Wealth Management
Find an investment mix that works for your goals.
It all starts with your goals
Wealth management doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. We’ll help you break it down into clear, manageable steps. Whether you’re planning for retirement, buying a home, or saving for education, we’ll work with you to build an investment mix that supports your goals.
Our specialized investment mixes can include:
- Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs
- Professionally managed investment accounts
- Retirement planning, 401(k) guidance, and Social Security review
- Insurance review
- Education and college planning
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
- Cash management, money markets and market-linked certificates of deposit
- And much more
Meet your advisor:
Evan Kulak
Financial Advisor
Credit Union Wealth Group
307.365.6069
Set up a complimentary, no-cost, no-obligation consultation!
2025 Market Recap & 2026 Outlook
Key Updates on the Economy & Markets – Markets navigated a complex environment in Q4. The quarter started with a government shutdown, which lasted 43 days and delayed key economic data releases. The lack of timely information made it difficult to assess the economy’s strength and contributed to periods of volatility as the market reacted to incomplete information. The Fed cut interest rates by -0.50% but signaled a pause, hinting that it could cut less than the market expects in 2026. Investors remain excited about the potential of artificial intelligence, but they’ve become more focused on which companies are best positioned to turn AI demand into near-term profits. Against this backdrop, the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and small-cap stocks each set new highs. In this letter, we recap Q4’s defining themes and events, review performance across key market areas, and look ahead to 2026.
2026 Outlook – Market Strength Raises the Bar
Before we turn the page to 2026, it’s worth reflecting on a year that was both eventful and remarkably calm. The year began with the stock market hitting new highs in February, only to reverse sharply as trade policy uncertainty triggered a nearly -20% sell-off. However, the sell-off set the stage for one of the strongest recoveries in decades. Fueled by AI enthusiasm, rate cut expectations, strong corporate earnings, and resilient economic growth, the S&P 500 set more than 35 new highs through year-end.
The S&P 500 finished 2025 with a nearly +18% gain, its third consecutive year of double-digit gains. It’s been an impressive run that included a global pandemic, aggressive rate hikes, and the rise of AI. Through it all, the stock market’s gains have been supported by solid economic growth and strong corporate earnings. Looking ahead, the bar is now higher. Today’s starting point is very different than a few years ago, or even last year. Stock valuations are more expensive, credit spreads are near their tightest levels in decades, and expectations for earnings and economic growth are high. None of these are red flags on their own, but they frame a market that already prices in rate cuts, strong earnings, solid economic growth, and the AI industry’s growth. The combination doesn’t necessarily signal a stock market sell-off, but it leaves less room for positive surprises.
Despite the higher starting point, there are many positives. The tech sector is experiencing a wave of innovation not seen since the internet era of the late 1990s. Companies are generating record profits. The S&P 500’s earnings grew by double digits the past two years, with expectations for solid growth in 2026. Consumers, the engine of the U.S. economy, continue to spend. Interest rates are coming down, which could unlock economic activity that higher rates delayed the past few years. Financial markets are open and functioning, and there’s no clear sign of systemic stress.
As we turn the page to 2026, it’s important to keep the big picture in mind. Markets have delivered impressive returns over the past five years, but each year brings its own surprises. We can’t predict what lies ahead, but we believe a disciplined approach focused on long-term goals, diversification, and risk management is the best way to navigate the market. Our team will continue to closely monitor incoming economic data and evolving market trends to help ensure portfolios remain aligned with your long-term objectives, regardless of what the market does in the short term.
Evan Kulak
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DISCLOSURES: Wealth management products and services are offered independently through Credit Union Wealth Group, an SEC registered investment advisor. Credit Union Wealth Group and Meridian Trust Federal Credit Union are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Credit Union Wealth Group are not insured by NCUA or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any credit union, credit union service organization, or credit union affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the principal amount invested.