As the calendar turns to a new year, it’s natural to reflect on what just happened—and to look ahead with equal parts optimism and curiosity. In a recent year-end message, Doug English of ACT Advisors did exactly that, offering perspective on 2025 market performance and a reminder of why disciplined investing and thoughtful planning remain the foundation of long-term success.
While headlines often focus on dramatic swings or bold predictions, 2025 served as a quieter but powerful reminder: progress doesn’t always come from excitement. Sometimes, it comes from patience, preparation, and staying the course.
A Surprisingly Uneventful December
Historically, December tends to be a strong month for equities. Seasonal trends and year-end optimism often give markets a boost. But 2025 didn’t follow the script.
U.S. equity markets were essentially flat in December. The S&P 500 finished the month with little to show in terms of movement, and domestic indexes overall were largely unchanged. Bonds also posted a slight negative return during the month, adding to the sense that December simply… stalled.
International markets, however, told a slightly different story. They gained a couple of percentage points in December, providing a welcome offset for globally diversified portfolios. For ACT Advisors clients, that exposure mattered.
Despite a flat U.S. market and modest bond headwinds, most client portfolios still managed to generate positive returns for the month—generally in the range of 0% to 1%. That outcome underscores an important point: diversification and thoughtful portfolio construction can make a real difference, even when markets seem stuck in neutral.
Zooming Out: A Tremendous Year Overall
While December may have been quiet, the full year of 2025 was anything but.
Both stocks and bonds delivered strong results, and for most investors, returns landed solidly in double-digit territory. In many cases, those gains came with relatively modest tax impact—an often-overlooked but critical component of real-world investing success.
Doug emphasized that these results didn’t happen by accident. They were the payoff for discipline during more challenging periods, particularly in years like 2022 when markets tested investors’ resolve.
“How you got here is by staying the course through the difficult times, like 2022—and ideally buying in those difficult times.”
That mindset—remaining invested, and even leaning in when conditions feel uncomfortable—is easy to talk about and hard to execute. Yet history consistently rewards those who can do it.
Lessons From the Hard Years
2022 was a year many investors would prefer to forget. Volatility was elevated, returns were painful, and confidence was shaken. But those periods are often where the seeds of future success are planted.
During that downturn, Doug encouraged clients to consider increasing risk or adding to their accounts when markets reached statistically extreme levels. Only a small number of people took that step—but those who did have benefited meaningfully since.
The takeaway isn’t that every downturn should be met with aggressive action. Rather, it’s that disciplined decision-making, grounded in data and long-term goals, can create opportunities when emotions are running high.
Importantly, Doug also acknowledged a reality no one likes to hear: difficult markets will return. They always do. When they reach those same extremes again, ACT Advisors will continue to guide clients through the noise with clear, experience-based recommendations.
The Start of the Year Is About More Than Markets
While performance reviews matter, the beginning of a new year is about more than returns. It’s also a natural checkpoint for financial planning.
For many ACT Advisors clients, early in the year is when annual cash flow analyses and financial plan updates take place. These reviews help answer essential questions:
Where are you today?
Where are you trying to go?
Are you on track, ahead, or falling short of your goals?
But the process doesn’t stop at numbers and projections. Planning also means clarifying intentions—what you want to do, when you want to do it, and what those goals will realistically cost.
From there, ACT Advisors builds and refines custom investment portfolios designed around each client’s specific objectives. The portfolio becomes a tool, not the goal itself.
Money as a Means, Not the End
One of the most meaningful themes in Doug’s message had little to do with markets at all.
Beyond analysis and asset allocation, good financial planning serves a deeper purpose: reminding people why they are saving and investing in the first place. Over time, it’s easy to lose sight of those motivations.
ACT Advisors’ role often includes helping clients reconnect with the reasons behind their goals—and helping them feel confident using their money to create meaningful life experiences. Whether that’s travel, time with family, philanthropy, or personal milestones, money is meant to support a life well lived, not sit untouched out of habit or fear.
This perspective becomes especially important after strong years like 2025. Success isn’t just about growing wealth; it’s about using it intentionally.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As 2026 begins, the outlook is less about predictions and more about preparation. Markets will fluctuate. Some years will be exhilarating; others will test patience. Through it all, the principles remain the same: diversify, stay disciplined, plan thoughtfully, and keep your goals front and center.
Doug closed his message with gratitude—for clients’ trust, for a successful 2025, and for the opportunity to continue guiding them into the new year. That partnership, built over time and across market cycles, is what ultimately makes long-term success possible.
