Investment Insights – February 2026

Share this post

Investment Insights – February 2026

We’re pleased to share the latest edition of our Investment Insights report, which highlights the key trends shaping markets and portfolios. 

This month’s key takeaways:

  • Leadership rotation: Equity returns were positive, but volatility rose as leadership shifted. AI-related concerns weighed on software, while commodities and infrastructure benefited.  
  • Policy divergence: The US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady amid sticky inflation. The Reserve Bank of Australia moved the other way, hiking rates, with markets pricing another move higher in May. 
  • The “Warsh Shock”: Kevin Warsh’s nomination as US Federal Reserve Chair triggered a sharp unwind in debasement trades, with gold and silver falling 9% and 30% respectively. The big question now is the impact on long-term bond yields. 

As outlined in our latest quarterly report, volatility is likely to remain a feature of 2026, not a bug. 

We hope you find this update useful. If you would like to discuss any of these themes, please feel free to reach out.

Warm regards,

Mackay Private Wealth 

Read report

 

General Advice Warning: Any comments in this communication do not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on any general advice, consider whether it is appropriate for you.

Read related market insights, updates and Quarterly Reports.

Quarterly Investment Report – April 2026

Markets Find Their Footing Volatility returned in the March quarter, with geopolitical tensions and rising energy prices unsettling markets.

Read more

ASX Reporting Season Wrap

This year’s reporting season revealed a strong rebound to earnings and dividends in the face of a delta variant that has temporarily delayed but not derailed the outlook.

Read more

Market Update – September 2022

This week, the AAII’s Bearish Sentiment reading crossed above 60% (extreme) for only the 5th time in its 35-year history. The last time it happened was March 5th, 2009. The AAII survey tracks short-term investor sentiment (six-month).

Read more

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.