2026 may feel like a year no one could have seen coming, with new geopolitical conflicts, oil market dislocations, and sudden bursts of market volatility.
Yet in many ways, the year so far has followed a familiar script. Stock prices have generally tracked corporate profits, as they usually do. Those profits have been rising, as analysts expected they would this year. And investors who stayed invested through the day-to-day noise have generally fared better than those who sat out of the market—as has often been the case historically.
As the second half of the year dawns, the US economy remains on relatively solid footing. While the ongoing conflict in the Middle East poses a potential risk to inflation and economic growth, so far the disruptions have not been sufficient to derail the US economy from its growth trajectory. Read or watch below for more on the economic outlook from Fidelity’s professionals.
What’s next for the economy
The foundation remains strong—but a key risk is starting to build.
2026 midyear roundtable
Join us for a timely conversation about how the economic backdrop may shape the rest of the year.
Outlook for markets and investments
Despite significant turbulence along the way, most major stock market segments—including US and international stocks, as well as large- and small-cap companies—were posting positive returns for the year as of mid-May. Some areas, including emerging-market stocks and small caps, had even moved into double-digit return territory.
Seeing the market notch one all-time high after another can understandably make investors cautious about putting new money to work. But due to the strength of corporate earnings growth, Fidelity professionals say the market generally does not appear overstretched. That doesn’t mean a pullback in the second half is off the table—periods of volatility are always possible. Still, if earnings growth holds up and interest rates don’t become a headwind, continued market strength remains a real possibility.
Read more below on Fidelity pros’ market outlook and investing ideas for the second half of the year.
5 big investing ideas now
Ideas for growth, defense, and more, for the rest of the year.
The new diversification
Increasingly, savvy investors are looking beyond stocks and bonds. Learn where—and why.
Stock opportunities amid volatility
See surprising areas where Fidelity managers have found ideas.
Treasurys: Still a safe haven?
Government bonds have had a rocky run so far this year, but may still have a role to play in portfolios.
Income investments for turbulent times
For nimble investors, a fast-moving market has meant opportunity.
Your midyear financial check-in
Beyond investing, midyear brings a fresh chance to take stock of your finances—so you can spot new opportunities and address sources of financial stress head on.
Recent tax law changes continue to ripple through the financial landscape, creating new saving and planning opportunities for many. And while inflation has once again shown signs of picking up, there are practical steps you can take to help protect both your finances and your peace of mind.
Read more below for money moves, tax tips, and inflation‑fighting strategies designed to help you finish the year on stronger, more confident financial footing.
5 financial moves to help finish the year strong
A midyear check-in can give you extra momentum.
10 tax tips for the rest of the year
How recent changes to tax law could affect you this year.
10 ways to beat inflation now
A practical checklist to help you get ahead of rising prices.
Go deeper: Watch for more insights
Keep exploring with webcasts that dig deeper into some of the key questions facing investors and savers today—from what's next for crypto, to whether a Roth conversion makes sense in what's been a volatile year for the market.
2026 midyear crypto outlook
A panel of top crypto thinkers unpacks what the rest of 2026 could bring.
5 questions with Fidelity
The benefits and costs of Roth conversions.