Strong Earnings, Rising Inflation: A Market Update for Long-Term Investors 

The U.S. stock market is currently weighing two powerful and competing forces: an exceptionally strong Q1 earnings season and a renewed uptick in inflation. In this Market Commentary, RFG Advisory CIO Rick Wedell walks through the latest data and explains what it may mean for investors navigating today’s market environment. 

In this Market Commentary, Rick covers: 

  • Why Q1 2026 earnings growth came in far above analyst expectations 
  • What a 25% year-over-year increase in S&P 500 earnings per share may signal for forward valuations 
  • How the latest CPI report reflects both tariff effects and rising distribution costs 
  • What shifting rate hike expectations could mean for the broader market 
  • How investors can stay grounded as two competing narratives compete for attention 

Schedule a call