Market Impact: What Happened throughout Jan 2026 & What It Means for You

Jan 21, 2026 2:42 pm

Hello ,


I wanted to share a short market update following the volatility we saw through January 2026 and, more importantly, explain what it means (and what it doesn’t) for your long-term plan.


What happened

Markets turned cautious as investors reacted to:

  • Renewed geopolitical and trade tensions, which triggered a short-term “risk-off” move.
  • Equities pulled back globally, after a strong start to the year.
  • Gold rose as investors sought hedges against uncertainty.
  • Currencies and bonds became more influential, with the US dollar and yields moving as markets reassessed risk.


What this tells us

This was not a sign of economic breakdown, but rather:

  • Markets digesting policy and geopolitical uncertainty
  • Investors adjusting positioning after recent gains
  • A reminder that volatility is normal, especially early in the year


So far, the broader picture remains:

  • Global growth is slowing, not collapsing
  • Inflation continues to moderate unevenly
  • Central banks remain cautious and data-dependent
  • No clear signals of a recession at this stage


What this means for your portfolio

Periods like this reinforce why we focus on:

  • Diversification, not single-theme bets
  • Income and quality assets to provide stability
  • Disciplined positioning, rather than reacting to headlines

Short-term market swings are uncomfortable, but they are also part of how markets reset expectations and reprice risk.


My role

My job is not to predict every market move, but to:

  • Filter noise from signal
  • Watch the macro risks that actually matter
  • Ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your long-term objectives


If you would like to discuss how recent developments fit into your overall plan, I I am always happy to have a conversation.


Here’s to staying prepared, disciplined, and focused on the long term.


Warm regards,

Zest


Executive Wealth Consultant | Associate Estate Planning Practitioner |

Licensed General Insurance Advisory


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