Economic & Market Outlook 2026

January 30, 2026
Run time: 43:25

Webinar key takeaways

Watch this replay to get a clear, practical framework for thinking about 2026. We cover what is driving the economy and interest rates, how valuations and market concentration can affect portfolios, how to evaluate the AI narrative, and which diversification and fixed income considerations may matter as conditions change.

About this webinar

In this webinar, Mitchell Crowder, CFP®, is joined by Brad Long, Managing Partner & CIO, Fiducient Advisors, to break down the major themes shaping the conversation heading into 2026, from the economic backdrop to market conditions and portfolio considerations. Rather than trying to predict a single outcome, the discussion focuses on the factors that may influence markets and how investors can think about positioning through uncertainty.

The economy, inflation, and interest rates

We begin with the macro picture discussed in the session, including economic growth trends, labor market conditions, and inflation’s path relative to the Federal Reserve’s target. The webinar also explores why interest rate expectations and the timing of policy changes can matter just as much as the decisions themselves.

Markets, valuations, and concentration

A key theme is valuation and market leadership. The speakers discuss what higher valuations can imply for forward-looking return expectations, and how index concentration in a small group of large companies can affect both performance and risk across diversified portfolios.

AI as a market driver

Artificial intelligence is covered through a practical lens, including where AI exposure already shows up in markets, how enthusiasm can influence pricing, and how to evaluate the bubble debate with historical perspective and disciplined signposts.

Diversification and fixed income considerations

The webinar closes by revisiting diversification themes, including small caps and international exposure, and fixed income topics such as yields, expectations for bond returns, and what tight credit spreads may signal about risk compensation.

Webinar Speakers

Mitchell Crowder, CFP®

Financial Advisor

As a Financial Advisor and Head of Our Investment Committee, Mitchell supports the firm’s senior team members in providing high net-worth clients with the integrated investment advisory, tax, retirement, estate and other financial planning services they need. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and is a Richmond native.

Brad Long, CFA

Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Fiducient Advisors

As Fiducient Advisors’ Chief Investment Officer, Brad leads the firm’s investment strategy and research efforts. He is chair of the firm’s Investment Committee and a member of the firm’s Discretionary Committee, Research Forum, Capital Markets Committee and Mission-Aligned Investing Council. Prior to joining the firm, Brad worked in various research capacities at Citigroup and Wells Fargo in New York. He received a BA in Finance and Minor in Economics from The University of Colorado and is a CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA Society of Chicago and CFA Institute. Additionally, he is active with Greenhouse Scholars, a nonprofit providing financial and personal support to underresourced college students. In his free time, Brad loves cooking and spending time with his wife and young sons.