Jenna Witherbee discusses retirement planning considerations for 2026, including ways to save and new limits, notable 2026 deadlines, pre-tax vs Roth contributions, and strategies to help you stay on track.
And one of our regular guest presenters, Emily Roland, the Co-Chief Investment Strategist with Manulife John Hancock Investmens, provides a timely market intelligence update for January 2026.
A brief recap of what is covered in this webinar is included below. As a reminder, this is two separate presentations. The first half is a market update and the second half is what you should be considering in 2026 as you plan for retirement. Retirement could be next year or 50 years from now — this information is valuable at all stages of life.
Part 1 with guest presenter, Emily Roland
Guest Presenter: Emily Roland's Background
Emily Roland is a seasoned market strategist providing insights to financial advisors, institutional investors, and every day Americans
Co-Chief Investment Strategist at Manulife Investments/John Hancock
Holds an M.B.A. from Boston College and a B.B.A. from James Madison University
Frequently featured in major financial media outlets like CNBC and Bloomberg
Market Intelligence Insights for 2026
The market intelligence report provides a comprehensive outlook on various asset classes and investment strategies
U.S. equity outlook is neutral, emphasizing quality at reasonable prices amid a decelerating economy
International equity is slightly negative, with a focus on earnings potential and active management
Fixed income is slightly positive, favoring high-quality bonds over credit, with expectations of continued rate cuts by the Fed
U.S. Equity Market Positioning
The U.S. equity market is navigating a late-cycle environment with a focus on quality investments
Current outlook is neutral, with mid-cap stocks seen as the best opportunity
Leading indicators suggest potential economic slowdown, with a negative YoY change in the Leading Economic Index (LEI) at -3.34%
Earnings estimates are rising but may be overly optimistic, particularly in sectors like information technology and financials
International Equity Market Dynamics
International equity markets are facing challenges with varying growth rates across regions.
The outlook is slightly negative, with downgrades in Europe and emerging markets due to cyclical risks
Non-U.S. earnings growth estimates for 2026 are higher than for 2025, particularly in materials and consumer discretionary sectors
The U.S. dollar's performance significantly impacts international asset performance
Fixed Income Market Outlook
The fixed income market is expected to provide attractive opportunities, particularly in high-quality bonds
The current view is slightly positive, with overweights in mortgage-backed securities and municipal bonds
The Fed is anticipated to continue cutting rates through 2026, with the current target range at 3.50% to 3.75%
High-yield spreads are tight relative to historical averages, indicating a cautious approach to riskier segments
Economic Indicators and Labor Market Trends
Recent economic indicators suggest a cooling labor market and potential inflation shifts
Year-over-year home price gains are declining, impacting inflation, where shelter accounts for 35% of U.S. inflation
Job growth has been moderating, with the unemployment rate at 4.6% as of December 2025
Initial jobless claims remain low, indicating no immediate labor market deterioration
Municipal Bond Yields and Opportunities
Municipal bond yields are historically attractive, offering potential benefits, especially for A-rated issues.
Municipal bond yields are above their 10-year averages: High Yield (5.59%), Municipal (3.60%)
Preferred bonds are A-rated due to their attractive yield and higher credit quality
Yield to worst for various ratings: AAA (3.42%), AA (3.46%), A (3.86%), BAA (4.48%)
Emerging Market Debt Yield Potential
Emerging market debt presents attractive yield potential despite higher risks
10-year government bond yields are highlighted as a key factor
Investing in emerging markets involves risks such as currency volatility and political instability
Cash Balances and Investment Opportunities
High cash balances indicate a potential shift towards more attractive bond investments
Money market assets have reached all-time highs, exceeding $7.5 trillion
Cash alternatives lag behind bond yields significantly
Investors often wait until rates hit cyclical lows before shifting to bonds
Long/Short Strategies in Equity Markets
Long/short strategies can enhance portfolio returns during declining equity markets
Long/short strategies have outperformed the S&P 500 in 88% of down years
Average total return for S&P 500 during declines was -15%, while long/short averaged -2%
Top Portfolio Ideas for Current Market
A diverse range of investment strategies is recommended for current market conditions
Emphasize U.S. quality stocks at reasonable prices for late-cycle positioning
Consider mid-cap stocks for a balance of quality and valuation
Explore non-U.S. equities in sectors like industrials, technology, and healthcare
Target high-quality fixed-income segments, including municipal bonds and investment-grade corporates
Infrastructure and long/short strategies are suggested for downside protection
Part 2 with our advisor, Jenna Witherbee is below
2026 Retirement Planning Considerations
Key considerations and limits for retirement planning in 2026
401(k) contribution limit: $24,500 + $8,000 catch-up for those over 50
IRA contribution limit: $7,500 + $1,100 catch-up for those over 50
Notable deadlines include April 15 for IRA contributions and December 31 for RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions)
Social Security Benefits Overview
Details on Social Security benefits and filing age
Full retirement age varies by birth year, ranging from 65 to 67
Early filing reduces benefits, while delayed filing increases them up to 132% at age 70
Health Savings Account (HSA) Advantages
HSAs offer triple tax advantages for healthcare savings
Contribution limits for 2026: $4,400 for individuals, $8,750 for families, with a $1,000 catch-up for those over 55
Funds can be used tax-free for qualified medical expenses, providing significant savings in retirement
Gift Tax and Contribution Limits
Increased limits for gift tax exclusions and contributions to 529 plans
Annual gift tax exclusion: $19,000 per individual, $38,000 per couple
529 plan contributions can be treated as spread over five years, allowing for larger gifts