Happy Sunday, and welcome to Benzinga’s financial advisor newsletter.

Today we're discussing retirement, and the importance of long-term planning and being consistent. Despite the markets making new all-time highs this month, nearly half of Americans (48%) say they are more stressed now than they were this time last year. Read on for all the details, and tips to share with clients to help them be more prepared and confident in 2026.

Plus, a look at all the top stories and market activity from this past week.

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Table of Contents

• Industry Chatter

• Weekly Market Recap

• The Week Ahead

INDUSTRY CHATTER

Survey: Nearly Half Of Americans Are Starting 2026 More Stressed

For many, the new year is framed as a fresh start. But for a growing number of Americans — despite the record setting year in the markets — 2026 is arriving with more anxiety than optimism.

According to a recent survey from Allianz Life, nearly half of Americans (48%) say they are more stressed now than they were this time last year — representing a 5% increase year-over-year. Rather than easing, financial pressure appears to be building as the calendar turns.

That stress isn’t hard to trace. It’s tied to everyday financial pressures: higher costs for the necessities, income that isn’t keeping up, thin emergency savings, rising debt, healthcare expenses, and growing concerns about job security.

For advisors, the key takeaway isn’t simply that stress is rising, but how it’s changing behavior — especially around retirement. When finances feel tight, long-term goals tend to fade into the background, and saving for retirement is one of those that tends to get pushed down the priority list.

The data reflects that shift. The survey found that 27% of Americans have less confidence in their ability to meet retirement goals than they did a year ago, with Gen X and Gen Z feeling the most discouraged. In addition, more than 20% say they’re actually further away from retirement than they were last year.

This is where the ripple effects tend to come into play. When clients feel financially overwhelmed, long-term planning can feel optional — or even unrealistic. Contributions get paused. Check-ins get delayed and conversations get postponed until “things calm down.”

Job anxiety adds another layer with the survey finding that more Americans plan start looking for a new job next year (56%, up from 47% last year). Still, a good chunk plan to stay put and take part in “job hugging.” Of those that are not looking for a new job, 71% say it’s because it seems safer to stay put in the current economic environment.

While “job hugging” can protect short-term stability, without a significant pay raise, it often leads to slower income growth at a time when expenses continue to rise — reinforcing the stress cycle.

Still, there are reasons for cautious optimism. Nearly half of respondents saying they plan to make and keep a financial resolution this upcoming year, especially younger generations.

For advisors, this is a great time to reframe progress, and to encourage making retirement a priority. Clients don’t need dramatic overhauls in a stressful environment. They need reassurance that small, steady actions still matter. Emphasizing and celebrating incremental wins, maintaining contributions and clarifying priorities can help clients keep moving forward without adding pressure.

WEEKLY MARKET RECAP

S&P 500 Hits New Record Highs, Silver Prices Explode In Best Year Since 1979

The S&P 500, tracked by the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), notched new all-time highs during the shortened Christmas week. The index is now poised for its third straight year of double-digit gains—and its sixth in the last seven years.

Nvidia Deepens Its AI Moat, Micron Extends Its Blockbuster Rally

Technology stocks once again led Wall Street's advance. Nvidia (NVDA) surged in its best week since late October, buoyed by a new wave of deals tied to next-generation artificial-intelligence chips.

On Wednesday, AI chip startup Groq unveiled a non-exclusive licensing agreement with Nvidia, reportedly valued at $20 billion for its inference technology, a move analysts say will further reinforce Nvidia's already dominant competitive moat.

Micron (MU) continued to rally, extending gains following a blockbuster quarterly earnings report.

The stock has now posted its fifth consecutive weekly gain — and its tenth in the past eleven weeks. Micron currently ranks as the second-best performer in the S&P 500 this year, with shares up roughly 240% year to date, trailing only Western Digital (WDC) among the index's top gainers of 2025.

Cook Buys The Dip On Nike, GM Eyes Best Year Since New IPO

Nike (NKE) also made headlines after Apple CEO Tim Cook disclosed a $3 million purchase of the company's stock, acquiring 50,000 shares at $58.97 each following the sharp post-earnings selloff. Nike shares reacted positively, rising about 5%.

For Michigan-based automakers, 2025 is shaping up to be a strong year for equity markets. General Motors (GM) shares are up 55% year to date, while Ford Motor (F) has gained 38%. For GM, this marks its best annual performance since returning to public markets in 2010.

Stellantis N.V. (STLA), by contrast, has lagged peers and is on track to close the year down roughly 13%.

Precious Metal Rally Defies Gravity

On the commodities front, precious metals are closing out a truly exceptional year.

Silver's rally has shown little sign of slowing, with prices breaking above $75 an ounce amid acute supply constraints in Asian markets.

The move has pushed silver's year-to-date gain above 150%, marking its strongest annual performance since 1979.

Other metals have also posted extraordinary gains. Platinum – which is tracked by the Aberdeen Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT) – has surged roughly 170% this year, on track for its best annual performance on record.

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THE WEEK AHEAD

Fed minutes, initial jobless claims, S&P Case-Shiller home price index, pending homes sales, New Year’s, and more

Economic Data

• Monday: Pending home sales

• Tuesday: Fed minutes, S&P Case-Shiller home price index

• Wednesday: Initial jobless claims, U.S. Baker Hughes rig count

• Thursday: New Year's Day holiday

• Friday: No major reports

Earnings

No earnings of note due to the holidays

Click here for the full calendar of economic data and earnings reports.

Reminder, if you would like to be featured in our upcoming Advisor Spotlight and showcase your business, click here to send us an email.