Football is wrapped. Basketball is (nearly) in the books. We’ve officially entered the dog days of summer. With it, US equity markets have rebounded sharply from the lows of “Liberation Day”, and the S&P 500 sits less than 3% from the all-time closing high on February 19th. Stock sentiment has recalibrated with this V-shape recovery:
As we discussed in our Market Outlook from February, it was likely a year to take off, and my guess is that most of Wall Street is out enjoying the Hamptons. For now, investors should continue to capitalize on opportunities when sentiment is overly bullish or bearish and allow it to serve as a guide for intermediate-term price action.
All this means is it’s officially baseball season. As has been said before, sports are more than entertainment—they’re a classroom for life. They deliver lessons, memories, and moments that shape our character. Last week, Arkansas exited the Men’s College World Series after a couple of tough breaks. It stings. Those players will carry that taste for a while. But the most powerful moment came after the final out, and it offered a lesson that’s just as relevant to our work as it is to theirs.
The Scene of the Crime
The Razorbacks led 5–3 in the bottom of the ninth. Two outs. Runners on first and second. A line drive heads to left field—straight to Charles Davalan, the Hogs’ left fielder. He hadn’t made an error all season. Seriously. But in this moment, he misjudges the ball. It skips past him to the wall, the runners score, and the game is tied. Arkansas would eventually lose in extra innings. Ouch. Here’s the replay.
Imagine the replay in his head… a single play that will live with him for a long time.
But then, something awesome happened. As cameras kept rolling, Charles was swarmed—not with criticism, but compassion. Coaches and teammates. Tears and hugs. Encouragement and support. Here’s the video. Charles was in a rough spot, but his coaches and teammates were there when he needed them most.
Why Work with an Advisor?
So, what does this have to do with financial planning?
It’s a question we hear often: Why should I hire an advisor to manage my financial life?
Here’s why: because, like Arkansas’ coaches and teammates, we’re not just there when you hit a home run. We’re by your side through the errors, the strikeouts, the walks, the wild pitches. When faced with an obstacle, we’re right alongside. A good advisor—like a good coach or teammate—offers insight, advice, perspective, and calm in the midst of a storm. Financial planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal. It’s long-term. And it’s a journey best traveled with someone who’s invested in you.
So, build your village. Find your coach, and partner with a strategist who’s there for the big moments and the hard ones. As markets revisit all-time highs, the value of your advisor relationship will provide the most alpha to your financial plan over time.
That’s all for this week.
Cheers,
Matt
Sources: LSEG Datastream and Yardeni Research
This communication and its contents are for informational and educational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for any investment decision. Waddell & Associates does not provide personalized investment advice through this communication. The information contained herein is based on publicly available sources believed to be reliable but is not a representation, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or correctness of said information. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
