Lock Wealth Management | November 2026
As we wrap up October and head into November, here's a quick pulse check on markets and a few timely planning moves to keep on your radar.
Ben Loughery
November 02, 2026
Market Snapshot
October Close | YTD Return | |
|---|---|---|
S&P 500 | ~7,580 | ~+11.7% |
Dow Jones | ~51,780 | ~+8.8% |
Nasdaq | ~25,440 | ~+10.1% |
Data as of October 30, 2026
Even with a rough final week, all three major indexes are still comfortably positive for the year. October reminded us that "up for the year" doesn't mean "up every day" — stocks gave back some gains in the last few sessions after a strong run, but the broader picture for 2026 remains solid.
The pullback was concentrated in a handful of big technology and AI-related names. A few major companies posted earnings that didn't quite live up to expectations, and investors grew a little more cautious about how much these companies are spending to build out AI infrastructure versus how quickly that spending turns into profit. When a small number of large companies move the market this much, it's worth remembering that a well-diversified portfolio isn't riding on any single name or sector.
On the Federal Reserve front, there's a shift worth knowing about. After cutting rates through much of 2024 and 2025, the Fed raised rates in September — its first increase in three years — and held steady at its October meeting as it keeps a close eye on inflation, which has ticked back up. In plain terms: the "easy money is coming" story has paused for now, and the Fed is signaling it wants more evidence that inflation is under control before it moves again in either direction.
What this means for you: short-term swings like late October's are a normal part of investing, not a reason to make sudden changes. It's a good moment to make sure your portfolio still matches your goals and comfort with risk, and — as noted below — the pullback in some tech holdings may open up a useful tax-planning opportunity before year-end.
Key Deadlines & Reminders
Open enrollment is underway — If your health insurance, HSA, or life insurance runs through an employer, take a few minutes this month to review your elections before your enrollment window closes.
Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) — If you're 73 or older, your RMD for 2026 must be taken by December 31. If yours isn't scheduled yet, let's take care of it soon so we're not rushing in late December.
Charitable giving and Roth conversions — Both need to be completed by December 31 to count for 2026. If either is on your mind, now's the time to start the conversation so there's no year-end scramble.
A silver lining from October's pullback — If you're holding any investments outside of retirement accounts that are down for the year, this can be a good window to consider tax-loss harvesting — selling a position at a loss to offset gains elsewhere and lower your tax bill.
Retirement contributions — If you're aiming to max out your 401(k) or IRA for 2026, double-check where you stand. There are only a couple of months left to get there.
Further Reading
Guide to the Markets Source: J.P. Morgan Asset Management
This is J.P. Morgan's quarterly market chartbook, and it's a great plain-English resource if you want to see the bigger economic picture — growth, inflation, and valuations — laid out visually rather than in headlines.
If anything above caught your attention, I'd love to connect. Feel free to grab time on my calendar here:
https://calendly.com/ben-lockwealthmanagement/quick-connect
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.