Financial Focus – July 15th, 2026
On this week’s Financial Focus, Nate and Andy discuss several important tax planning updates, including IRS notices, estimated tax penalties, and new 401(k) contribution rules for higher earners. They also explain why charitable donations may provide a bigger tax benefit in 2026 than they have in recent years.
Twin Headwinds
Persistent uncertainty regarding trade policy and ongoing tensions in the Middle East have created headwinds for the stock market this year. David Nelson joins us to recap how Strait of Hormuz traffic and geopolitical instability impacts the U.S. economy.
Show Me the Earnings
OVERVIEW Markets continued their climb last week, although leadership narrowed. The S&P 500 gained 1.23% and the NASDAQ rose 1.74%, both reaching fresh highs, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.50%. For the year, the S&P 500 is now up...