The Wednesday Weekly
Financial Market Insight March 4th, 2026
Weekly Market Insight
Welcome to our weekly market update. This newsletter is designed to provide you with current market data, investment insights, and educational information about market trends and strategies. The content herein represents our observations and analysis of market conditions and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute personalized investment advice or a recommendation for any specific security or strategy.
Major Market Indexes
Closing Price as of 03/03/2026
The Strong Tower Difference
Ask Yourself…
What do you own?
Why do you own what you own?
Do you know what you’re truly paying for your investment management and advice?
If you can’t answer these three questions, watch this video
Current Items of Interest
Iraq, Tariffs, the Fed and March Volatility
U.S. strikes on Iran over the last few days, triggered market volatility and investor uncertainty. Global markets reacted with weakness Monday morning and continued into Tuesday, as major domestic indices declined while energy and defense stocks moved higher on escalating tensions.
Last year, tariff related uncertainty contributed to a sharp rise in extreme daily moves, more than doubling the historical average. As we approach March again, tariffs have returned to the forefront of market discussion following a recent Supreme Court decision. Seasonal patterns combined with policy uncertainty may create heightened volatility.
Cooling inflation is strengthening the case for potential rate cuts. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics came in slightly below expectations at 2.4% year over year, helping lift market expectations for easing at the June 17 FOMC meeting. As prior tariff-related price pressures roll out of the 12-month calculation window, inflation readings may continue to moderate, further supporting the possibility of lower policy rates. Following the CPI release, rate-cut probabilities rose modestly, and fixed income markets responded positively. (Source: Dorsey Wright & Associates)
On average, March shows the second highest count of extreme days of any month at 5.82 days, behind only October, 6.74 days. (Source: Dorsey Wright & Associates)
“It’s ALWAYS about the Money!”
We’ve all heard it: “It’s not about the money.” In professional sports. In business. In investing.
But eventually, it is.
Investors do not commit capital to feel average. They do not invest to be categorized. They invest to grow their wealth responsibly and efficiently over time. For years, much of this industry has relied on risk questionnaires, personality grids, and pre-built pie charts. Clients are often placed into models, assigned an allocation, and handed a portfolio that looks remarkably similar to thousands of others.
Asset allocation has value. Risk alignment matters. Time horizon matters. Liquidity matters.
Models are starting points, not strategies.
Templates are tools, not solutions.
Comfort alone is not an investment objective.
Long-term, competitive, risk-adjusted returns are.
A Different Standard
Early in my career, I saw how advisors were trained to “fit” clients into personality categories and tailor presentations to close business. The emphasis was often on sales structure rather than investment substance.
I chose a different path.
This is what I do. I manage portfolios of individual stocks.
Here is how I do it. I review holdings daily. I make the decisions. I execute the trades. Your portfolio is not outsourced to a model or committee.
Here is why it matters. Direct management creates accountability. You know who is making decisions and why.
Here is what it costs. Clear, external advisory fees. Fully disclosed. No hidden internal expense layers typical of many packaged investment products.
Growth With Discipline
Let’s be clear: Pursuing results does not mean ignoring risk.
Investing should reflect a disciplined effort to seek efficient outcomes consistent with each client’s objectives, time horizon, and tolerance for volatility. It is not about chasing maximum returns without regard to downside exposure.
It is about refusing to settle for mediocrity disguised as prudence.
A comprehensive advisory relationship should include:
A clearly articulated investment philosophy
A defined methodology
Transparent discussion of risks and variability
Full disclosure of costs
Ongoing communication and accountability
What Actually Drives Outcomes
At the end of the day, investing is not about colorful charts or industry “buzzwords”.
People save for stability. They invest for growth.
Achieving productive, risk-aware returns requires:
Discipline — a repeatable process
Engagement — continuous oversight
Execution — decisive implementation
This profession is difficult.
Markets are competitive.
Generic templates are not enough.
Success comes from transparency, accountability, and a persistent focus on long-term results.
So yes, when all is said and done:
It becomes about the return.
It becomes about the money…. Your money!
Current Strong Tower Model Allocation
Clients Only — Allocation as of 03/03/2026
Bottom Line:
52.75% of our model is currently in the top 4 Industry Groups.
91.00% of our model is currently in the top 8 Industry Groups.
About Us
At Strong Tower Wealth Management, we offer comprehensive wealth management services using a goal-focused and holistic approach that considers each client’s overall financial situation, including their family, circumstances, and objectives. Our services include investment management, insurance planning, and estate planning coordination, provided with an emphasis on clarity and transparency.
Not a client yet? We invite you to schedule an introductory assessment with Brett to discuss your financial goals and learn more about how we can support you.
Brett Lewis
Founder / Managing Director
Strong Tower Wealth Management
www.strongtowerwealthmanagement.com