Ali Taylor, Waites Financial Services

08/07/2026

Markets navigated mixed signals in July. Inflation eased, tech faced pressure, and energy surged. Meanwhile, Americans are planning record travel spending in 2026: \$1.37 trillion. What's shaping your household budget this summer?

Monthly Market Insights | August 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks were mixed in July as investors navigated a cross-current of news on the outlook for AI spending and Q2 corporate reports. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led, adding 0.32 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index edged down 0....

07/08/2026

Markets posted solid second-quarter gains as investors responded to upbeat economic reports, continued diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers. The S&P 500 rose 14.87%, the Nasdaq gained 21.41%, and the Dow picked up 12.90%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 6.37%. Looking ahead, markets may continue to react to Middle East updates, oil prices, inflation trends, and the pace of global commerce through the Strait of Hormuz. From U.S. home price growth to Canadian housing forecasts, this quarter’s by-the-numbers highlights the data behind one of North America’s most closely watched markets.

Quarterly Market Insights | July 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks saw solid gains in the second quarter, riding a wave of enthusiasm over upbeat economic reports, ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, and strong first-quarter corporate numbers. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 14...

06/05/2026

Markets continued their upward climb in May, supported by strong technology performance, positive economic data, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Nasdaq gained 8.36%, the S&P 500 rose 5.15%, and Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 2.37%, while investors welcomed better-than-expected job growth and upbeat corporate earnings. With the Fed's next meeting scheduled for June, attention is turning to updated economic projections and what they may signal about the broader economy. From \$24 billion spent on Father's Day to the popularity of dining out and special outings, this month's by-the-numbers highlights how families celebrate the dads in their lives.

Monthly Market Insights | June 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks pushed higher in May, fueled by big tech names, positive economic news, and ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The Nasdaq Composite, which rose 15.29 percent in April, tacked on another 8.36 percent. The Standard & Poor...

05/08/2026

Stocks surged in April, delivering their strongest monthly gains in five years as solid economic data, easing geopolitical tensions, and upbeat first-quarter earnings lifted investor sentiment. The Nasdaq climbed 15.29%, the S&P 500 rose 10.42%, and the Dow gained 7.14%, while Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite added 3.65%. With no Fed meeting in May, attention turns to remarks from Fed officials and how evolving economic data may shape expectations moving forward. From \$34.1 billion in U.S. spending to the popularity of Mother’s Day dining and gifts, this month’s By the Numbers highlights how families celebrate the occasion.

Monthly Market Insights | May 2026 U.S. and Canadian Markets Stocks surged in April, notching their best month in five years as investors cheered upbeat economic news, efforts to lower tensions in the Middle East, and first-quarter results. The Nasdaq Composite rose an eye-catching 15.29 percent, wh...

08/07/2025

July delivered big wins for U.S. markets as trade agreements and stellar Q2 earnings pushed the Nasdaq above 21,000 for the first time. While the Fed held rates steady, consumer spending powered the economy to 3% growth. Back-to-school season is here - families are expected to spend nearly \$39 billion getting kids ready for the new academic year.

Monthly Market Insights | August 2025 U.S. Markets Stocks rode the wave of trade developments and Q2 corporate results to advance last month, pushing market averages to multiple record highs. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 2.17 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 3.70 percent. The Dow...

07/23/2025

It’s easy to smile when you love the people you work with. Grateful to be part of a team that’s passionate about helping others plan for their future.

07/08/2025

U.S. markets soared in Q2, driven by new trade policies. Globally, the MSCI EAFE Index continued its winning streak, with Korea and Japan excelling. European markets had mixed outcomes, with Germany and Spain leading. Economic signals were mixed: GDP contracted, job growth slowed, but durable goods orders surged while inflation trended lower.

Quarterly Market Insights | July 2025 U.S. Markets Markets rose in the second quarter as investors witnessed the new U.S. trade policy's impacts unfold, while tensions continued in the Middle East. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index rose 10.57 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 17.75 percent...

06/11/2025

🎉 Happy 1-Year Workiversary to Shelby Lea🎉
Time flies when you're crushing goals and helping people retire confidenly and comfortably!

We’re so lucky to have you on our team — thank you for bringing the energy, drive, and enthusiasm.

Here’s to many more years together! 🥂✨

06/05/2025

Strong earnings and renewed trade momentum helped push stocks higher in May, with the S&P 500 flipping back into positive territory for the year. Even a Fed pause and a credit downgrade couldn't stall the rally. The latest Market Insights explores the trends behind the gains and what could influence the second half of 2025.

Monthly Market Insights | June 2025 U.S. Markets Stocks notched solid gains in May as investors cheered progress on trade deals and upbeat first-quarter corporate reports. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index gained 6.15 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite picked up 9.56 percent. The Dow Jones Industri...