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Weekly Market Insights, October 4–10, 2026 Stocks hit fresh records as profits climb. Here’s what it means for your plan.On Tuesday, the S&P 500 closed above 7,800 for the first time ever, and the Nasdaq notched a record of its own. But mortgage rates crept higher the same week, a reminder that a strong market and a cheaper cost of borrowing don’t always travel together. |
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About a 5-minute read from our partners at AE Wealth Management. |
Three questions this week’s commentary answers| ? | What’s fueling the record run? Plenty of headlines have tried to explain this rally. The commentary points to one force doing most of the heavy lifting, and it may be more durable than hype. | | ? | Is an October rate hike off? The Fed’s last set of meeting notes leaned toward more hikes. Then a fresh jobs report landed and changed the calendar. | | ? | What could move markets next? This week brings a pair of reports that investors watch closely. Here’s why they could matter more than usual right now. |
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The week in three numbers7.54% The average 30-year mortgage rate, up from last week | | $4.36 The national average for a gallon of regular gas | | 25% Expected Q3 earnings growth, at minimum, year over year |
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How the markets finishedS&P 500 +1.15% | NASDAQ +0.64% | Dow Jones +0.93% |
One-week returns as of October 9, 2026. |
The full commentary walks through the Fed’s reasoning, the case against moving now, and the data to watch this week. |
ALSO WORTH A READ Midterms and marketsWith the November 3 midterms a few weeks off, AE Wealth Management looked at how stocks have historically behaved around these elections. Do midterm years tend to weigh on markets, why hasn’t 2026 followed the usual script, and does it matter which party ends up in control? |
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 What could this mean for your plan? Between record highs, 7%-plus mortgage rates, and a midterm election just weeks away, it’s a natural moment to check whether your mix still fits your goals, especially if you’re nearing retirement, holding extra cash, or thinking about borrowing. A short conversation can help you decide whether anything in your plan deserves a fresh look. Or call us at 515.782.1040 |
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One quick question: Do record highs make you feel more confident or more cautious? Send it our way, and it might shape a future post. Mark A. Gelbman, CFP®, CLU®, CRPC®, AAMS®
Financial Advisor | | |   
12130 Meredith Drive
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Cell Phone: 515-443-9567
Text: 515-200-2698
mark.gelbman@strategicwealthsolutionsllc.com
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AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM) is an SEC Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) located in Topeka, Kansas. Registration does not denote any level of skill or qualification. The advisory firm providing you this report is an independent financial services firm and is not an affiliate company of AE Wealth Management, LLC. AEWM works with a variety of independent advisors. Some of the advisors are Investment Adviser Representatives (IAR) who provide investment advisory services through AEWM. Some of the advisors are Registered Investment Advisers providing investment advisory services that incorporate some of the products available through AEWM. Information regarding the RIA offering the investment advisory services can be found at https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. This information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual’s situation. None of the information contained herein shall constitute an offer to sell or solicit any offer to buy a security or insurance product. Market data sourced from AE Wealth Management, Weekly Market Insights, Oct. 4–10, 2026. Past performance does not guarantee future results. |
