The final quarter of 2025 was a moderated reflection of the year’s volatility, upside surprises and resilience. Equity and fixed income markets navigated headline-grabbing events, a record-long U.S. government shutdown, commodity price volatility and mixed signals from central banks. Despite this noise, the prevailing theme remained consistent: global markets rewarded fundamentals over fear.

As you begin to get ready to prepare your 2025 tax return, we want to ensure you’re aware of important upcoming dates and deadlines so you have everything you need to file your return with minimal hassle.

As we turn the page to 2026, investors find themselves navigating a market that has defied expectations. The volatility of early 2025 — driven by geopolitical uncertainty and policy reversals — gave way to a powerful rebound, reminding us that fundamentals (the key principles of investing), not headlines, ultimately steer the course of markets. The recession fears have faded, replaced by signs of reacceleration across global economies. In this year’s outlook, we explore the forces shaping this new phase of the cycle and what they mean for investors seeking clarity amid the noise.