Volatility & Valuations - What's Next for Stocks & Bonds - Insights from BlackRock's Mark Peterson

In this episode of Amplified Wealth, we’re joined by Mark Peterson, Director of Market & Portfolio Insights at BlackRock, for a practical breakdown of what’s driving markets—and how investors can keep perspective as we look ahead.Episode Highlights:📈 Three Strong Years in a Row:How rare are three consecutive years of 15%+ stock market gains—and what does history suggest could come next?🎯 Why “Average Returns” Rarely Happen:Stocks may average ~10% over time, but they rarely land near the average in any given year—understanding the range can help set better expectations.🌪️ Volatility in Plain English (2% Days):A simple way to understand market turbulence, what typically causes it, and why volatility is often the “price of admission” for long-term growth.💻 Tech, Valuations & Earnings:How today’s tech leadership compares to the dot-com era—and why strong earnings growth can change the valuation conversation.🧩 Market Broadening Beyond Mega-Caps:Why market leadership may be expanding beyond the biggest names—and what that could mean for diversified investors.🛡️ Diversification vs. Single-Stock Risk:Even in strong markets, many individual stocks lose money—this segment puts concentration risk into perspective.💵 Bonds After the Rate Reset:Why 2022 was so painful for fixed income—and why higher yields may improve the outlook going forward.From setting realistic expectations to reinforcing the value of diversification, this episode is packed with timely market insights.Timestamps:(0:00) Intro:(5:18) U.S. Stocks Posting 15%+ Gains for Three Straight Years(10:09) U.S. Stocks Annual Averages(12:45) Stock Market Volatility(19:20) Technology Stocks - Performance and Valuations(28:11 Benefits of Diversification(35:46) Current and Past Economic Expansions(41:51) U.S. Bonds Outperformed in 2025(43:17) Interest Rates & Long-Term Bond Returns(51:59) Closing ThoughtsNothing contained in this presentation should be construed as personalized advice, or solicitation to buy or sell any securities.  Past performance may not be indicative of future results.  Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk.  There can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment or non-investment related content in this Podcast will be profitable or suitable for your individual situation.  Due to changing market conditions and/or applicable laws, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions.  The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the participants and may not reflect those of the firm.  To the extent you have any questions regarding the applicability of anything discussed to your individual situation, you are encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of your choosing.  The firm is neither a law firm, nor a certified public accounting firm, and no portion of this content should be construed as legal or accounting advice.