Kingsview Wealth Management: Benjamin Ott

09/02/2026

AI and Federal Reserve policy may seem like separate topics, but both are shaping the economic outlook.

While the Fed remains focused on inflation and the labor market, AI could have a more lasting impact through productivity and economic growth. The challenge is determining how quickly these benefits will materialize.

For investors, separating short term uncertainty from longer term trends is key. Productivity, innovation, and economic growth can have a lasting impact on markets, even as Fed policy continues to shift.

The Fed influences the cycle.
Productivity can shape the future.

Read this week's to learn more:

An important yet counterintuitive issue for investors is that long-term interest rates have risen despite the Fed’s latest cuts. Why is this happening and how does it impact investor portfolios?

08/26/2026

Tariff refunds, rising deficits, and a national debt exceeding $40 trillion have added to concerns around the U.S. fiscal outlook.

Yet markets have continued to reach new highs, highlighting an important lesson for long term investors: headlines do not always translate into lasting portfolio impacts.

Trade policy and fiscal challenges matter, but history shows that markets have navigated many different economic and political environments. Maintaining perspective and a balanced portfolio remains key to staying focused on long term financial goals.

Fiscal uncertainty can create headlines.
Perspective helps investors stay focused.

Read this week's to learn more:

An important yet counterintuitive issue for investors is that long-term interest rates have risen despite the Fed’s latest cuts. Why is this happening and how does it impact investor portfolios?

08/19/2026

Stocks and bonds are both creating opportunities for investors this year, but for different reasons.

The stock market has reached new highs, supported by strong earnings and continued growth across several sectors. At the same time, higher interest rates have pushed bond yields to some of their most attractive levels in years.

While markets near record highs can make investors hesitant, history shows that waiting for the perfect pullback can be costly. A balanced portfolio can help investors participate in growth while managing risk across different market environments.

New highs are part of investing.
Balance helps investors stay invested.

Read this week's to learn more:

An important yet counterintuitive issue for investors is that long-term interest rates have risen despite the Fed’s latest cuts. Why is this happening and how does it impact investor portfolios?

08/12/2026

With the November midterm elections approaching, it can be tempting for investors to connect political outcomes with market performance.

History tells a different story. Markets have performed across Republican, Democratic, and divided governments, while economic growth, interest rates, corporate earnings, and business cycles have often played a much larger role in long term returns.

Elections matter.
Your portfolio should not depend on predicting them.

Read this week's to learn more:

An important yet counterintuitive issue for investors is that long-term interest rates have risen despite the Fed’s latest cuts. Why is this happening and how does it impact investor portfolios?

08/05/2026

July was a reminder that markets don't move in a straight line.

Concerns around AI spending, rising Treasury yields, geopolitical tensions, and continued uncertainty from the Federal Reserve all contributed to a more volatile month. Yet despite these headwinds, the broader market remains near all-time highs after a strong year.

Periods of volatility are a normal part of investing. Maintaining a diversified portfolio and focusing on long-term goals can help investors navigate changing market conditions without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Volatility is inevitable.
Perspective is an advantage.

Read this week's to learn more:

An important yet counterintuitive issue for investors is that long-term interest rates have risen despite the Fed’s latest cuts. Why is this happening and how does it impact investor portfolios?

07/29/2026

Interest rates are more than just a headline—they influence nearly every part of a long-term financial plan.

As Treasury yields reach their highest levels in years, real yields (returns after inflation) have become increasingly important. Higher real yields can create new opportunities for income while also changing how investors think about the balance between stocks and bonds.

Rather than focusing on interest rates alone, investors should consider how today's environment impacts portfolio construction and long-term financial goals.

Higher yields create new opportunities.
A balanced portfolio helps put them to work.

Read this week's to learn more:

An important yet counterintuitive issue for investors is that long-term interest rates have risen despite the Fed’s latest cuts. Why is this happening and how does it impact investor portfolios?

07/22/2026

Artificial intelligence is reshaping markets, but the opportunity extends far beyond a handful of technology companies.

Behind every AI application is a complex ecosystem that includes semiconductor manufacturers, data centers, infrastructure providers, and software companies. As AI adoption grows, investors are weighing whether today's significant investments will translate into long-term productivity and earnings growth.

While AI remains one of the most important investment themes today, elevated valuations and evolving demand reinforce the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio and a long-term perspective.

AI is bigger than a few stocks.

Long-term investing requires seeing the bigger picture.

Read this week's to learn more:

An important yet counterintuitive issue for investors is that long-term interest rates have risen despite the Fed’s latest cuts. Why is this happening and how does it impact investor portfolios?

07/15/2026

Cash plays an important role in every financial plan, but holding too much can come with hidden costs.

With inflation still above short-term cash yields, excess cash may lose purchasing power over time. While savings accounts and money market funds are valuable for near-term needs and emergency reserves, long-term financial goals often require assets that have greater potential to grow and outpace inflation.

The key isn't avoiding cash—it's making sure your cash allocation aligns with your financial plan, time horizon, and long-term objectives.

Cash has a purpose.
So does staying invested.

Read this week's to learn more:

An important yet counterintuitive issue for investors is that long-term interest rates have risen despite the Fed’s latest cuts. Why is this happening and how does it impact investor portfolios?

07/08/2026

This is why we do it!! Cardboard Arena is where we all keep being kids! Channel that inner child and enjoy yourself with real people just like you!

07/08/2026

The U.S. dollar influences far more than currency markets. It affects trade, inflation, interest rates, and the performance of many asset classes.

Over the past year, investors have focused on the "debasement trade" — the idea that fiscal policy and monetary decisions would lead to a persistently weaker dollar. Yet the story has become more nuanced.

As the dollar has stabilized, gold has pulled back from its highs, while Bitcoin has remained volatile despite a strong equity market. These shifts highlight how quickly market narratives can change.

Rather than chasing individual assets or headlines, investors are often better served by maintaining a diversified portfolio built to navigate different market environments.

Market narratives change.
Long-term investing principles don't.

Read this week’s to learn more:

An important yet counterintuitive issue for investors is that long-term interest rates have risen despite the Fed’s latest cuts. Why is this happening and how does it impact investor portfolios?