Trump boasts Americans are ‘crushing’ inflation with bigger paychecks, growing their 401(k). How to capitalize in 2026

Economic Conditions and Market Performance - The Federal Reserve has cut its benchmark interest rate, but inflation remains a concern, with the latest consumer price index showing a year-over-year increase of 3.0% as of September 2025, down from a peak of 9.1% in June 2022 [2][4] - The S&P 500 has increased approximately 14% year-to-date, while the Nasdaq Composite has risen about 17%, contributing to a 9% increase in the average 401(k) balance to $144,400 in Q3 2025, marking an all-time high [3][5] Inflation and Investment Strategies - Gold has seen a price surge of over 50% in the past year, making it a classic safe haven asset that is not tied to any single economy or currency [7][8] - Real estate has also proven to be a strong hedge against inflation, with the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price NSA Index rising 45% over the past five years, reflecting increased property values and rental income [13][8] Investment Platforms and Opportunities - Crowdfunding platforms like Arrived allow investors to buy shares in rental homes with a minimum investment of $100, providing exposure to real estate without the burdens of property management [15][14] - Mogul offers fractional ownership in high-quality rental properties, with an average annual internal rate of return (IRR) of 18.8%, allowing investors to benefit from rental income and appreciation without significant upfront costs [17][18] Stock Market Insights - Stocks, particularly high-quality equities, are viewed as effective hedges against inflation, as companies can raise prices to maintain revenue and earnings growth [20] - Warren Buffett recommends owning an S&P 500 index fund for broad market exposure and diversification, which can be accessed through platforms like SoFi [21][22]