1. I'm close to retirement. Should I be changing my portfolio now?
As retirement approaches, it may make sense to review your portfolio, but that doesn’t mean it needs a major overhaul. Your asset mix should balance near-term income needs with the potential for growth to help your savings last in retirement. Consider your expected expenses, income sources, time horizon, and comfort with market swings. Then rebalance if your portfolio no longer reflects those needs.
Read Viewpoints: Is your portfolio ready for retirement?
2. Is AI still a long-term opportunity, or are signs of a bubble starting to emerge?
AI may remain an important long-term investment theme, but elevated valuations could leave AI-related stocks vulnerable to volatility if earnings fail to keep pace with expectations. Fidelity professionals continue to see potential opportunity in areas such as semiconductors and AI infrastructure, where significant capital spending is supporting earnings growth. Still, investors may want to be selective and focus on companies with durable, visible earnings.
Read Viewpoints: Markets bounce back, but a key risk remains and Stock market outlook: 3 themes not to ignore
3. Should investors be preparing for a correction or recession?
Market pullbacks are always possible, but Fidelity professionals point to several factors that may continue to support stocks, including resilient consumer spending, strong corporate earnings, and cautious investor sentiment. Elevated volatility does not necessarily signal weaker returns ahead. Swings in the market should be expected, and the challenge is often resisting the temptation to act, Fidelity’s Denise Chisholm says. Investors may want to review their asset allocation, rebalance, and stay diversified to help prepare for a range of market and economic conditions.
Read Viewpoints: What usually happens after market volatility and Can the stock market keep reaching all-time highs?
4. How could the 2026 elections impact markets?
Election uncertainty could contribute to market volatility, but history suggests that corporate earnings, business spending, and economic conditions matter more for long-term returns than which party wins. Markets have often strengthened after midterm elections as uncertainty around taxes, regulations, and other policies begins to fade. Rather than making portfolio changes based on election forecasts, investors may want to stay focused on their goals, risk tolerance, and long-term investment plan.
Read Viewpoints: The surprising truth about midterms and stocks
5. Should a Roth conversion be considered before RMDs begin?
A Roth conversion before required minimum distributions begin could help reduce future RMDs and provide more flexibility in managing taxable income in retirement. But a conversion creates a tax bill now, and the potential benefits generally depend on whether your current tax rate is lower than you expect it to be in the future. Consider the timing, how you would pay the taxes, your retirement and legacy goals, and any applicable plan rules, ideally with help from a tax professional.
Read Viewpoints: Roth IRA conversion: 7 things to know
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