Everybody's an unwilling energy analyst again.

Last week, America was told inflation is better. Also worse. Also, by Friday, core consumer prices came in hot and consumer sentiment fell off a cliff—which is a lot to hand somebody just days before they decide on interest rates.

Market declines can be unsettling, but not every uncomfortable moment calls for action.

Highlights from the week of September 4 – September 10, 2026.

Last week, America continued its situationship with the economy: lots of mixed signals, no definitions, with no idea where this is headed.

Small caps just got cheaper, energy still looks compelling, and defense stocks haven’t caught up to a wave of major contract wins.

Growth investing is often defined by outcomes. We believe it is better defined by process. Forward-looking insights, fundamental judgment, and disciplined portfolio construction can help investors pursue growth with a more deliberate approach to risk.

Last week, America looked at the economy and thought, “Seems straightforward enough.” Strong earnings, healthy hiring and record highs were the easy part. The deeper you looked, the weirder and more technical the story became.

Artificial intelligence is overheating one part of the economy. The Federal Reserve can only cool all of it.

Retirement deferrals often sit outside open enrollment, disconnected from paycheck decisions. For DC specialists, that’s a key sponsor discussion.