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IN THIS ISSUE: Bull ride, emerging markets, and insurance savings |
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THE HEADLINES
Up and comingWhat’s happening: Several indicators suggest the current bull market (when major stock market indexes are generally rising, even reaching new highs) may have more room to run. That’s despite geopolitical and other risks that could lead to bouts of volatility.
Here’s why: Already-robust earnings could keep growing; cautious consumers are still spending; some pros say stock price valuations are reasonable, not sky high; and investors currently have a healthy skepticism toward stocks. Bull markets typically end when investors who are euphoric about stocks are done buying ‘em up.
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| What it means for you:
If burgeoning markets give you bubble vibes, resist making sudden, fear-based moves. Instead, evaluate your portfolio. The market spike may mean stocks make up a greater share of your investments’ value than you intended, which could raise your risk. What to do? Think about rebalancing. Here’s how to rebalance your portfolio in 4 steps. Plus,
consider these 5 factors before you make your next market move. |
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International callWhat’s happening: Key Asian markets are up around 50% or more as of July 2026.
Here’s why: Tech gains. From Taiwan’s semiconductor manufacturers to South Korea’s tech giants, businesses across the region are increasingly playing a pivotal role in building the infrastructure that powers AI.
What it means: A recent correction in certain Asian tech stocks shows that rapid gains often go hand-in-hand with bouts of significant volatility, according to Fidelity. Still, the pullback hasn’t altered investors’ view that emerging Asian tech companies are increasingly important in the global AI buildout. Fidelity pros say periodic corrections in these stocks’ prices are a healthy part of the AI investment cycle.
Psst … Fidelity Portfolio Manager Di Chen has found potential opportunities across a range of tech themes and believes more could emerge as supply-chain bottlenecks shift. |
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Price checkWhat happened: It may not feel like it, but the Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation over time, fell 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis last month. It marked the biggest 1-month drop since April 2020, but the reprieve is proving to be short-lived.1
Here’s why: The dip was largely driven by gas prices, which plunged by nearly 10% in June.2 That’s when there was an agreed-upon framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world’s oil supply had been flowing prior to the US conflict with Iran.3 Then tensions picked back up—as have gas prices.
What it means for you: You may be feeling the pinch. In fact, shoppers have dialed back grocery spending. Supermarkets are offering price cuts and promotions in response, so consider comparison shopping to get the best deals. Also good to know: If you drive a car for business, you can now deduct 76 cents per mile from your taxes, up from 72.5 cents per mile.4 Whether or not you can take advantage, try not to miss out on these
7 types of “free money.” |
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HOW TO
Get a sales tax breakDepending on where you live, you could save as much as 7% on certain items if you go shopping on these upcoming weekends. |
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MONEY LIE DETECTOR
Home insurance premiums could surge 10% or more by the end of the year in some states.5True.
Here are 3 ways to trim costs—or at least slow their rise.
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Weather-proof your home. Upgrades like storm shutters, wildfire-resistant roofing, and moisture sensors could secure your home from natural disasters and lower your premiums. Check if your state offers grants to help fund these improvements.
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Boost your credit. People with poor credit may pay up to 72% more for home insurance than those with good credit.6 (Psst … here’s what’s considered a good score and how to bump up your number.)
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Bundle insurance. Depending on your insurer, you could save as much as 17% on average when you bundle homeowners and auto insurance.7 Just shop around for the best rates.
Is your existing coverage strong? Here are 8 things to check in your homeowners insurance. |
