Caitlin Burton
Investment Advisor
February 28, 2026
Note from Caitlin
There’s a point in the year where things stop feeling new and start feeling busy. Calendars fill up, plans pick up speed, and it’s easy to move forward without much pause. This is often when the small things get missed. Not the big decisions, but the quiet ones that tend to have the most impact over time.
In this edition, we’re sharing a few reminders and perspectives to help bring things back into focus.
Market Update
Global markets are navigating a period of uncertainty driven by escalating geopolitical tensions involving Iran and disruption to key global energy routes. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical channel for oil supply, has been impacted, pushing oil prices toward $100 per barrel. This is adding short-term pressure to inflation and raising concerns about economic growth.
Why This Feels Familiar
While this may feel similar to past energy shocks, today’s economy is less dependent on oil. Energy sources are more diversified, and regions like North America are better insulated due to stronger domestic supply. This helps reduce the potential severity compared to previous decades.
Market Reaction and Perspective
Markets have responded with some volatility as uncertainty builds. However, history shows that geopolitical shocks often follow a pattern of initial disruption, a period of adjustment, and then stabilization over time. In many cases, markets recover even when the near-term outlook feels uncertain.
Broader Economic Impact
Higher oil prices are beginning to ripple through the economy, increasing transportation and production costs and affecting sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. This creates a more interconnected impact across supply chains and business activity.
Inflation and Outlook
Inflation is expected to remain elevated in the short term due to energy costs but should moderate over time if conditions stabilize. Central banks remain watchful, with no major shift in direction at this stage.
The key factor is how long these disruptions last. If they are temporary, the broader impact may remain contained.
What This Means for Investors
For investors, this is a reminder to stay focused on long-term strategy. While headlines may feel intense, this is being viewed as a shock rather than a structural shift, and markets have historically worked through similar periods over time.
When Was the Last Time Your Plan Was Updated? This time of year tends to bring a lot of focus to markets, headlines, and short-term movement. But one of the most valuable things we can do as advisors is shift the focus back to your plan. Over time, life changes. Income evolves, priorities shift, families grow, businesses expand, and goals become clearer. What worked even a year or two ago may no longer reflect where things stand today. A financial plan is not meant to sit on a shelf. It should move with you, adjusting as your life does. That includes revisiting timelines, updating assumptions, and making sure your investments, tax strategy, and estate considerations are still aligned with what matters most. Often, the biggest opportunities are not found in reacting to the market, but in making small, thoughtful adjustments to a plan that is already in place. If it has been a while since your plan was reviewed, this is a good time to revisit it and ensure everything still fits. |
Takeaway
As we move through the year, this is a good reminder that financial planning is not about reacting to every headline, but about staying aligned with what matters most to you over time. Small check-ins and thoughtful adjustments can often make a bigger difference than major changes.
If this is something you’ve been meaning to revisit, we’re always here for a conversation.
And if you’ve found these insights helpful, we invite you to follow along on LinkedIn and Facebook where we share ongoing updates, ideas, and perspectives.
We also continue to grow through the trust of clients and their introductions. If someone in your life is looking for guidance or simply a place to start, we would be grateful for the connection.
Caitlin