Making Sound Choices in a Volatile Market

Anxiety over the markets can cause investors to freeze or overreact. Neither is a good approach. Instead consider taking these steps to help keep your portfolio on track.
February 12, 2026Michael Townsend
Podcast cover: Making Solid Choices in a Volatile Market

WashingtonWise | EP133

Making Solid Choices in a Volatile Market

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As the markets get off to a slow start to 2026, investors have a lot on their minds. Daniel Stein, manager of two Charles Schwab branches in Virginia, joins host Mike Townsend for a wide-ranging discussion about the key concerns of individual investors, including market volatility, the potential for an AI bubble, the challenges of diversification in a top-heavy market, and international stocks, along with the roles of precious metals and cryptocurrency in a portfolio. Dan offers practical suggestions for assessing whether a portfolio is properly diversified, considerations when rebalancing portfolios, and making disciplined decisions about when to sell assets. 

Mike also shares updates from Washington on the nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair, a lower profile but critically important nomination to head the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the GOP’s shrinking majority in the House of Representatives.

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