Equity markets experienced early-week pressure, concentrated in large-cap technology, as investors assessed elevated AI-related capital spending and its potential impact on margins and growth durability. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq weakened mid-week amid uneven sector performance, while small-cap stocks showed relative resilience as the week progressed. Markets stabilized toward week’s end as selling pressure eased and participation broadened modestly, allowing major indexes to recover from intra-week lows. The Russell 2000 outperformed broader benchmarks for the week, reflecting continued rotation away from mega-cap growth and toward more economically sensitive areas. On the economic front, the ISM Manufacturing PMI for January rose to 52.6, returning to expansion territory for the first time in a year and exceeding expectations. Strength in new orders and production pointed to improving activity following a prolonged period of contraction. Labor data suggested gradual cooling rather than deterioration. December job openings declined to approximately 6.5 million, marking a multi-year low and indicating softer hiring demand. Initial jobless claims increased to 231,000 but remain within a range consistent with a historically stable labor market. Investors continue to monitor upcoming labor reports for further confirmation of trend direction. Treasury yields remained elevated overall, though they eased modestly later in the week as equity markets stabilized. Rate expectations continue to reflect a cautious Federal Reserve stance, with limited near-term policy easing currently priced in.

Roth conversions could be the most important retirement tax strategy most investors ignore. In this educational breakdown, we explain how Roth accounts work, why conversions matter, and how they can help you avoid Social Security taxation, IRMAA Medicare surcharges, and unnecessary tax bracket jumps in retirement. If you have an IRA, 401(k), or brokerage account, this strategy could significantly impact your retirement taxes. We cover the difference between tax-deferred accounts, brokerage accounts, and Roth accounts — and why the Roth may be the most powerful bucket of money you can own. 📩 If you'd like a personalized Roth conversion analysis, reach out to our team. Link to the OWLFI website with our contact info: https://www.owlfi.com/contact

Nearly 40% of Stanford undergraduates now claim disability accommodations — not because they can’t function, but because the system rewards it. In this episode of The Elliot Omanson Show, we break down a shocking article exposing how elite universities incentivize students to identify as “disabled” to gain advantages like single dorms, extra time on exams, and academic exemptions. What starts on campus doesn’t stop there — it follows students into adulthood, shaping identity, entitlement, and dependency. We also connect this trend to broader government systems that reward victimhood, drawing parallels to military disability abuse, Ivy League double standards, and how institutions create winners and losers by design. This isn’t compassion — it’s conditioning.