No matter where you choose to invest, a long-term outlook is key. The market may or may not take a turn in 2026, but downturns are an inevitable part of the market's cycle. Whatever happens, investing in strong companies and holding them for at least a few years can better protect your finances.

The stock market seems optimistic that productivity has increased in the U.S. economy, even if it is hard to tell how much of that is linked to artificial intelligence or has arisen from a move toward automation and computers replacing labor during the pandemic, according to David Kelly, chief global strategist at J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

It's far from clear that these pincer-like pressures on margins aren't long-term rather than temporary issues. In addition, a resolution to various conflicts in 2026, combined with the realization that government debt levels may curtail future defense spending, could turn sentiment negative toward defense stocks in 2026.

The latest Fed cut and outlook has further emboldened a move into cyclical names and broadening stock market rally.

The buzziest private companies are being sold to a select few as the universe of stocks everyone else can invest in shrinks rapidly.

The Stock Market Is Doing Something Witnessed Only 2 Times in 153 Years -- and History Is Very Clear About What May Happen in 2026. The major benchmark is on track for its third annual increase -- and each time the gain has been in the double digits. All of this optimism has resulted in one potential risk.

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Here's what you need to know about whether U.S. stock markets will be open or closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day this year.

The S&P 493 has a lot of catching up to do, and 2026 could be key turning point.

Live Updates Get The Best Vanguard S&P 500 ETF Live Earnings Coverage Like This Every Quarter Get earnings reminders, our top analysis on Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, market updates, and brand-new stock recommendations delivered directly to your inbox.

The economy is looking resilient and there are bargains below the AI surface. Where to invest in the new year.

Warren Buffett, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos are among the wealthiest Americans who ever lived. The majority of their wealth is in stocks. But when it comes to investing in the stock market, today’s rich young Americans are not following in their footsteps.