Lock Wealth Management | August 2026
As we wrap up July and head into August, here's a quick pulse check on markets and a few timely planning moves to keep on your radar.
Ben Loughery
August 04, 2026
MARKET SNAPSHOT
July 31 Close | 2026 YTD Return | |
|---|---|---|
S&P 500 | 7,489.72 | +9.4% |
Dow Jones | 52,485.03 | +9.2% |
Nasdaq | 25,373.85 | +9.2% |
MSCI EAFE | 105.58 (EFA) | +11.78% |
Data as of July 31, 2026. Sources: S&P Dow Jones Indices, Nasdaq, iShares/BlackRock.
July was eventful — and yet that table tells a reassuring story. All four indexes finished in positive territory, with international markets quietly leading the pack. A diversified portfolio did its job in 2026.
Worth noting: the MSCI EAFE, which covers places like Europe, Japan, and Australia, outpaced all three U.S. indexes at nearly +12%. If you've ever wondered "why do I own international?" — 2026 is the year that question answers itself.
The bigger story this month was the Federal Reserve. The Fed held interest rates steady at 3.50%–3.75% for the fifth straight meeting — but the decision was anything but quiet. Three officials dissented and voted to hike rates immediately, and bond markets responded sharply: the 30-year Treasury yield briefly hit its highest level since 2007. Markets are now pricing in a roughly 77% chance of a rate increase at the September meeting. If you've been wondering when mortgage rates, savings yields, or borrowing costs might finally shift — September is likely the turning point.
The underlying economy, for its part, remains solid. The tension isn't between growth and recession — it's between growth and stubborn inflation, particularly from energy prices. That's a harder problem to solve, but it's a very different conversation than 2022.
KEY DEADLINES & REMINDERS
Q3 estimated tax payment — If you're self-employed or earn investment or rental income, your next quarterly payment is due September 15. Good time to make sure you're on track.
Tax extension filers — Filed an extension in April? Your final deadline to submit your 2025 federal return is October 15. Start pulling documents together now.
Small business owners — SIMPLE IRA deadline is October 1. A SIMPLE IRA must be opened by October 1 to establish one for your business this tax year. Let's connect soon if this applies to you.
College planning season begins now — Application season is officially underway. Also a great time to review 529 contributions and make sure you're maximizing what's there.
Five months left in 2026 — August is a natural checkpoint for retirement contributions, tax projections, and portfolio rebalancing. Small adjustments now beat scrambling in December.
FURTHER READING
Guide to the Markets — Q3 2026 Source: J.P. Morgan Asset Management https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/institutional/insights/market-insights/guide-to-the-markets/
If the Fed noise and market swings this month left you with more questions than answers, this is the resource I'd point you to. It puts everything — inflation, rates, earnings, historical context — in one place, in clean charts anyone can read. Worth bookmarking if you haven't already.
If anything above caught your attention — whether it's the September Fed meeting, a tax check-in, or just a general portfolio review — I'd love to connect. Feel free to grab time on my calendar here:
Warmly,
Ben
Disclosure: This communication is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax or legal advice. Consult your tax professional. Investment advisory services offered by Lock Wealth Management, an RIA. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Third-party content is provided for education; copyrights belong to their respective owners.