Fi Plan Partners

By Fi Plan PartnersEducation Self-Improvement

Fi Plan Partners episodes

February 09 The Race Between Inflation and Productivity
Market Breadth is Strengthening
One of the most important themes so far this year has been the broadening out of the stock market. In recent years, the market’s gains were heavily concentrated in the largest companies, particularly the “Magnificent 7,” with the top 5 to 10 stocks dramatically outperforming the rest of the index. This year, the pattern has shifted in a meaningful way. Instead of a narrow rally led by a small group at the top, a much larger share of the S&P 500 has begun contributing to overall performance. While these companies may be smaller relative to the largest names, they are still substantial businesses, and their improved participation is a healthy sign for the market. Several indicators reinforce this trend: 68% of S&P 500 stocks are currently trading above their 200-day moving average, which is the highest level since 2024. This suggests the overall market remains structurally intact despite periodic pullbacks and volatility. The percentage of stocks reaching 52-week highs is extremely strong, sitting around the 96th percentile, a level typically associated with broad momentum. Perhaps most striking is how dramatically the market’s leadership has changed. In 2023, 2024, and 2025, the top 10 stocks contributed more than 50% of the S&P 500’s total performance. In 2026, the market is still up year-to-date, but the top 10 stocks have actually detracted from returns by roughly 26%. That final point highlights how different the current environment is. The market is moving higher, but not because the largest names are carrying the index. Instead, strength is spreading across a broader base of companies.
The Inflation vs. Productivity Test for 2026
A broadening market is generally considered a healthier market. When more companies participate in a rally, it suggests the underlying economy is stronger and more evenly supported. Two major data releases this week will help determine whether that support can continue, especially as the economy enters what may become one of the defining themes of 2026: the race between inflation and productivity. At the center of this issue is a critical question: Can productivity grow fast enough to offset rising costs? More specifically, can output per worker increase at a pace that allows wages to rise without forcing prices higher? This week brings two important economic signals – Wednesday: the jobs report, delayed due to the temporary government shutdown; Friday: The Consumer Price Index (CPI), the key inflation reading Together, these reports will provide insight into both labor market strength and inflation pressure, and they will feed directly into market expectations for interest rates. One of the most important market indicators right now is the 10-year Treasury yield. Historically, the stock market has tended to hold up well as long as the 10-year yield remains below 4.5%. The yield is currently around 4.2%, and it has remained relatively stable in a tight range, below 4.5% and above 4%, for most of the past year. That range matters because the 10-year yield is highly sensitive to inflation expectations. If inflation spikes again, interest rates are likely to rise, and higher rates can quickly tighten financial conditions and pressure stock valuations. The path to keeping inflation stable depends heavily on productivity. When workers can produce more output per hour, it helps absorb higher wages without pushing prices higher. In that environment, inflation stays contained, interest rates remain more stable, and markets tend to respond positively. Ultimately, inflation, productivity, and interest rates are interconnected. If productivity growth can keep pace with rising labor costs, the economy can move into a positive reinforcing cycle. If not, inflation pressures can re-emerge and lead to higher rates, creating a more challenging environment for both economic growth and market performance. The market’s recent broadening is an encouraging sign, and this week’s data will help determine whether that trend has the foundation to continue as 2026 unfolds.
Greg Powell, CIMA®
President and CEO
Wealth Consultant
Email Greg Powell here
Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®
Managing Director
Wealth Consultant
Email Bobby Norman here
Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®
Chief Investment Officer
Wealth Consultant
Email Trey Booth here
Ty Miller, AIF®
Vice President
Wealth Consultant
Email Ty Miller here

Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.
No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.
Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.
The post The Race Between Inflation and Productivity first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.
5 min
February 05 Sports Spending and the GDP
On this week’s episode of Educational Insights, Ashley Page breaks down how sports spending contributes to the U.S. economy, and the numbers may surprise you. Depending on how broadly it’s measured, sports account for roughly 1% to 2% of U.S. GDP, a footprint comparable to the entire American auto industry. From the Super Bowl and the Olympics to college athletics and global soccer, this episode highlights how sports have become a major, and fast-growing, economic force.
Watch to learn more.
Ashley Page, JD, MBA
Senior Vice President
Wealth Consultant
Email Ashley Page here
Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.
No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.
Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.
The post Sports Spending and the GDP first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.
7 min
February 02 Walking Tall at the Fed
Federal Reserve Policy and the “Height Chart” Theory
The Federal Reserve met last week and, as widely expected, made no changes to interest rates. The decision generated little market reaction, largely because economic conditions have not deteriorated enough to warrant rate cuts. Long-term rates have remained relatively stable, short-term rates have already adjusted downward, and overall economic growth continues at a pace similar to last year. With two meetings remaining before May, markets are not expecting significant action from the Fed in the near term. The more notable development came at the end of the week with the announcement that President Trump intends to nominate Kevin Warsh as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve. Warsh is a well-known and respected economist who previously served on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, becoming one of the youngest members in history at age 36. His public record suggests a more hawkish stance on monetary policy, with a strong emphasis on controlling inflation rather than pursuing easy money policies. Markets reacted quickly to the news. Interest rates moved higher, and precious metals experienced sharp declines, reflecting expectations that Warsh would favor tighter monetary discipline. While some investors were surprised by the direction of rates, history suggests the trajectory may be less mysterious than it seems. A tongue-in-cheek but intriguing chart highlights a correlation between the height of Federal Reserve Chairs and prevailing interest rate environments. From Paul Volcker’s era of high rates to the gradual declines under Alan Greenspan and Ben Bernanke, the zero-rate policies during Janet Yellen’s tenure, and the renewed tightening under Jerome Powell, the pattern has been remarkably consistent. Kevin Warsh appears to align closely with Powell in this framework, suggesting rates may remain near current levels. While clearly correlation, not causation, the chart offers a memorable way to think about where policy may be headed.
The AI Bubble Question: Reality vs. Headlines
Recent market volatility, including a sharp one-day decline of more than 10% in a major technology stock, has reignited concerns about a potential artificial intelligence bubble. Comparisons to the dot-com crash of the early 2000s have resurfaced, but the data tells a very different story. During the dot-com era, stock prices surged far ahead of underlying earnings. Valuations became detached from fundamentals, creating the conditions for a dramatic market correction. In contrast, today’s AI-driven market environment shows a much closer alignment between stock prices and forward earnings growth. Since 2020, equity valuations have largely been supported by real and measurable earnings expansion. While no investment theme is without risk, current market behavior does not reflect the kind of irrational exuberance that defined the late 1990s. One company’s short-term stock movement should not overshadow the broader fundamentals driving the sector. For long-term investors, the focus remains on earnings growth, balance sheets, and sustainable business models, not headlines or single-day market moves.
Economic Strength, Productivity, and Inflation
The broader economy continues to show signs of resilience, particularly in the area of productivity. U.S. productivity growth has been gaining momentum, with the most recent quarter approaching 5%, following another strong quarter near 4%. This improvement is especially notable as productivity gains have been elusive for much of the past decade. Artificial intelligence appears to be playing a meaningful role in this trend, supporting efficiency and output across industries. The interaction between productivity and inflation will be critical to watch going forward. While oil prices have begun to rise, a potential inflationary risk, other forces are helping keep inflation anchored. Labor costs, in particular, have remained relatively contained. Wage growth has been fairly flat, which can make the economy feel weaker for consumers still adjusting to residual inflation from 2021 and 2022. However, this same restraint has helped prevent inflation from reaccelerating. A simple way to view the current environment is through the balance of money and output. Inflation tends to rise when more money chases the same amount of goods. Today, money supply growth has slowed, and if productivity continues to improve, allowing the economy to produce more goods and services, price pressures may remain manageable. This dynamic will be central to the economic outlook in the months and years ahead.
Greg Powell, CIMA®
President and CEO
Wealth Consultant
Email Greg Powell here
Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®
Managing Director
Wealth Consultant
Email Bobby Norman here
Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®
Chief Investment Officer
Wealth Consultant
Email Trey Booth here
Ty Miller, AIF®
Vice President
Wealth Consultant
Email Ty Miller here

Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.
No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.
Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.
The post Walking Tall at the Fed first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.
5 min
January 29 The Use of AI on Wall Street
On this week’s episode of Educational Insights, Ty Miller discusses Artificial Intelligence and how it is shaping Wall Street. AI is no longer a futuristic concept, as it’s already driving millions of trades each day by analyzing news, earnings calls, and even satellite data in real time to shape market decisions. From high-frequency trading to predictive analytics and risk monitoring, artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how Wall Street operates. While the opportunities are powerful, the risks and complexities make understanding this shift very important.
Watch to learn more.
Ty Miller
Vice President
Wealth Consultant
Email Ty Miller here
Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.
No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.
Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.
The post The Use of AI on Wall Street first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.
5 min
January 26 Market Expansion
Broad Market Participation Signals Improving Market Health
After several years of narrow leadership, early signs suggest the market is finally beginning to broaden. Market expansion, measured by how many stocks are participating in overall gains, is a critical component of a healthy and sustainable bull market. While major indexes may continue to hit new highs, the underlying strength of the market depends on participation beyond just a small group of dominant companies. Recent data shows meaningful improvement. Roughly 70% of S&P 500 stocks are now trading above their 200-day moving average, a level that reflects strong internal momentum. In most market environments, readings above 50% are considered healthy, making the current figure particularly encouraging. Small-cap stocks are also beginning to outperform, a development that often confirms a change in market trend. When smaller companies start to lead, it suggests that investor confidence is expanding beyond large-cap leaders. This type of rotation is especially important during an ongoing bull market. Another notable metric is the percentage of stocks outperforming the index itself. About 65% of S&P 500 companies are beating the index year-to-date. While the calendar has only just turned to January, this would be the second-highest reading in the past 50 years if it persists. Together, these indicators point toward the type of market expansion that supports long-term growth.
Earnings Season Could Accelerate the Expansion
While broader participation is already taking shape, corporate earnings may determine whether this trend continues. The market is currently in the heart of earnings season, and this week represents one of the busiest reporting periods of the year. On Wednesday alone, approximately 20% of the S&P 500 will release earnings results. In total, these companies represent about $8 trillion in market capitalization. To put that number in context, the entire Shanghai Stock Exchange, the largest stock exchange outside the United States, has a total market capitalization of just under $8 trillion. In effect, an amount comparable to China’s entire equity market will be reporting earnings in a single day. If companies outside the largest mega-cap stocks continue to deliver strong earnings, the market could see further upside driven by this broader base of performance. That would be a constructive setup early in the year, particularly given the long-held belief that January’s trends often set the tone for the rest of the year. Sustained earnings growth could help reinforce the current expansion, creating a stronger and more durable uptrend, one that provides investors with a wider range of opportunities as the year unfolds.
Greg Powell, CIMA®
President and CEO
Wealth Consultant
Email Greg Powell here
Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®
Managing Director
Wealth Consultant
Email Bobby Norman here
Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®
Chief Investment Officer
Wealth Consultant
Email Trey Booth here
Ty Miller, AIF®
Vice President
Wealth Consultant
Email Ty Miller here

Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.
No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.
Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.
The post Market Expansion first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.
5 min
January 22 The Rising Cost of Eldercare
On this week’s episode of Educational Insights, Bobby Norman breaks down the rising cost of eldercare and why it has become one of the most critical factors in long-term financial planning. With monthly costs ranging from roughly $6,000 for home care to nearly $10,000 for nursing homes, new data highlights how quickly these expenses can impact retirement savings. The real takeaway isn’t fear; it’s understanding the options and planning ahead to protect both assets and peace of mind.
Watch to learn more.
Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®
Managing Director
Wealth Consultant
Email Bobby Norman here
Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.
No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.
Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.
The post The Rising Cost of Eldercare first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.
4 min
January 15 The Impact of AI on Small Business
On this week’s episode of Educational Insights, Ashley Page breaks down how a growing majority of small businesses are now using AI and how adoption is accelerating faster than many expected. New surveys show usage jumping to 58%, with practical applications ranging from everyday communications and marketing to analytics, scheduling, and customer service. The real story isn’t hype; it’s how AI is steadily moving from large corporations into the heart of the small business economy.
Watch to learn more.
Ashley Page, JD, MBA
Senior Vice President
Wealth Consultant
Email Ashley Page here
Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.
No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.
Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.
The post The Impact of AI on Small Business first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.
5 min
January 12 We’ll See…
Seasonality and the Midterm Election Effect
Seasonality has long played a role in understanding market behavior, and historical trends can help inform portfolio strategy. January has often set the tone for the year ahead. Historically, a positive January has skewed returns higher over the subsequent quarter, half-year, and full year, while a negative January has tended to precede weaker performance. With the first part of January 2026 already complete, markets have gotten off to a respectable start. While this is no guarantee of future performance, history suggests it is a constructive signal. Another important factor this year is the midterm election cycle. Markets have often underperformed in January and February during midterm election years, driven largely by political uncertainty. Typically, there is an initial lift early in the year, followed by volatility as investors grapple with unknown policy outcomes. Monitoring how markets respond during this period will be critical in assessing how these early dynamics may influence the rest of 2026.
Productivity as the Engine of Growth
Recent economic data has provided a clearer picture of the economy’s underlying strength, particularly in the labor market and productivity trends. Employment growth has moderated after a prolonged period of strength, raising questions about whether the economy can continue to grow without a hot labor market. Gross domestic products are driven by two primary forces: how many people are working and how productive those workers are. While recent job gains, approximately 50,000 new jobs, reflect modest growth, wage data has been encouraging, with wages rising 3.8% year over year. The most notable development has been a sharp increase in productivity. Third-quarter productivity growth surged to an annualized rate of 4.9%, a significant and unexpected jump. This matters because productivity allows the economy to grow without fueling inflation. When productivity rises faster than wages, both labor and capital can benefit simultaneously. With wages up 3.8% and productivity up 4.9%, there is an implied expansion in profit margins, creating growth without upward pressure on prices. This dynamic represents an ideal balance, economic expansion that rewards workers while maintaining pricing stability. Upcoming inflation data, including CPI and PPI, will be closely watched to see whether this productivity-driven growth continues to flow through the broader economy.
Greg Powell, CIMA®
President and CEO
Wealth Consultant
Email Greg Powell here
Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®
Managing Director
Wealth Consultant
Email Bobby Norman here
Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®
Chief Investment Officer
Wealth Consultant
Email Trey Booth here
Ty Miller, AIF®
Vice President
Wealth Consultant
Email Ty Miller here

Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.
No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.
Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.
The post We’ll See… first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.
5 min
January 08 Online Best Practices
On this week’s episode of Educational Insights, Bobby Norman breaks down the growing cybersecurity threats facing individuals and businesses, from phishing and ransomware to lesser-known attacks that can quietly compromise your data. He shares practical, client-tested strategies to protect your financial life, including stronger passwords, multi-factor authentication, and smart habits that reduce risk before problems arise. Don’t miss this important conversation on how a few proactive steps can help safeguard your identity, assets, and peace of mind.
Watch to learn more.
Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®
Managing Director
Wealth Consultant
Email Bobby Norman here
Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.
No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.
Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.
The post Online Best Practices first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.
5 min
January 05 Expect the Unexpected in 2026
Volatility, the Fed, and the Productivity Question
The year 2026 is poised to be a major inflection point. While 2025 represented a transition phase, toward artificial intelligence adoption and hoped-for productivity gains, 2026 may be the year where outcomes must finally materialize. In many ways, it is a “prove it” year for markets and policy alike. One expected source of volatility is the political cycle. Historically, the second year of a presidential term has been the most volatile period in the market cycle. On average, it experiences deeper drawdowns, nearly 20%, but also stronger recoveries from those lows. While volatility itself is expected, its catalyst is often unpredictable, reinforcing the need for preparedness and flexibility. Another major transition involves the Federal Reserve. A new Fed Chair is expected to take the helm in 2026, and history shows that markets often test new leadership early. Previous Fed Chairs faced sharp drawdowns soon after assuming office, driven by inflation and interest rate concerns. This leadership change comes at a critical moment, as the economy attempts to move beyond the post-COVID imbalance of too much money chasing too few goods. A key metric to watch is the relationship between wages and essential living costs. While inflation pressures have eased since peaking in 2022, wages have yet to decisively outpace the rising cost of necessities such as food, energy, housing, and insurance. For meaningful progress, productivity must increase so that wage growth can exceed cost growth, a shift that would significantly ease the Fed’s policy dilemma. Adding another layer of complexity is the anticipated surge in tax refunds in early 2026. Due to tax legislation passed in 2025, refunds are expected to rise by an estimated 44%, injecting $150–$200 billion into the hands of consumers. Historically, American consumers tend to spend these funds, providing a near-term economic boost. Whether that spending fuels sustainable growth or reignites inflation remains one of the key unknowns policymakers will face.
Earnings, Commodities, and Market Concentration
As attention turns to investment strategy for 2026, three themes stand out: corporate profits, commodity prices, and market concentration. Corporate earnings remain a primary driver of equity market performance, and current indicators suggest continued strength. Investment in artificial intelligence, resilient consumer spending, and the potential for Federal Reserve rate cuts all support the outlook for sustained profit growth. If these trends continue, corporate earnings could remain a positive force for markets in the year ahead. Commodity prices, particularly gold, silver, and copper, represent another area of focus. Gold’s strong performance has been fueled by concerns over currency debasement, deglobalization, inflation pressures, and large fiscal deficits. However, renewed U.S. economic strength and strong GDP growth could slow the pace of rate cuts, potentially putting downward pressure on precious metals. Whether commodities can continue to surprise to the upside remains an open question. The third and perhaps most critical theme is market concentration. Today, the ten largest stocks account for roughly 41% of the S&P 500, with most deeply tied to artificial intelligence. This raises an important question for 2026: can AI-related investment spending continue at current levels, and will market leadership broaden? The outlook suggests that the simultaneous presence of fiscal, regulatory, and monetary stimulus could support broader earnings growth. A widening of market participation would be a healthier development for investors and could reduce the risks associated with excessive concentration.
Energy Markets and an Unfolding Global Surprise
One of the most unexpected developments heading into 2026 has emerged from Latin America, particularly Venezuela. Political unrest and potential leadership changes have introduced new uncertainty into global energy markets, making this an evolving situation that demands close attention. At the center of the discussion is the distinction between heavy crude and light crude oil. For decades, the U.S. relied heavily on imports of heavy crude from countries like Venezuela and Canada, which require specialized refining infrastructure. While domestic production of light crude has increased significantly, U.S. refining capacity remains well-suited for heavier grades. This imbalance has contributed to a growing spread between oil prices and gasoline prices. While oil prices have declined sharply, gasoline prices have fallen far less, largely due to refining constraints. A potential reintroduction of Venezuelan heavy crude into U.S. markets, if geopolitical restrictions ease, could help narrow this spread. Lower fuel costs would have meaningful implications for consumers and the broader economy, particularly by easing cost-of-living pressures that weigh heavily on household budgets. While the situation remains fluid, it highlights how geopolitical events can produce unexpected ripple effects with tangible economic consequences.
Greg Powell, CIMA®
President and CEO
Wealth Consultant
Email Greg Powell here
Bobby Norman, CFP®, AIF®, CEPA®
Managing Director
Wealth Consultant
Email Bobby Norman here
Trey Booth, CFA®, AIF®
Chief Investment Officer
Wealth Consultant
Email Trey Booth here
Ty Miller, AIF®
Vice President
Wealth Consultant
Email Ty Miller here

Fi Plan Partners is an independent investment firm in Birmingham, AL, with a team of professionals serving clients across the nation through financial planning, wealth management and business consulting. The team at Fi Plan Partners creates strategies in the best interest of their clients using fee based investing.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. All performance referenced is historical and is no guarantee of future results. All indices are unmanaged and may not be invested into directly.
Economic forecasts set forth in this presentation may not develop as predicted.
No strategy can ensure success or protect against a loss.
Stock investing involves risk including potential loss of principal.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC and a registered investment advisor.
The post Expect the Unexpected in 2026 first appeared on Fi Plan Partners.
5 min

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