2026 has been a wild ride for investors so far. While one specific asset class is reaching new highs, another popular investment is becoming a total wealth-killer. Are you holding the winner or the loser in your portfolio? Today, we break down the best and worst performers of the year so far.

Here’s what we’re covering in today’s Clark Smart Investing newsletter:

Three months into 2026, the scorecard looks almost nothing like it did at the end of last year. Last year’s biggest winners have stumbled. Two major forces — a U.S.-Iran war that sent oil prices sharply higher, and a reversal of the AI trade that punished tech-heavy portfolios — have played a pivotal role in reshuffling nearly every asset class.

From the stock market to precious metals to crypto and more, find out how the major asset classes have performed so far in 2026 in the full article.

Every week, we'll ask a new question to get your take on the latest financial trends and topics.

Last Week’s Poll Results

We asked: “Are you planning to relocate in retirement?” Here’s how you answered:

In this recurring Q&A, we share questions that have been answered by Clark Howard or Wes Moss on the podcast. Submit your question today!

Anne in Pennsylvania: My husband and I have been out of the stock market for years now -- we instead have bonds and CDs. We have about $5 million in savings and no debt. We have one adult child and would like to leave some money to her. I'm worried about investing now, but also about not keeping up with inflation. Do you have any advice?

Wes Moss says: With AI bubbles and inflation concerns, there’s always a reason to worry. However, if we only invested when markets felt undervalued, we’d miss out on the journey most of the time. To help you participate without the fear, I want you to think about the Efficient Frontier, a Nobel Prize-winning concept by Harry Markowitz. It shows that there is a mathematical sweet spot for risk and return, and interestingly, the curve actually bends backward if you become too conservative. When you move to a portfolio of 100% bonds, your expected return drops, but your risk actually increases compared to a portfolio with 20% stocks and 80% bonds because you lose the benefit of non-correlated assets working together. To protect your dollars from "wilting" under inflation, I suggest aiming for that 20% stock balance — perhaps by easing in with 10% now and another 10% in six months — so you can stay conservative while remaining mathematically optimized.

The Team Clark Consumer Action Center is a free helpline that can help you navigate your money questions. Call 636-492-5275. Visit clark.com/cac for more information.

This information is provided to you as a resource for informational purposes only and is not to be viewed as investment advice or recommendations. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee offered that investment return, yield, or performance will be achieved. This information is being presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. Any company names shown are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. The views and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only as of the date of production/writing and may change without notice at any time based on numerous factors, such as market or other conditions. Always consult your own legal, tax, or investment advisor before making any investment/tax/estate/financial planning considerations or decisions.