The first month of 2026 drew to positive close across most asset classes with the S&P 500 posting its strongest monthly performance since October. Following returns of +0.25% in November and +0.06% in December, the month ended in the black despite intense swings during the second half of January. Sentiment was whipsawed by geopolitical concerns centering on Iran and Venezuela together with President Trump’s posturing to acquire Greenland and his decision to nominate former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to replace Fed Chairman Jerome Powell when his term expires in May.
The Monthly Recap is published by Cetera Investment Management LLC, an SEC registered adviser owned by Cetera Financial Group. Cetera Investment Management provides market perspectives, portfolio guidance, model management, and other investment advice to its affiliated broker-dealers, dually registered broker-dealers and registered investment advisers.