. As the largest intergenerational transfer of capital in history unfolds, women are increasingly shaping the future of family wealth—not only as inheritors and beneficiaries, but also as creators of wealth, entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders guiding multigenerational strategy.

For families with loved ones who have special needs, tomorrow often arrives sooner than expected. Many families instinctively plan for today: therapies, education, medical care, and navigating government benefits.

For years, affluent families planned under the assumption that the federal estate and gift tax exemption would “sunset,” forcing a return to lower thresholds and triggering a race against time. That urgency has shifted.

All three major stock indices finished in the red last week as AI disruption fears continued to grow. The S&P 500, an index of large US companies, returned -1.3 percent for the week, making the index flat year to date.

For families navigating public benefits, long-term care planning, and lifetime financial sustainability, this change represents both an opportunity and a planning strategy worth considering. While ABLE accounts can be powerful tools, they are most effective when coordinated thoughtfully with benefits, trusts, and broader financial strategies.

U.S. equity markets delivered mixed performance this week, underscoring elevated dispersion in returns and ongoing shifts in market leadership. The S&P 500 (-0.1%) was roughly flat, while the NASDAQ (-1.8%) underperformed and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (2.5%) and Russell 2000 (2.2%) both posted solid gains.

Blended families are built on love, resilience, and second chances. They are also financially complex, particularly for high-net-worth families with substantial assets, business interests, and multigenerational goals.

For high-net-worth individuals, investing success is not singularly defined by returns. Taxes, often the single most considerable drag on long-term wealth, play an equally critical role. As tax policy continues to evolve, the difference between a reactive approach and a coordinated, tax-aware strategy can be substantial.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell stuck to the script by announcing on Wednesday that the Fed would keep interest rates unchanged. Powell has historically telegraphed interest rate moves, and this time was no exception: the financial markets expected the Fed to stand pat.

February arrives quickly, and for many high-net-worth individuals and families, tax preparation may still be sitting on the to-do list. If your financial life includes multiple income streams, investment accounts, business interests, trusts, or philanthropic strategies, tax season is not something to rush.

U.S. stocks finished a volatile week with mixed performance, extending a second consecutive week of modest declines for major indices. Despite the pullback, markets remain close to record levels.

Each year on January 28, Data Privacy Day underscores the global imperative to protect personal information in an increasingly digital environment. For high-net-worth (HNW) and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) families, this responsibility carries exponential weight.

Ultra-affluent families face risks that differ significantly from those of the general population. Complex structures, such as multiple entities, trusts, K-1s, and investment partnerships, create more opportunities for sensitive information to be shared across advisors and custodians. Large refunds and tax payments represent enticing entry points for criminals.

Despite the broadening-out call in early 2024, narrow market breadth persisted through 2025. In 2025, around one-third of S&P 500 constituents beat the overall Index, but more than 60% are outperforming year to date in 2026.

U.S. equities moved higher in the first full week of 2026. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Russell 2000 all finished the week at record levels, reflecting a continuation of the positive momentum that closed out last year.

For the third year in a row, stock investors had reason for a celebratory year-end toast. The year started strong with the S&P 500 jumping 2.7% in January on strong earnings reports and anticipation of a more business-friendly administration.

As careers advance and income increases, spending often follows suit. This is lifestyle creep: the gradual increase in expenses as your financial life expands.

As we step into 2026, the financial landscape is shifting rapidly—new legislation, evolving markets, changing interest rates, and changing family needs may all shape the choices you make today.

U.S. equities were little changed on Friday in a quiet, low volume session following the Christmas holiday, with a lack of major catalysts keeping trading subdued. All three major indexes finished modestly lower on the day, snapping a short rally, but still closed the week with solid gains.

Micron Technologies (MU) rose 10% the week of December 15th, after the company markedly beat Q1 FY26 revenue and earnings expectations. The company is a key player in memory and storage products for many technology sectors, including AI data centers.

As widely expected, a divided Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point, marking the third consecutive meeting with a rate reduction. One voting member dissented in favor of a larger half-point cut, while two members voted to leave rates unchanged. T

U.S. equities edged higher last week, approaching all-time highs, fueled by steady consumer spending reflected in strong Black Friday retail sales, though data indicated consumers are increasingly prioritizing value.

Nvidia's strong earnings initially squashed AI bubble fears but a deep dive into its financials, revealing high customer concentration, triggered a major tech sell-off.

Stocks started the week with strong gains following the government reopening agreement, but the momentum was quickly erased by concerns over Federal Reserve policy. Hesitancy from Fed Chairman Powell to cut rates pushed down the odds of a December cut, causing the Dow to drop significantly from its record level.

Looking ahead, markets are likely to remain on edge as investors weigh the fallout from the shutdown, mounting layoffs, and signs of waning consumer confidence against hopes for continued monetary policy support.

Big tech names performed strongly last week, carrying the S&P 500 into positive territory. Fears of an AI bubble are making investors wary of the breakneck pace of capital expenditures. Amazon’s (AMZN) stellar earnings after Thursday’s close indicate the capex boom is pressing on, however.

The federal government shutdown shut off the steady stream of economic reports relied on by investors to gauge the health of the economy and financial markets. However, the much-anticipated September Consumer Price Index (CPI) report was released last week, as it was needed to determine cost-of-living adjustments for Social Security payments.

When most people hear the term “estate planning,” they think of the wealthy or those nearing retirement. However, estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or net worth.

The US government shut its doors on October 1. Republicans and Democrats couldn’t agree on a spending bill, so non-essential portions of the government are closed until further notice.

Fall is here, making now an ideal time to address your year-end financial goals and begin mapping out new goals for the year ahead. Sequoia’s Special Needs Financial Planning team is a comprehensive financial planning partner, ready to support you on multiple fronts.

Market volatility can feel like an emotional yo-yo: sudden drops, sharp rebounds, and the unsettling feeling of not knowing what’s next. Feeling anxious, unsettled, or even tempted to take swift action to protect your investments is natural. But often, the best move is the one you don’t make.

For families with a loved one who has special needs, planning ahead can feel overwhelming.