Markets hit some turbulence in March, as rising geopolitical tensions and climbing oil prices rattled investor confidence.
Investors had a lot to digest throughout the month. The labor market reported an unexpected dip in jobs, while consumer sentiment slid due to near-term economic uncertainties. However, consumer spending remained relatively solid and inflation was stable for the month, offering reassurance the economy is still on firm footing despite facing some bumps.
Virtually every corner of the market was pressured in March. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led the declines among US indices, falling 5.20%, while the CRSP US Small Cap Index, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100 weren’t far behind, losing 5.19%, 4.98%, and 4.81% respectively. There was little shelter to be found across sectors as both defensive and cyclical styles struggled. Energy was the lone bright spot, buoyed by higher oil prices.
International markets faced even steeper headwinds, as they were more directly impacted by the spike in oil prices. Developed international stocks fell 8.61% and emerging markets dropped 6.97%, with geopolitical concerns hitting global sentiment. Despite lagging in March, markets overseas are still outpacing their US counterparts on a year-to-date basis.
Bonds also offered little refuge in March. Aggregate US bonds declined 1.76% as the 10-year Treasury yield climbed from 3.97% to 4.30%, pressuring bond prices. The move higher in rates reflected growing inflation concerns tied to rising energy costs, alongside mounting uncertainty about the Fed’s next step. Markets have now fully removed rate cuts from the 2026 outlook, suggesting investors expect the Fed to stay on hold for the foreseeable future.
It was a tough month across the board. However, a well-diversified portfolio is still holding up reasonably well through the first quarter of 2026 despite the recent volatility. Periods like this serve as a good reminder of why having a disciplined, long-term investment plan matters. Markets sentiment can change quickly, and staying focused on your broader financial goals rather than reacting to short-term noise remains one of the most important things an investor can do.
The moon has had a monopoly on nighttime light for long enough.
Reflect Orbital, a California-based startup, is looking to launch low-orbit satellites equipped with giant mirrors that would beam sunlight back down to Earth after dark.
The company says the technology could charge solar panels overnight, light up city streets, and even illuminate rescue sites in remote areas.
Not everyone is on board with the idea, though. Astronomers warn the mirrors could worsen light pollution and interfere with circadian rhythms, while wildlife experts are concerned about the impact on animals that depend on natural darkness.
Whether the company is ahead of its time or simply reaching for the stars remains to be seen, as it’s still waiting on regulatory approval. Regardless, the space economy continues to attract new, bright ideas.
Turns out, too much artificial intelligence can make you feel a little less… intelligent.
As companies push employees to embrace artificial intelligence in the workplace, new research is raising a caution flag.
A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that while AI tools can boost productivity, overuse can lead to a form of mental fatigue called “AI brain fry” – a cognitive fog that makes it harder to focus and make decisions.
Separate research from ActivTrak found that employees using AI tools spent twice as much time on email and messaging, and less time on complex problem-solving.
The sweet spot appears to be spending roughly 7% to 10% of work hours with AI. Enough to capture the benefits without the mental overload.
It turns out the most productive use of AI might just be knowing when to turn it off at times.
Broad Market Returns
| Asset Class | 1 Month | 3 Month | YTD | 1 Year |
| S&P 500 (VOO) | -5.01% | -4.42% | -4.42% | 17.67% |
| NASDAQ (QQQ) | -4.84% | -5.93% | -5.93% | 23.68% |
| Large Cap Growth (VUG) | -5.12% | -10.37% | -10.37% | 18.30% |
| Large Cap Value (VTV) | -4.81% | 3.30% | 3.30% | 16.02% |
| Small Cap Growth (VBK) | -5.52% | 0.16% | 0.16% | 20.70% |
| Small Cap Value (VBR) | -4.96% | 3.17% | 3.17% | 18.95% |
| Developed International (VEA) | -8.61% | 2.75% | 2.75% | 30.06% |
| Emerging Markets (VWO) | -6.97% | 0.54% | 0.54% | 22.75% |
| REITs (VNQ) | -6.31% | 1.31% | 1.31% | 1.86% |
| Aggregate Bonds (BND) | -1.74% | 0.05% | 0.05% | 4.24% |
| Corporate Bonds (VCIT) | -1.98% | -0.45% | -0.45% | 6.08% |
| High Yield Bonds (JNK) | -1.04% | -0.43% | -0.43% | 7.30% |
| Long Term Treasuries (VGLT) | -3.99% | -0.09% | -0.09% | 0.42% |
| International Bonds (BNDX) | -2.14% | -0.13% | -0.13% | 2.81% |
Market Health Indicator
The Market Health Indicator (MHI) measures market health on a scale of 0 – 100, analyzing various market segments such as economics, technicals, and volatility. Higher scores indicate healthier market conditions.
Fun Facts
- Former Fed Chair Alan Greenspan reportedly monitored men’s underwear sales as a subtle recession indicator.
- M&M’s were the first candy eaten in space, making their debut aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1981.
- If you missed April Fools’ Day, don’t sweat it. April is National Humor Month!
- The oldest cat ever recorded was Creme Puff, a mixed-tabby from Austin, Texas, who lived to be 38 years and 3 days old.
– The Aspire Wealth Team
Market Pullbacks Are Uncomfortable, and Completely Normal
