First City Wealth

10/09/2026

I will be out of the office beginning 10/12, returning 10/19 for some time with my family to enjoy fall break with the kids. During this time First City Wealth will operate under normal business hours as Steven will be here to assist. His direct number is 812-384-8180. I appreciate your understanding.

10/06/2026

Markets continued their lack of direction for week ending 10/2 continuing the recent back and forth of the past few weeks. The S&P finished -0.25% (+13.81% ytd), the Dow -1.25% (+7.76% ytd), and the Nasdaq +0.46% (+17.52% ytd.)

09/28/2026

As we wind down September and look toward the final quarter of 2026, the market shows a great deal of divergence between sectors. Three are only two sectors outperforming the broader S&P 500 Index (as of week ending 9/25/2026); Energy at 41.3% ytd, and Technology at 28.9% ytd. In addition, there are two sectors negative on the year; Consumer Discretionary at -4.5% ytd, and Utilities at -5.4% ytd.

The past week saw the three major indexes bounce back with positive performance. The S&P finished +1.23% (+14.09% ytd), the Dow +0.28% (9.13% ytd), and the Nasdaq +2.07% (+16.98% ytd).

09/23/2026

Major news coming out of last week was the Fed changing course and implementing the first rate hike we have seen since rates began moving lower back in 2024. I have attached a short video on what implications could materialize from this shift.

For week ending 9/18 major indexes finished mixed with the S&P finishing -0.06% (+12.71% ytd), the Dow -1.65% (+8.82% ytd), and the Nasdaq +0.73% (+14.61% ytd).

One Fed rate hike is unlikely to change the economy overnight, but ...

09/18/2026

Officially Announcing Steven Burkhart

I'm a little tardy in this post. As many of you who have been into the office know, Steven has been with First City Wealth since May 2025 when he began in an administrative role. During that time period Steven has sat in on meetings, learned our systems, and been a sponge in learning the industry.

This summer Steven completed his securities licensing exams and officially became a registered producer. Steven is a graduate of South Knox High School and University of Evansville with strong roots in the Knox County community. If you know Steven, he is full of energy and ambition, if you don't, stop by and meet him sometime.

Steven is now taking on his own clients in addition to assisting me when I am not available. He brings a strong work ethic and fresh ideas and is ready to help you reach your financial goals. Give him a call at 812-384-8180.

09/15/2026

We find ourselves in the middle of September, hopefully the final heat wave of 2026 before fall settles in. I hope to enjoy a long fall before winter kicks into gear. If you buy in to the predictors of winter, I just saw today the persimmon seed holding a knife and a spoon meaning "cutting cold" and "shovels of snow." Make of that what you will.

Markets for week ending 9/11 finished lower as we acknowledged the 25th anniversary of the tragedies inflicted on this country. Markets finished lower across the board with the S&P -0.78% (+12.77% ytd), the Dow -1.56% (+10.64% ytd), and the Nasdaq -0.64% (+13.78% ytd).

The Fed meets this week and the markets are now pricing in a high likelihood of a rate hike on Wednesday. Treasury rates at both the 10 and 30 year level have continued to rise. In turn, this has pulled mortgage rates higher. With the European Central Bank (ECB) raising rates last week, and the Bank of Japan (BoJ) very likely to do so this week, not following suit could cause foreign currencies to strengthen vs the US dollar. As many as three additional rate hikes by the Fed by the summer of 2027 are now being speculated. While this is all fluid, factors including energy prices, declining wage growth, receding tariff effects, and the hostilities with Iran could all factor in to how the Fed ultimately proceeds

Have a great week!

09/08/2026

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone was able to enjoy a three day weekend, or at the very least squeeze in some relaxation before today.

Markets finished week-ending 9/4 mixed with the S&P +0.13% (+13.65% ytd), the Dow -0.16% (+12.39% ytd), and the Nasdaq +0.42% (+14.51% ytd). Markets enter this holiday shortened trading week lower on the heels of retaliatory tariffs from Canada set to begin and increased oil prices with the resuming conflict in Iran.

The unemployment rate held steady for August coming in at 4.1%. Over the past 50 years, this is on the historical low end. Average hourly earnings however rose only 3.1% which is contradictory to the low unemployment rate. Barring a major surprise in data, it is very likely the Fed holds rates steady again at their Sept meeting.

Hope all have a good week. Enjoy the cooler temperatures relatively speaking.

08/31/2026

Consider August 2026 in the record books. Today is the last day as we look ahead to September. For week ending 8/28, the markets bounced back to finish the month with three of four weeks positive. The S&P finished +0.50% (+13.51% ytd), the Dow +0.55% (+12.58% ytd), and the Nasdaq +0.85% (+14.03% ytd).

Rumor has it this is going to be the hottest week of the year, so stay cool, and have a great week!

08/24/2026

As we enter the final full week of August, temperatures have retreated from the high's we were experiencing the past couple of weeks. Stocks have done just the same. For week ending 8/21 the S&P finished -1.39% (+12.95% ytd), the Dow 0.78% (+11.96% ytd), and the Nasdaq -2.02% (+13.07% ytd).

Enjoy these final weeks of summer.

08/19/2026

Happy...Wednesday(?)... It's been a busy week and I haven't yet made my previous week market recap report. So, happy hump-day!

Indexes were mixed to end the week of 8/14. The S&P finished +0.39% (+14.54% ytd), the Dow -0.53% (+12.83% ytd), and the Nasdaq +0.16% (+15.40% ytd).

I hope everyone has a great rest of your week and please let me know if I can be of service.