Zhang Financial

10/12/2026

Inflation expectations eased last week, further decreasing the probability of an interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve this month. Investors, however, are still expecting a hike at the December meeting. Rising rates have put pressure on small cap stocks, whose YTD returns (+14.1%) have fallen below the S&P 500 (+15.1%), despite leading the index earlier this year. Emerging markets continue to outperform, with YTD returns of +22.7%.

Watch: https://youtu.be/G2BzL6ExCdI?si=4uI6bF-f4aALKDPi
Listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021410/episodes/19950394

10/06/2026

We were proud to be part of Paws, Pumps, and Pilates, an event bringing the community together to support the Animal Rescue Project Zhang Animal Rescue Center during a critical time. Events like this help raise awareness and much-needed funds to get the rescue back to full operations.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support this important cause!

10/05/2026

Economic data released last week was mixed: Q2 GDP was revised up and PCE inflation came in better than expected, while personal income was below expectations and the 10-year US Treasury yields hit their highest level since July 2007. Markets sank overall, with the S&P 500 falling 0.25% and international markets (both developed and emerging) decreasing over 1%. However, this mixed data has pushed expectations for another interest rate hike from October to December.

Watch: https://youtu.be/Rg5hR4S2gFU?si=YtTJ0erJwFXyx20n
Listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021410/episodes/19913811

09/28/2026

Despite geopolitical volatility, the US has seen steady GDP growth year-to-date, rising 2.1% in Q1 and 1.5% in Q2. Corporate earnings have grown healthily, and S&P valuations hold close to their 10-year averages. Elsewhere, Treasury yields have risen, largely due to US National Debt and a "crowding out" from AI hyperscalers issuing bonds for data center buildouts.

Watch: https://youtu.be/7UZGbIgGbW8
Listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021410/episodes/19876673

09/21/2026

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates 0.25% in a widely expected move. Chairman Kevin Warsh gave little forward guidance regarding future rate hikes, but more are expected before the end of the year. The S&P 500 was relatively flat last week, while international developed markets fell 1.5%. Emerging markets landed in the middle, dropping 0.6%.

Watch: https://youtu.be/JbdMqKSCkB4
Listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021410/episodes/19841278

09/15/2026

Zhang Financial is proud to announce and congratulate our Founder and President, Charles Zhang, on being ranked #1 in the Nation on Barron’s 2026 Top 100 Independent Advisors.

He was named #1 for the fourth consecutive year and fifth time overall, holding the top position in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2021. Barron’s released its 2026 Top 100 Independent Advisors on September 14, 2026, and was based on a 12-month period ending June 30, 2026. Prior rankings were released annually in September based on a 12-month period ending June 30 of that year. Zhang Financial paid no fee to be considered for or included in the ranking. The firm pays Barron’s a licensing fee to use the ranking and logo. Barron's Top 100 Independent Advisors ranking recognizes leading independent financial advisors across the United States based on criteria established by Barron's. See zhangfinancial.com/disclosure for full ranking criteria and methodology.

We are proud to celebrate this recognition with Charles and thank our clients and dedicated team for their continued trust and support!

https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/charles-zhang-ranked-1-nation-210700494.html

Charles Zhang, CFP®, MBA, MS, Founder and President of Zhang Financial, has been ranked #1 in the nation on Barron's 2026 Top 100 Independent Advisors. He has been named #1 for the fourth consecutive year and fifth time overall, holding the top position in 2025, 2024, 2023 and 2021. Barron's releas...

09/14/2026

Both domestic and international equities tumbled last week as the US Federal Reserve is poised to increase interest rates in the following days. Small cap stocks were hit the hardest, dropping 2.2% last week alone. Markets are pricing in 97% odds of at least one hike by year-end, and 48% odds of at least two.

Watch: https://youtu.be/Shs1xoAfXPY
Listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021410/episodes/19804950

09/08/2026

Nonfarm payroll data released last week far exceeded expectations; the 162,000 jobs added topped the 58,000 expectation by a substantial margin. However, this cautioned investors as it raised the expectations of an interest rate hike at the Federal Reserve's next meeting. Markets were mostly flat on the week, with the S&P scraping out a small gain of +0.13%.

Watch: https://youtu.be/wsR81L_UEN8
Listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021410/episodes/19774628

08/31/2026

After hearing from Chair Kevin Warsh, investors are increasingly pricing in the chance of an interest rate hike at the Federal Reserve's meeting in September. There is now only a 12% probability of no rate hikes, and an 88% chance of at least one hike by the end of 2026. The S&P 500 rose 0.5% last week, while Small Cap stocks (which are more sensitive to rates) fell 1.5%. International markets, both developed and emerging, were flat for the week.

Watch: https://youtu.be/0caRyCe-IW0
Listen: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2021410/episodes/19731491

08/25/2026

We’re proud to support Vicksburg Arts and its Art of Nature summer camp, which continues to create meaningful opportunities for children, teens, artists, and families throughout our community.

This year’s camp was its largest yet, bringing together 125 young campers for hands-on experiences in visual art, music, theatre, movement, and more. The program also created opportunities for local artists and teen leaders while helping make the arts accessible to more families.

Thank you to Vicksburg Arts for all you do to inspire creativity and bring our community together. We’re proud to have been part of such a special summer!