CIO Commentary Blog

Iran War and Markets

David Beckwith — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

The financial markets have continued to be volatile in the week and a half since the U.S./Israeli strikes on Iran. Oil prices have swung the widest, and while still up 25-30% since the conflict began, had been briefly up more than twice that at the start of week #2.

Iran War and Today’s Markets

David Beckwith — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 14:00:00 GMT

This weekend, U.S. and Israeli air attacks on Iran, killing of the 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and various regional responses have predictably unsettled financial markets worldwide going into Monday. Oil prices are spiking up about 8%, equities in most markets are down 1-2% as this is written and bonds are under pressure, fearing higher rates on oil-push inflation.

Thayer Partners Quarter 4 Investment Commentary - Thayer Partners, LLC

David Beckwith — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Stocks Complete a Strong Quarter, Year, and Remarkable Three Years
The Federal Reserve Faces Leadership and Policy Transition in 2026
Economic Growth Remains Resilient, Albeit Narrowly Based
New Fiscal Policy Includes Tax Relief but Also Health Care Pressures
Portfolios Remain Fully Invested, with Defensive Elements

What happened in the financial markets in 2025’s final quarter and for the year as a whole?

Thayer Partners Quarter 3 Investment Commentary - Thayer Partners, LLC

David Beckwith — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 20:15:00 GMT

Executive Summary:

Thayer Partners Quarter 2 Investment Commentary - Thayer Partners, LLC

David Beckwith — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:30:00 GMT

Executive Summary:

Stocks Recover from Early April Tariff Sell-off, as Negotiations Continue
Fed Remains on Hold, Watching Tariff Effects and Resisting White House Pressure
Markets Take Iran Air Strikes in Stride, Seeing Them, at Least Currently, as Successful
“Big, Beautiful” Fiscal Legislation Moves Toward Passage While Revealing Sobering Realities
Thayer Portfolios Add Slightly to NASDAQ and Non-U.S. Stocks, Make Fund Change in Income Strategy

Direct Indexing: A Strategic Addition to Your Portfolio Expanding Opportunities for Customization, Tax Efficiency, and Control - Thayer Partners, LLC

Thayer Partners — Thu, 15 May 2025 17:15:00 GMT

Unlocking Targeted Advantages: Introducing Direct Indexing as a Strategic Complement to ETFs

The wealth management landscape is evolving rapidly, and we continue to evaluate and adopt tools that align with our clients’ increasingly diverse goals and complex financial lives. While Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) remain a cornerstone of our investment philosophy—providing cost-effective, diversified, and transparent market exposure—we are also expanding our capabilities with a more tailored approach: direct indexing.

Navigating Tariffs, Inflation, and Market Volatility - Thayer Partners, LLC

David Beckwith — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 20:30:00 GMT

All clients — the below five questions/answers are from a discussion that was had just before yesterday’s pause announcement. However, we feel it’s still worth sharing. We still face the April 2^nd tariffs in 90 days if nothing changes. That said, change has been the rule in recent weeks.

Tariffs and Market Reaction - Thayer Partners, LLC

David Beckwith — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 02:15:00 GMT

To our clients —

Thayer Partners Quarterly Commentary, First Quarter 2025 - Thayer Partners, LLC

David Beckwith — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 22:30:00 GMT

Executive Summary:

Market Update - Thayer Partners, LLC

David Beckwith — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:00:00 GMT

As you are seeing, stocks have been in sell mode in recent weeks, including a big drawdown yesterday. After hitting an all-time high on February 19th, the S&P 500 index has slid more than 8%, and almost 6% just in March, leaving it down about 5% this year. The technology-heavy NASDAQ index has fallen more sharply and now is off about 10% year-to-date.