In this episode, Brian and Ryan break down the LPL Research 2026 Outlook and translate Wall Street research into plain-English takeaways for investors.

The big theme for 2026: markets are being driven less by traditional fundamentals and more by policy decisions, momentum, and investor behavior. Brian and Ryan discuss what that means for the economy, stock market expectations, and fixed income—and how investors should think about positioning portfolios heading into the year.

Rather than reacting to headlines, this conversation focuses on staying disciplined, patient, and aligned with long-term goals in what is likely to be a more volatile, policy-sensitive market environment.

The Economy: Slower First, Stronger Later

• Expectations for a modest economic slowdown early in 2026
• Why AI investment and fiscal spending may help prevent a recession
• Cooling labor markets, easing inflation pressures, and what that means for Federal Reserve policy
• Why rate cuts are expected to be gradual, not aggressive

Stocks: Bull Market, But With More Bumps

• Why the bull market may extend into 2026—but with more tempered gains
• Elevated valuations and the likelihood of increased volatility in a mid-cycle year
• The role of AI enthusiasm in supporting equity markets
• Why patience and selective opportunities matter more than chasing headlines
• LPL Research’s S&P 500 fair value range of 7,300–7,400 for 2026

Bonds and Cash: Income Over Price Appreciation

• Why bonds are again offering meaningful income opportunities
• Expectations for 10-year Treasury yields in the 3.75%–4.25% range
• Why returns on cash are likely to decline as rates fall
• The case for high-quality, intermediate-term bonds for long-term investors

Markets may be noisier and more policy-driven in 2026—but discipline, diversification, and patience remain the most reliable tools investors have. This episode helps cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters.

Check out LPL Research's Outlook: CLICK HERE

**Connect with Us:**

- Share your stories or questions: info@FordFG.com
- Find us on the Web: FordFG.com

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted.

The advisors of Ford Financial Group are Registered Representatives with and securities are offered through LPL Financial member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Perennial Investment Advisors, a registered investment advisor. Ford Financial Group and Perennial Investment Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial. Ford Financial Group, Perennial Investment Advisors, and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice or services.

Send in your questions!

Most retirees worry about outliving their money — but the data shows they often do the opposite: they underspend. In fact, many leave retirement with more assets than they started with, despite having saved for decades to fund their lifestyle. Why is this happening, and what can financial advisors and plan sponsors do about it?

In this episode, Brian Ullmann and Ryan Louie sit down with Ronnie Cox, Investment Director at Human Interest, to unpack the psychology behind retirement spending, the so-called “retirement consumption puzzle,” and the tools available to help retirees spend with confidence.

Ronnie brings his perspective from years of experience in retirement plan design and his recent byline in InvestmentNews, where he explored why retirees underspend and what advisors can do to help. He also highlights findings from recent research on retiree behavior and decumulation strategies.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why retirees spend 80% of their lifetime income but only about half of their accumulated savings.
• The psychological forces at work, including loss aversion, complexity aversion, and mental accounting.
• How Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) nudge retirees into treating savings as income — and why this matters for future policy and plan design.
• The role of decumulation products like annuities, managed payout funds, and in-plan income solutions.
• How SECURE Act 2.0 and innovations in plan design could reshape the future of retirement income.

About Our Guest

Ronnie Cox is the Investment Director at Human Interest, a fast-growing 401(k) provider focused on expanding access to retirement savings plans. Ronnie has been at the forefront of researching participant behavior, retirement readiness, and the psychological roadblocks that prevent retirees from spending confidently in retirement.

Links & Resources

• Ronnie’s recent InvestmentNews article: Why retirees underspend and what advisors can do about it
• Human Interest: https://humaninterest.com

**Connect with Us:**
- Share your stories or questions: info@FordFG.com
- Find us on the Web: FordFG.com

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted.

The advisors of Ford Financial Group are Registered Representatives with and securities are offered through LPL Financial member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Perennial Investment Advisors, a registered investment advisor. Ford Financial Group and Perennial Investment Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial. Ford Financial Group, Perennial Investment Advisors, and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice or services.

Send in your questions!

**Connect with Us:**
- Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fordfinancialgroup
- Subscribe to the Casual Friday - Financial Insights podcast: Apple and Spotify
- Share your stories or questions: info@FordFG.com
- Find us on the Web: FordFG.com

The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results.

There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors. To determine which investment(s) may be appropriate for you, consult your financial professional prior to investing. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. No investment strategy or risk management technique can guarantee return or eliminate risk. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be invested into directly. Index performance is not indicative of the performance of any investment and do not reflect fees, expenses, or sales charges. The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted.

The advisors of Ford Financial Group are Registered Representatives with and securities are offered through LPL Financial member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Perennial Investment Advisors, a registered investment advisor. Ford Financial Group and Perennial Investment Advisors are separate entities from LPL Financial. Ford Financial Group, Perennial Investment Advisors, and LPL Financial do not provide tax advice or services.

Send in your questions!