Wrapping Up a Strong Year
As we move through December, investors can take pride in a year marked by consistency and progress across diversified portfolios. While market conditions fluctuated throughout 2025, long-term, disciplined strategies helped support positive outcomes for many investors.
While November brought relatively modest results, the broader year reflected the benefits of maintaining diversification and focusing on long-term objectives rather than short-term market movements.
November: Modest but Positive
After several months of notable performance, November offered more subdued market activity.
The S&P 500 posted flat performance for the month.
International and emerging markets were slightly negative.
Within ACT Advisors’ diversified portfolios, both stocks and bonds generated small positive returns, generally in the 0–1% range.
Interestingly, bonds outperformed stocks for the month—an important reminder of how fixed income can play a stabilizing role within a broader strategy.
Doug summarized November’s results as “a decent month,” reflecting steady progress even as markets paused after earlier strength.
December: Historically a Positive Month for Markets
While November was quiet, December is often viewed as one of the stronger months for equities, particularly in the latter part of the year. Historically, market sentiment has tended to improve near year-end, though—as Doug noted—past trends do not guarantee similar outcomes.
This reinforces a key principle of ACT Advisors’ philosophy: focus on data-driven, diversified strategies rather than attempting to time short-term market movements.
Year-End Priorities: Important Deadlines and Reminders
In addition to market activity, December is a crucial time for addressing year-end financial tasks. Doug highlighted several time-sensitive items—particularly around charitable giving and required minimum distributions (RMDs).
- Charitable Giving from IRAs
Many clients include philanthropy as part of their financial plan, sometimes through Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs. These can offer both charitable and tax advantages when executed correctly.
Transfers of securities must also be fully processed before year-end, and custodians such as Schwab and LPL often experience heavy volume in December. To ensure completion, clients should work with their advisor team as early in the month as possible.
- Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)
For those subject to RMDs, completing withdrawals well before year-end helps avoid potential processing delays and IRS penalties.
Looking Ahead: Enhancing Services and Analysis
While 2025 draws to a close, ACT Advisors continues to refine its services for the coming year. Doug previewed plans to integrate enhanced analysis and data-driven tools, including AI-assisted research and reporting features designed to support deeper portfolio insights. These innovations are intended to strengthen ACT Advisors’ ability to deliver clarity and confidence—always within a personalized, fiduciary framework that aligns with each client’s goals.
Taking Time for What Matters Most
As the holiday season arrives, Doug closed his message with appreciation and a reminder to pause and enjoy what truly matters.
ACT Advisors extends sincere gratitude to its clients for their continued trust and partnership. The firm remains committed to providing steady guidance, thoughtful planning, and dedicated service as we transition into 2026.
