Q1 Market Recap: What Changed?

In this episode, David and Brandon break down what really happened in the markets during the first quarter of 2026 and why it likely felt worse than it actually was. After a strong start to the year, markets pulled back amid uncertainty around interest rates, government policy, and global events. But rather than a broad market collapse, the quarter was defined by shifting leadership across sectors and short-term volatility driven by headlines. They walk through what changed, what mattered, and how investors should think about market movements in the context of a long-term financial plan, especially in or near retirement. Key Topics: • What caused the Q1 market pullback after early-year momentum • How uncertainty around the Fed, politics, and global events impacted markets • Why this wasn't a broad market decline, but a shift beneath the surface • The importance of diversification across sectors and asset classes • How interest rates, inflation, and earnings influence market direction • Why reacting to headlines can derail long-term investment success • The core message: stay disciplined, stay invested, and trust your plan