CFO Slice

Financial advisors remain broadly optimistic about the U.S. economy and stock market, although confidence in future market performance has weakened, according to Wealth Management’s September 2026 Advisor Sentiment Index. Stock market sentiment fell three points to 115, down 12% from its May peak, while economic sentiment increased four points to 106. Although only 10% of advisors currently view market performance negatively, 39% expect conditions to deteriorate over the next six months, compared with 34% anticipating improvement. Economic expectations are more evenly divided, with 33% forecasting improvement, 34% expecting stability, and 33% predicting deterioration. Advisors cited strong corporate profitability and market performance as reasons for optimism but expressed concerns about elevated equity valuations, government spending, national debt, and policy uncertainty. The findings suggest growing caution despite generally positive assessments of current financial conditions.