The Advisor Advocate®

When correlations rise, diversification feels weaker—but disciplined portfolio construction still plays a critical role in managing risk.

What’s shaping the second half of 2026? A look at inflation, Fed policy, market trends, and key risks to watch.

Markets at record highs can test investor discipline—avoiding equities in these moments may lead to missed long-term opportunities.

Annuity interest is rising as clients seek guaranteed lifetime income, giving financial professionals a reason to revisit retirement planning conversations. Learn more here.

Women investors generally feel respected, but planning gaps remain. See how financial professionals can better support and empower women clients.

Investors are rethinking where to put capital—shifting across asset classes to balance risk, income, and opportunity in today’s market environment.

Strong capex trends can steal the spotlight. A broader market view may matter more than focusing on a single segment.

Why has the market held up? A look at profit margins and core fundamentals behind stocks’ recent resilience.

A timely conversation on the April FOMC pause, leadership changes at the Fed, and what resilient equity markets may be signaling.

As trust in U.S. institutions fades, investors are becoming more reactive—driving sharper sentiment shifts and conflicting signals in markets.

Help clients bridge generational gaps in family financial planning with insights from Nationwide's Advisor Authority survey.

Even amid geopolitical uncertainty, resilient corporate fundamentals may matter more for markets than headlines suggest.

Q1’s market pullback was driven by valuation pressure, not an earnings collapse—a key distinction amid elevated volatility.

Supply shocks can drive near‑term inflation—but their longer‑lasting impact is often weaker demand.

The S&P 500^® Index appears calm, but falling correlations and rising dispersion reveal stocks are increasingly moving apart beneath the Index.

With confidence in Social Security declining, financial professionals can help clients diversify retirement income with guaranteed solutions like annuities to enhance future security.

Periods of elevated market fear have historically set the stage for attractive future returns for disciplined, long-term investors.

Many investors wait until tax season, risking long-term security. Learn how proactive, year-round tax planning may help improve tax efficiency and potentially support income planning.

Geopolitical risks are rising, but staying focused on diversification—rather than reacting to headlines—can help support long‑term portfolio discipline.

An overview of how the conflict in Iran is affecting markets, the economy, and the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook amid ongoing global uncertainty.

Stocks are treading water as price action runs ahead of fundamentals, creating a rotation shaped more by conviction than confirmed earnings.

Early tax discussions help clients use new strategies. Explore deductions like SALT and Temporary Senior to support your clients' goals this year.

Explore changes to federal income taxes in 2025. Learn how to answer client questions on deducting qualified tips and overtime pay this tax season.

The S&P 500 looks steady on top, but big moves beneath the surface show how quickly market trends are changing.

As leadership moves past the Magnificent 7, investors may see a rotation with deeper support beneath the market surface.

Early 2026 indicators are positive, yet a Fed chair transition may test the market’s momentum.

Nationwide’s survey shows small and mid market business owners face economic uncertainty but rarely seek financial guidance. Explore the insights here.

Recent dollar softness points to rising global diversification, offering context for advisors tracking currency trends.

Our survey results highlight opportunities for financial professionals to help both recently retired clients and younger savers plan for a smooth transition into retirement.

How investors read economic data versus forecasts could guide market direction in the coming months.

Market swings are inevitable, but history shows the stock market has rewarded patient investors with long‑term wealth compounding.

Skip Wall Street’s wild guesses—investors win by focusing on what they can control.

Insights from our survey of workplace retirement plan participants found younger savers are starting earlier while older savers wish they did. View insights from our survey here.

Learn how Generation X’s unique retirement needs can help grow your annuity business.

Stocks often shine in December, but shifting market forces could change the story as the year wraps up.

Explore 2026 market trends, economic drivers, and actionable ideas to help navigate volatility and client portfolio decisions.

Many in Generation X have put off retirement planning but are making it more of a priority now that retirement is just around the corner.

As concentration risk grows, advisors may need to rethink portfolio allocations in upcoming client reviews.

Discover key insights from our health care survey on how Americans are focused on rising health care costs that they aren’t planning for the long-term. View the full insights here.

Markets show strength, but sentiment remains sour and positioning cautious—a disconnect advisors may need to address with clients.

Will seasonal and structural tailwinds keep stocks climbing into year-end? Here’s what advisors should watch.

Discover key insights from our Economic Impact survey on how economic uncertainty is driving financial caution and how financial professionals can help build confidence in their clients.

Small-cap indexes vary. Discover how the S&P SmallCap 600’s earnings focus can add strength when markets get rocky.

In this episode, our Nationwide team breaks down the latest FOMC meeting and discusses how the Fed makes policy decisions when key economic data is delayed or unavailable.

Credit spreads may reveal risk more clearly than stocks—offering advisors a sharper lens on market stress and investor confidence.

Explore how rising longevity impacts retirement planning and savings strategies in this insightful podcast with our team from Nationwide.

Three years in, the bull market shows staying power—here’s why its momentum may continue into 2026 and beyond.

Insights from our survey can help you address the specific challenges your Millennial clients face and help them feel more confident about their financial future.

AI stocks are surging, raising bubble fears—but strong earnings and adoption trends point to a rally grounded in fundamentals, not just hype.

With momentum potentially shifting from U.S. stocks, this may be a good time for investors to consider growth opportunities in international markets.

Hear perspective on the government shutdown and its impact on economic growth featuring Kathy Bostjancic, Ben Brewster, & Oren Klachkin. Tune in for our full insights.

Shutdowns shake markets in the moment—but history shows they rarely leave a lasting mark.

The shifting financial professional landscape provides an opportunity for those looking to enter the business life insurance space.

Shutdowns may rattle nerves, but history shows markets bounce back—offering advisors perspective amid political gridlock.

After a year of strong returns, investors are asking: can momentum keep driving the rally—or is the fuel running low?

Global stocks gained favor, but the U.S. rally may have more staying power—thanks to strong fundamentals.

Discover key insights from our 2025 Protected Retirement survey such as how plan sponsors and participants are preparing for retirement and handling market volatility.

Financial professionals who want to thrive through this shift must do more than  manage money. They must become trusted partners in guiding generational legacies.

Noisy data? Don’t let revisions steer your strategy. See why smart investors treat economic signals as guidance—not gospel.

Lower rates ease borrowing and tilt investor favor toward stocks over bonds—shifting the market’s balance.

In a market driven by sentiment and momentum, long-term fundamentals offer a steady path through short-lived trends and volatility.

The Fed’s next move hinges on incoming data, with market tone set for the rest of the year.

Despite trade headwinds, U.S. businesses delivered upside surprises in Q2—highlighting resilience and strategic adaptability across sectors.

Uncover valuable insights from our Social Security survey, highlighting how Americans are feeling about the future of Social Security and how financial professionals can help.

Cyclical sectors are gaining ground—possibly reflecting early market reaction to H.R.1’s fiscal provisions.

Seasonal softness is typical in late summer, but improving market breadth and momentum could keep this rally on track.

Mega-cap tech stocks are dominating more than just the S&P 500^® Index. Here’s why that matters when building a diversified portfolio.

With technicals showing strength but investor positioning still cautious, the second half of 2025 could be shaped by earnings resilience and valuation risks.

By tapping the power of compounding, investors can navigate market volatility without emotion and alleviate concerns about achieving retirement goals.

Uncover valuable insights from our pre-retirees survey, highlighting how they are feeling about retirement and how financial professionals can address retirement needs.

Staying focused on fundamentals over headlines could give investors an edge in the second half of the year.

The recently passed Budget Reconciliation & Tax Bill contains a lot of changes, many of which are directed at individual taxpayers and households.

Markets weathered early 2025 volatility and policy uncertainty, rebounding in Q2 on resilient data and earnings—but challenges remain ahead.

Helping clients review their wills frequently and after major life updates is not only beneficial to their legacy planning but can also help position you as a trusted advisor. beneficial to their legacy planning.

Companies are repurchasing shares rapidly, boosting stock prices and calming market volatility amid recent financial turbulence.

Uncover valuable insights from our Long-term care survey, highlighting myths Americans have about LTC and how financial professionals can help dispel these myths.

Stocks have surged impressively over the 40 days since the April 7 low, and historical trends point to the rally continuing.

Despite recent weakness, the U.S. dollar is likely normalizing—not signaling a structural change.

Utilizing social selling is an excellent way to engage with old clients and build relationships with new clients.

Help Gen Z clients build their financial future with insights on retirement planning, investing basics, and building long-term relationships.

Markets are moving, but don’t get lost in the plot twists—stay focused on your long-term goals and stick to your investment plan.

Sharp drops often precede sharp gains. Staying invested through volatility is key to capturing long-term market growth.

Hear perspective on the impact of the new administration’s economic strategies in its first 100 days with Nationwide's podcast featuring Kathy Bostjancic & Ben Brewster. Tune in for our full insights.

Explore solutions for longevity risk and learn how to help secure financial stability in retirement with insights from our panel at the 2025 Milken Conference.

While seasonality can influence market performance, fundamentals are more likely to mitigate any seasonal effect on stock returns.

Help clients in planning for longer retirements with strategies for guaranteed income, extended life expectancy, and practical financial solutions.

What's next for the stock market after investor pessimism reached extreme bearishness in the recent downturn?

Today’s financial professionals can consider offering a securities-backed line of credit to help clients who need fast access to cash.

The "death cross" technical indicator sounds scary, but it's had a mixed track record of signaling stock market downturns.

Read our tips for mastering the art of prospecting to help grow your book of business and make a greater impact.

The market's track record during and after downturns shows that stocks generally recover over time following sharp declines.

Hear our perspective on trade policies, inflation, and the economy with Nationwide's podcast featuring Kathy Bostjancic & Mark Hackett. Tune in for our full insights.

Uncover valuable insights from our Advisor Authority survey, highlighting the similarities and differences among single and married or partnered investors.

Upcoming earnings reports will be key for investors looking for direction amid the political uncertainty and market chaos.

Learn how the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset may affect your clients.

Learn how to build trust during your virtual client meetings by understanding the impact of your digital body language.

Discover valuable insights from the March FOMC meeting including the outlook for potential rate cuts.

Uncover valuable insights from our Advisor Authority survey, highlighting the similarities and differences among women investors across generations.

Discover strategies for successful succession planning that can help financial professionals build value during a leadership transition.

Sudden wealth syndrome is a type of distress impacting individuals who suddenly come into large sums of money. Help clients avoid SWS with these tips.

Discover how AI helps financial professionals improve efficiency, automate tasks, and deliver better client outcomes. Learn more about the tools and trends shaping the industry.

Discover key insights from our survey to help you bridge the gaps between plan sponsors and employees when it comes to retirement readiness and income needs.

Discover valuable insights from the January CPI report including what’s driving the upward trend of inflation.

Discover key insights from the Advisor Authority survey on similarities and differences when it comes to retirement readiness and planning across the United States.

Where Medicare and Social Security meet; how to help clients maximize benefits and minimize costs.

Explore how you can leverage life insurance to enhance diversity in client portfolios, helping to facilitate stability, growth, and comprehensive wealth planning solutions.

Find out what upcoming regulatory changes may impact the COLI and BOLI industry and how they could affect your business-owner clients.

Discover how SBLOC can be used as a wealth management solution and address future cash needs.

Discover how securities-backed lending can enhance wealth management by providing a proactive credit line for client portfolios, ensuring cash availability and improving debt management

Your clients could still be in the dark about how securities-backed lending works. These top 5 myths can help you address common misconceptions.

Learn how variable annuities with income protections could better serve your clients for retirement than an investments-only approach without protections.

Investors have responded to recent reports of slower job growth and moderating business activity by embracing risk, resulting in higher stock markets

At the beginning of 2026, a valuable tax exemption is slated to go away— now is the time to help your clients prepare.

Learn how Millennial clients differ from older generations and how you can help them save for retirement and build financial security.

Talking to clients about what happens to their assets after they die may be a difficult conversation, but you can help make them feel more comfortable.