Monthly Updates

Market Update – July 2026

July 2026

Market Update

The first half of 2026 served as a reminder that markets rarely travel in straight lines. U.S. equities experienced one of their more volatile six-month stretches in recent years, as investors navigated a rapidly evolving mix of trade policy uncertainty, shifting expectations for Federal Reserve policy, geopolitical developments, and questions surrounding the durability of corporate earnings. Sharp pullbacks were met with equally forceful recoveries, ultimately leaving major indices near record highs despite periods when market sentiment appeared decidedly fragile.

Perhaps the most notable feature of the period, however, was not the volatility itself, but rather investors’ willingness to look through it. At multiple points, it appeared that fear had the potential to become the market’s dominant narrative. Instead, participants consistently chose to focus on the resilience of the U.S. economy, healthy corporate profitability, and the ongoing benefits of artificial intelligence-driven investment spending. Markets demonstrated, once again, that they often recover well before uncertainty itself has disappeared.

As we look toward the second half of 2026, that optimism will undoubtedly continue to be tested. Equity valuations remain elevated by historical standards, leaving less room for disappointment should economic growth slow, inflation proves more persistent than expected, or earnings expectations begin to soften. Geopolitical tensions, fiscal policy uncertainty, and the eventual path of monetary policy also remain capable of unsettling markets that have, thus far, shown remarkable resilience.

 

History suggests that markets seldom spend extended periods pricing in every conceivable risk. Rather, new concerns emerge just as old ones begin to fade. While investors have thus far resisted the temptation to live in their fears, maintaining that discipline may become increasingly important as the cycle matures. We continue to believe that long-term investment success is best achieved by acknowledging risks without allowing them to dictate portfolio decisions—a balance that may prove especially valuable in the months ahead.
Read our Detailed Monthly Market Update

VVP News

Celebrating our Team’s Achievements

At Venture Visionary Partners, we believe that continuous learning, professional growth, and community involvement are at the heart of serving our clients well. We’re proud to celebrate several exciting milestones from our team!

20 Under 40 Toledo Nomination – Griffin Oehlers

Griffin Oehlers was recently nominated for Toledo’s 20 Under 40, a prestigious leadership recognition program that honors outstanding young professionals in our community. Nominees are evaluated based on their professional achievements, community service and civic involvement, and leadership within their organizations. Congratulations, Griffin, on this well-deserved recognition!

Congratulations, Andy Bogan!

Andy Bogan recently passed the Insurance Planning exam, an important milestone on his journey toward earning the Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP®) designation. He has now completed three of the seven required education courses toward becoming a CFP® professional. Congratulations, Andy, on your continued dedication to professional excellence!

Congratulations, Tim Carroll!

Tim Carroll recently passed the General Financial Planning Principles, Professional Conduct, and Regulation, another key requirement on the path to earning the CFP® designation. Congratulations, Tim! We look forward to supporting you as you continue your journey toward becoming a CFP® professional.

Venture Gives Back to the Community

In June, a group of Venture Visionary Partners team members spent two afternoons volunteering at the Toledo Humane Society.

 

Since 1884, the Toledo Humane Society has been a leading advocate for animal welfare in our region, providing medical care, investigating animal cruelty, and rescuing and caring for more than 5,000 animals each year.

 

Our team was honored to support their mission through hands-on volunteer work. Giving back to the communities we serve is an important part of who we are, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact alongside such an outstanding organization.

 

Financial Planning

Beyond the 4% Rule: A Smarter Way to Spend in Retirement

 

For decades, the “4% Rule” has been one of the most common guidelines for retirement income. The idea is simple: withdraw 4% of your retirement savings during your first year of retirement, then increase that dollar amount each year for inflation. While it’s a useful starting point, retirement isn’t as predictable as a formula.

A growing number of financial planners now recommend a more flexible approach. Instead of withdrawing the exact same amount every year, your withdrawals can adjust based on how your investments perform. Think of it as giving yourself a raise when times are good and tightening the belt slightly when markets are struggling.

For example, imagine you retire with a $2 million portfolio. Rather than automatically withdrawing $80,000 every year, you might increase your withdrawal to $90,000 after a strong market year when your portfolio grows to $2.3 million. On the other hand, if a market downturn reduces your portfolio to $1.7 million, you might temporarily reduce your withdrawal to $72,000-$75,000. Those modest adjustments can help preserve your portfolio while still providing meaningful retirement income.

Another key strategy is separating your spending into essential expenses—such as housing, food, healthcare, and insurance—and discretionary expenses, like travel, hobbies, gifts, and entertainment. Reliable income sources such as Social Security, pensions, or annuities can cover your essential needs, while your investment portfolio provides flexibility for lifestyle spending.

The goal isn’t to maximize what you spend today—it’s to create an income plan that adapts with the markets, protects your savings during difficult years, and gives you greater confidence that your money will last throughout retirement.

 

Venture Visionary Partners LLC is registered as an investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Venture Visionary Partners LLC only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. SEC registration does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by the Commission nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. This e-mail message, including any attachments, is intended only for the individual to whom it is addressed. This e-mail may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient (or the agent or employee responsible to deliver it to the intended recipient), you are hereby notified that any disclosure, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately and destroy this e-mail along with any attachments from your system.

When applicable, securities offered through Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments, member FINRA/SIPC, headquartered at 80 State Street, Albany, NY 12207. Purshe Kaplan Sterling Investments and Venture Visionary Partners LLC, are not affiliated companies.

Advisory services provided by Venture Visionary Partners, LLC (“VVP”). Insurance services provided by Venture Risk Consulting, LLC and/or independent insurance agents. Insurance, risk management, estate planning, and tax information is general in nature. It is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. VVP is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting and does not sell insurance products; always consult an attorney, tax professional, or insurance agent regarding your specific legal, tax, or insurance situation.

All investment strategies have the potential for profit or loss. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that any specific investment or strategy will be suitable or profitable for an investor’s portfolio. There are no assurances that an investor’s portfolio will match or outperform any particular benchmark. The past performance of securities is no guarantee of their future result. Changes in investment strategies, contributions or withdrawals, and economic conditions may materially alter the performance of an investor’s portfolio. Asset allocation and diversification do not assure or guarantee better performance and cannot eliminate the risk of investment losses.

Tax information is general in nature. It is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. VVP is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting; always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Information contained herein does not involve the rendering of personalized investment advice but is limited to the dissemination of general information. A professional adviser should be consulted before implementing any of the strategies or options presented.

As always, please keep us apprised, in writing, of any changes to your personal/financial situation or investment objectives. Also, if you would like to add or modify, any reasonable restrictions to our investment advisory services, please contact us so we may evaluate and properly manage your account(s) and service you. We shall continue to rely on the accuracy of information that you have provided.

 
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