Market Overview - Major indices closed lower, with the Dow down approximately 0.5% (250 points), NASDAQ down 1.7%, and S&P 500 off 1% [1] - Small caps, represented by the Russell 2000, declined by 1.5% but maintained a weekly gain of about 1.2% [2] Sector Performance - Technology sector was the worst performer, down 3%, followed by energy, which was slightly down [3] - Consumer staples and discretionary sectors showed positive performance, along with healthcare, financials, and materials [3] Chip Sector Insights - Chip stocks faced significant declines, with Broadcom down 11.5% and Micron down 6.7% [4] - Concerns regarding AI-related investments are growing, leading to scrutiny of chip stocks as the AI trade faces challenges [6][8] Investment Strategies - A focus on owning the entire value chain related to AI is recommended, rather than just the enablers [8] - Emphasis on identifying stocks that can generate cash flow today, rather than those driven by hype [10][12] Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve is expected to continue cutting interest rates, which could lead to an "equity soft landing" scenario in 2026 [19][20] - Earnings for the S&P and small caps are anticipated to rise, despite the Fed's actions [19] Retirement Planning - Market volatility and income consistency in retirement are highlighted as significant risks for retirees [25][26] - Innovative retirement solutions, such as embedding insurance into portfolios, are being developed to provide guaranteed income [32][39] Upcoming Economic Data - Key economic reports are expected, including the jobs report with an estimate of 50,000 jobs added and a CPI increase of 3.1% year-over-year [61][62] - Earnings reports from significant companies like Micron, FedEx, and Nike are anticipated, with particular attention on Nike's turnaround efforts [63]