Metta Monthly | February 2026

January showed us that despite geopolitical concerns and uncertainty, most asset classes delivered positive returns. This performance highlights the market's resilience and its ability to find growth opportunities even during complex global shifts.

At Metta Associates, we believe that "time in the market" is the way to capture these opportunities while avoiding mistakes caused by short-term news.

Market & Macro Snapshot

Asset-Class Performance

• Global Equities (ACWI): 2.11% Global Equities driven by strong company earnings and continued growth in the technology sector.
• Core U.S. Bonds (AGG): 0.28% Core U.S. bonds edged up as the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady this month. This flat performance reflects a market that is waiting for clearer signals on future inflation and economic policy.
• Gold (GLD): +11.72% Gold acted as a key safe haven as investors reacted to rising geopolitical tensions and concerns over the Federal Reserve's independence.
• Central-Bank Stance: The Federal Reserve FED maintained interest rates at current levels(3.50% - 3.75%), noting that the economy remains resilient amid evolving trade and fiscal policies.

Sources: Investing.com, Federal Reserve, Metta Associates.

Metta Associates's Strategic Reflection

While January’s market swings caused some concern, the positive returns from most assets remind us that successful investing is not about predicting the storm. It is about staying committed to a well-designed plan that protects your wealth in every situation.

At Metta Associates, we believe that "time" is your powerful ally. Choosing time in the market over reacting to short-term news is the discipline that ensures you never miss an opportunity, leading your portfolio toward long-term goals with true peace of mind.

Latest Insights from Metta Associates

Last year saw a sharp divergence between stocks and bonds. Global equities (ACWI) returned 23%, while U.S. bonds (AGG) lagged at 7%—a gap of over 16%. Although bonds finished positive, they experienced significant volatility and periods of negative returns. This performance challenges the assumption that fixed income is always a risk-free “safe haven.”

However, bonds remain essential. They play a vital role in stabilizing portfolios when equities underperform, which is why a Multi-Asset strategy is so important. To gain a deeper understanding of bonds, read our Latest Insight: “Navigating Fixed Income Beyond Safety.” This analysis explains why even safe assets carry risk and how to spot it.

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